It all started when a very young Michael Bacon bought his little brother Kevin a guitar.
The two loved playing together, composing music and just expressing their thoughts in song. Even though their careers took separate creative career paths the two never lost the joy they found in a musical partnership.
“Making music is about keeping your eyes open and keeping your heart open,” said the award-winning actor Kevin. “It?s about letting things come to you and affect you; it is a very therapeutic way to exorcise demons or confront things.”
Not to mention share unspoken thoughts with one?s brother. Take a look at the cover of the Bacon Brothers? first album, Forosoco and you?ll see a photo of the two on stage, circa 1972, sharing just such an understanding. Even though the band has been working together since 1995, it?s obvious the two have deep musical roots and inordinate respect for each other.
Consider that Kevin Bacon, one of the most celebrated modern actors today, spends most of a phone conversation talking about the musical brilliance of his Emmy Award winning brother. He speaks with a bit of awe about the movies Michael has scored, the musicians with whom he has worked, and the expertise with which he plays.
Yet in press materials, Michael credits the band?s initial popularity, which developed into sold-out shows in major markets and four well-received albums, to his brother?s fame.
“When we first started, the people who attended our shows came strictly to see Kevin the movie star,” Michael said in press materials. “Now people come to hear and see The Bacon Brothers.”
Kevin can?t keep frustration out of his voice that many acknowledge him over his brother. He seems almost appalled when asked if he can read music. “Oh God no,” he says. “I?m a very rudimentary player ? My brother is such an amazing musician. He can read [music] and score orchestras. He is very, very talented.”
Yet for all of the accolades the brothers? music and shows have reaped, Kevin notes that it?s a rare time, indeed, when they don?t play “Footloose,” the theme-song to one of his most famous movies.
“I accept that no matter what else I do, that?s just part of my life,” said Kevin.
IF YOU GO
The Bacon Brothers
Venue: Rams Head on Stage, 33 West St., Annapolis
When: 2 p.m. (all ages); 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. Saturday
Tickets: $49.50
Info.: 410-268-4545;
