In 1988, through an strange sequence of events, Ken acquired a drum set and taught himself to play. This solidified his love of music and passion for playing drums. His early influences were rock and pop drummers such as Phil Collins, Stewart Copeland and Neil Peart. Not satisfied with the rock style that he had cut his teeth on, through the early 1990s Ken started to listen to and learn more Jazz music. In 1997, he changed to an "open" playing style and also started to play left-handed on a right handed kit. This allowed him to play more intricate ghosting and off-beat hits with his strong hand while keeping time with his left. In 1999, he started adding percussion instruments such as timbales, bongos, congas, djembe, and various shakers to his repertoire. Ken's most recent influences include Carter Beauford, Steve Gadd and Dennis Chambers. He has played in many bands of varying styles from rock to jazz and constantly strives to further his professional career as a musician. Aside from The Lucky Strikes, Ken is also a member of The Brandon McSwain Band, an acoustic rock/jazz band . Ken and his wife, Janet, own and operate The Bohemia Coffee House in downtown West Jefferson - a popular venue that hosts many regional artists and musicians and is home to The Lucky Strikes for public performances.