“Haven't Had Enough, Neither Has the Rising Kevin Wood
As he sits in front of the piano and the melodic sounds flow from his fingertips, you would not expect such rich and soulful vocals to come from behind his gleaming smile. Kevin Wood is a queer musician that has crossed many bridges in life and in his songs reflected on his first album Haven't Had Enough. He began to lay tracks for his sophomore album in April and Wood is eagerly anticipating success. "This album is going to be a lot more professional that my first one," Wood explained. He says that since his first release, he has grown so much as a singer and songwriter, as well as in life.
Originally from Wyoming, Wood realized that he had talent and made his way to Berklee School of Music in Boston, Mass., where he honed his skills and established himself as a confident, natural performer. "I feel most at home while performing my own songs on stage and I hear the audience response to my work," he said. In 2000, Wood was recognized nationally when he received honorable mention in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest for his song, "Drive." After graduation he began touring with the Broadway hit RENT, where he realized that people were listening to his work. "It is the neatest thing to have fans come up and sing your songs to you, then hand you the CD and ask for your autograph," he said.
Since moving to Long Beach in 2004 with only $100 in his pocket, Wood has made a name for himself locally, and the future is looking even brighter for this rising star. "I am happy where I am now in life, but my ultimate goal is to make a full-time living as a singer/songwriter." He said his dreams would come true when he hears his song on the radio.
As a member of Men Alive - The Orange County Gay Men's Chorus, he recently showcased his song "Stand Firm," with the men from the chorus backing him. "I was so honored to be up there with all the men as I shared the story of many of our lives with my song," he said, reflecting upon the performance, which like all his shows was very uplifting and charged with emotion.
Wood can currently be heard in Long Beach performing at the Paradise Piano Bar ever Sunday as well as various dates throughout the month at the Library and Phoenix Coffeehouses.”

- Randy Hope - Dot Newsmagazine, Long Beach, CA