“Nation Member Of The Month”

Meet Karen Kelsch

Here is Karen’s No Shoes Nation Story…

Where are you from and where do you live now?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York and lived in various locations in New Jersey until I was married in 1981.  My then husband and I moved to Cape Cod and owned two restaurants.   When the marriage didn’t work out, I moved back to New Jersey and am now living in Croton on Hudson, NY with my husband John and my three rescue dogs, all Boston Terriers.

How long do you think you have been a Kenny Chesney Fan?

I actually am a fairly new Kenny Chesney fan.   I probably have been a fan for about 6 or 7 years. 

How many times have you seen Kenny in Concert? What was your favorite show?

I believe I have seen Kenny 12 times not counting the concerts I will be going to this year.  My favorite show has to be Nashville on his birthday.  That show was amazing with Grace Potter, Taylor Swift and Joe Walsh.  Kenny was so happy that night and our friend Chris’s daughter Peyton was brought up on stage and got to meet Taylor Swift.  That show still stays in my mind. 

What is your favorite album? Favorite song?

All of his albums are great, but my favorite is Hemingway’s Whiskey.  I love every song on that album.  But, my favorite song of all time is SOUL OF A SAILOR.   I wish he would play that in concert.                

Any funny or crazy Kenny related stories to tell?

I actually have two.   The first is when I saw Kenny at Good Morning America the first time.  I had never seen him up close and he has such a huge presence on stage.  But when he walked right by me heading to the stage to play I was shocked has short he was and I said out loud “wow, he’s tiny”.  I hope he didn’t hear me!!   My second story is when we all went to the Today Show and thanks to Kathleen Prinz had an amazing place to stand because she spent the night out on the street.   That was when I got my hat signed by Kenny and we were able to give him the sign that was made for him.  

What is your favorite thing about being a member of the No Shoes Nation?

 All the friends I have made.  It is amazing how much fun we all have together.

Who are some of your favorite No Shoes Nation Pals to go to concerts with?

My friend Maureen, who was never a Kenny fan until her and her husband came with John and I to MetLife Stadium a few years ago.  She is now a huge country music fan and we do a destination concert every year.   Last year we went to Gillette and this year we are going to Vegas.   I also enjoy seeing Chris and his daughter Peyton, and of course my friend Judi who I enjoy running into at every show.