Along with making his bands sound better for more than two decades, John Munson credits Brad Kern for two other important developments in his life.
First, there was the time that Kern -- Semisonic's sound engineer and main man at the wheel -- fell asleep and went into the ditch driving back from a job in Duluth. "That would haunt my dreams [anytime] I slept with my head on my knees in the passenger seat of our Ford Econoline," Munson said.
And then there were the 500 or so times Kern played "Soul Cages" to tune the P.A. system.
"Brad taught me to hate Sting," Munson seethed.
The kind of war stories that any band might have about a sound man and close confidant, they're sprinkled with a little extra affection this week. Semisonic will reunite for only the third time in five years to assist Kern, 41, who was hit by a car July 11 while riding his bike in northeast Minneapolis. He suffered a fractured skull, collapsed lung and ample other damage, plus he lost three months of paychecks. The driver of the car fled and was never identified.
Friday's benefit concert at First Avenue will help pay some of the bills amassed by Kern and his family (two kids and full-time-mom Autumn). An impressive lineup of local favorites are showing their gratitude for their favorite sound man, including the Hang Ups -- also a rare reunion gig -- Mason Jennings, Jeremy Messersmith, Two Harbors plus Munson's other band with the other Wilson brother (the Twilight Hours).
"It's humbling, but it's also seriously saving my butt," said Kern, who only just started easing his way back to work two weeks ago, after doctors cleared him of a concussion and other lasting head trauma. "I'm healing better than Justin Morneau."
As a fan of all the performers, Kern made two requests: The Hang Ups' song "Greyhound Bus," and the Trip Shakespearianced cover of Big Star's "Ballad of El Goodo." However, since he's eager to get back to work, he also plans to man the sound board for about half the show.
