In fall 2006, I wrote a profile piece on a modern day blacksmith named Kent Knapp who was making his living bending and shaping iron from his forge, Ornamental Ironworks, on the west end of the Blackhawk's Antique Market on the South Side.
I've kept in touch with Kent and his wife Shannon since the interview and was saddened to learn that the Knapp family recently fell victim to a massive house fire that destroyed much of their home, including their children's room.
Thankfully, no one was hurt, but the family is currently displaced.
When he's not working with red-hot wrought iron, Kent is an active member of the Milwaukee blues scene and has played with The Blues Disciples, Reverend Raven and the Chain Smokin' Altar Boys and The Blue Rubies.
This weekend his blues family comes to the aid of his actual family by hosting a benefit at the Up & Under Pub on Sunday, Jan. 27, starting at 3 p.m.
The extensive lineup includes The Blues Disciples, Jim Liban Combo, Perry Weber and the Devilles, Rev Raven, Bobby Evans, Terry Frank, Rick Holmes, Matt Tyner, Terry James, Mississippi Leg Hounds, Coupe Deville, Mississippi Cactus, Midwest Blues Allstars, Robert Allen, Jr. and the Alex Wilson Band.
The event is open to everyone.
OnMilwaukee.com staff writer Julie Lawrence grew up in Wauwatosa and has lived her whole life in the Milwaukee area.
As any “word nerd” can attest, you never know when inspiration will strike, so from a very early age Julie has rarely been seen sans pen and little notebook. At the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee it seemed only natural that she major in journalism. When OnMilwaukee.com offered her an avenue to combine her writing and the city she knows and loves in late 2004, she knew it was meant to be. Around the office, she answers to a plethora of nicknames, including “Lar,” (short for “Larry,” which is short for “Lawrence”) as well as the mysteriously-sourced “Bill Murray.”
