Kenn Kweder – Truckin’ Trees for Xmas

Kenn Kweder, a fiercely independent singer-songwriter from Upper Darby, PA, has been a Philadelphia music icon since the 1970s. After launching his career with Kenn Kweder & The Secret Kidds, he quickly became known for his unique “KWEDER TONE” and for refusing to compromise his artistic identity—famously turning down a major-label opportunity with Clive Davis rather than abandon his band or reshape his sound. Influenced by Leonard Cohen, Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Lou Reed, and Captain Beefheart, Kweder has performed alongside The Ramones, Patti Smith, and Cheap Trick, and has logged more than 1,500 shows at the legendary Smokey Joe’s. His Philadelphia cult favorites “Heroin,” “Manute Bol,” and his whimsical holiday track “Truckin’Trees for Christmas” reflect the humor, grit, and storytelling that define his five-decade career. Today, Kweder remains a beloved Philly figure whose music—and holiday memories—continue to embody the city’s raw, neighborhood-driven spirit.

What made you want to cover Truckin’ Trees for Christmas?

I decided to do Truckin’ Trees for Xmas because it was an angle I don't think anyone had ever offered regarding Xmas with a great sense of whimsy. Plus, it’s very catchy!

How does your version differ from the original?

I think my version has the KWEDER TONE!

Do you think there will ever be a full Kenn Kweder Xmas album?

I doubt that there will ever be a Kweder Xmas album. I’m more likely to do a Kweder Drinking Album! Stay tuned.

What’s your favorite thing about this time of year?

My favorite thing about Xmas is the time I get to spend with my family. My family is generally more available for get togethers, dinners, and Xmas events.

Do you have a favorite Christmas memory from performing this?

When I opened for BERU REVUE in 2004 in West Chester, PA. That was my best version of Truckin’ Trees and the most fun. The entire audience sang along and sent too many drinks to the stage after I performed it. The best thing was being blacked out from velocity drinking all those drinks onstage! Also, I drank all the free drinks that were set up on stage and there were plenty of those. I don't remember the last couple of songs I sang. From what I understand, I was carried out of the club.

Here is my favorite all time Xmas memory. Back in 1971, everyone in my neighborhood would go to midnight mass Christmas Eve. In my neighborhood, everybody was drinking and they would go to midnight mass because they’d never get up in the morning to go to mass on Christmas. So, one night I went to mass on Christmas Eve and there was a big problem as someone was screaming inside the church. Everybody got up to see what was going on and then a couple of the people in charge of the church took hold of this guy who was very drunk, screaming, and punching. They finally tossed him outside of the church. But that wasn't the end of it. He tried to get back in and then I grabbed him to throw him back out. Then for about four minutes, he was pulling on the door from the outside of the church while the people inside were pulling on the door to keep it shut. These doors had stained glass windows on them. The guy was outside and screaming, “Let me in! Let me in!” Then suddenly there was silence for about 10 seconds and all of a sudden a fist violently broke right through the stained-glass window and glass shattered everywhere. Then they opened the door, and they beat the crap out of this guy.

What makes Christmas in Philadelphia special?

Xmas in Philly is great! Lots of people who used to live here and moved away always come back to celebrate for a couple drinks. Lots of the old South Street musicians who moved away always come back just for a couple days. It's kind of sentimental and beautiful.

With your roots in Philly and over 50 years performing, how has your perspective on “Xmas music” evolved from the early days to now?

After 50 years of performance in Philly, it's still the same basically! It still has the old-fashioned NEIGHBORHOOD Xmas sensibilities: church bells, mangers, and Xmas songs in every bar and store! Also, lots of drunken reindeer running amok on the streets!