Ken Weingartner

Hightstown, NJ — Whether Peter Kleinhans is going on stage to perform a set of his music or getting in the sulky to drive in a harness race, the feelings are somewhat similar.

“There is nervous anticipation beforehand, which is sometimes not a positive feeling,” Kleinhans said. “Sometimes you question yourself over why you’re doing it, but when it’s all over and everything has gone well, it’s a great feeling of accomplishment. Then you remember why you want to do it.”

Kleinhans, who earlier this month notched his first driving win of the season in a GSY Series amateur event at The Meadowlands, on Monday night will be performing a 10-song set of his music at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village. The Bitter End, established in 1961, is the oldest rock-and-roll club in New York City and has hosted thousands of artists from Bob Dylan to Lady Gaga.

Peter Kleinhans on Monday night will be performing a 10-song set of his music at The Bitter End in Greenwich Village. Facebook photo.

“It’s a classic place, with a lot of history,” said Kleinhans, who has appeared at The Bitter End on multiple occasions. “I think they’ve stayed true to their roots, so it’s kind of tight quarters, nothing fits exactly perfectly; it’s just interesting. It’s a classic Greenwich Village feel. You have this sense, not to sound corny, but it’s like if you’re on a baseball field and you hear the echoes of some old player; it has that same feel.”

Kleinhans will be pulling material from his two previously released albums, “Something’s Not Right” and “I Was Alive Enough,” as well as his forthcoming “By Every Probability,” which should be released this summer. He will be backed by a band of powerhouse NYC talent including bassist Tony Conniff, guitarists Marc Shulman and Larry Saltzman, keyboardist Bette Sussman, and drummer Shawn Pelton.

“They’re all accomplished professionals,” Kleinhans said. “Tony got them together and they seem to enjoy working with me. I’ve really put the work in, and I think they enjoy playing with me, and I really respect them and their musicianship.

“It should be a fun set. It’s mostly up-tempo songs and a lot of them are about different characters. It’s a mixture of thoughtfulness, hopefully, and just fun.”

Kleinhans does not write songs with any genres in mind, preferring to try to create material he would enjoy listening to himself.

“I just really enjoy the creative process and seeing a song come together,” Kleinhans said. “When I write a song, it starts off very rough, but you work on it and gradually it becomes a real finished song. Then when you perform it at a show, it’s very satisfying to see it take shape and to see the musicians interpret it. It’s really gratifying.”

Peter Kleinhans is remembered for his work with Enough Talk, the sport’s first sub-1:50 trotter and a two-time Dan Patch Award winner. USTA/Ken Weingartner photo.

Although focused on music and several other pursuits, Kleinhans continues to be involved in harness racing as a horse owner, breeder, and occasional amateur driver. Aside from one start, he has not trained since 2013, but is remembered for his work with Enough Talk, the sport’s first sub-1:50 trotter and a two-time Dan Patch Award winner, as well as millionaire Lavec Dream.

Last year, the Kleinhans-bred Think Of Galaxies finished second to eventual Horse of the Year Test Of Faith in the Empire Breeders Classic for 3-year-old female pacers and was a Breeders Crown finalist. Kleinhans owns the John McDermott-trained mare, who was a winner on the Grand Circuit at age 2, with Jonathan Klee Racing.

Kleinhans’ win on April 8 in the GSY came behind William McWhiskers, another horse he bred and owns that is trained by McDermott.

“I do still enjoy racing, I just don’t have time to do the training,” Kleinhans said. “I can’t really do it firsthand, which is sad because I loved it. But I’ve got so much else going on right now that it’s OK.”

Peter Kleinhans and his band will appear at The Bitter End, 147 Bleecker Street, New York City, on Monday (May 2). Doors open at 6:30 p.m. EDT. Show time is 7 p.m. For additional information, visit the club’s website at bitterend.com.