Peach Jam Podcast: Mondo Hammondo - Atlanta, GA

Matthew Kaminski, the Atlanta Braves’ organist famous for trolling opposing players, is much more than a ballpark entertainer. While his playful walk-up songs have made him a beloved figure at Truist Park, his musical talents stretch far beyond the baseball diamond. Kaminski is also a skilled musician, teacher, and bandleader, involved in several musical projects that showcase his diverse abilities.

And as the frontman of Mondo Hammondo, Kaminski explores his more adventurous side, delving into the obscure genre of Exotica — a blend of Tiki bar music, Afro-Cuban, Hawaiian, and jazz sounds.

"We play what I consider Tiki bar music...a blend of exotica music as well as Ultra Lounge, kind of that '50s organ lounge type sound," he explains. His passion for this unique genre stems from his admiration for Martin Denny, who popularized Exotica in the late '50s.

Kaminski’s career also spans jazz, polka, salsa, and even Western cowboy music. He has played in numerous bands, showcasing his versatility with instruments like the organ, accordion, and piano.

"Music is a universal language," he notes, embracing his ability to adapt to any genre. That quality shines through in his many musical projects, whether it’s jazz, blues, or something completely different.

“I try to be as versatile as I can. I play with different blues bands at places like Blind Willie’s or the North Side Tavern sometimes. I’m trying to be kind of a chameleon where I can hop from one thing to another.”

In addition to his performing career, Kaminski is dedicated to teaching. He has around 16 private students, some of whom he teaches online via Zoom and FaceTime. He also contributes to various recording projects, adding organ and accordion to tracks from other musicians.

Although his Braves gig is a major part of his career, Kaminski’s role as the organist is not just about fun; it’s a position that requires constant focus and improvisation.

"I have to always have my hands ready to play no matter what’s going on on the field," he says, explaining the need to fill any breaks with music, from a bat slipping to an injury delay.

But it's also a lot of fun. In Matthew's unique role as the Braves’ organist, he's earned a reputation for adding his own brand of humor to the game. He explains the fun side of his job:

“I’m also known as the organist who makes fun of the other team... I play what's called walk-up songs for when the batter goes on the on-deck circle to the batter’s box. I kind of play a song that may pertain to their name.”

Despite his accomplishments, Matthew remains grounded in his desire to improve and push the boundaries of his musical career. “There’s always more that I want to do... any musician will tell you that they’re not at the point of where they want to be.”

His dedication to music and his family — especially balancing his career with his role as a father — shows that his passion extends far beyond the stage.

Whether he's performing at the ballpark, leading a jazz band, or recording music from his home, Matthew Kaminski’s career is a testament to the power of music in its many forms. His contributions to Atlanta’s music scene, from the quirky to the sophisticated, have made him a true musical chameleon.

For more from Kaminski, check out Mondo Hammondo’s performances on GPB’s YouTube page. And be sure to leave a rating and review of Peach Jam to support the show’s mission of showcasing incredible Georgia talent.

The Peach Jam podcast from GPB features songs and stories from a variety of the incredibly talented and diverse bands and artists who call the Peach State home.

Recorded live in our GPB studios, you get a front row seat for the intimate musical performances and free-flowing conversation from a truly eclectic variety of Georgia musicians. You can find more at GPB.org/PeachJamPodcast — and please download and subscribe on your favorite podcast platform.