Kendra Swanson | Freeport, IL, USA
Kendra Swanson is an independent folk music performer and songwriter. With strong, expressive vocals and energetic instrumentation, she applies a timeless sound to original compositions written from (and about) the American heartland. It has been described as "soulful," "homey," "sincere," and "heartfelt," delivered with a passionate voice that cuts through the loudest of bars (and the hardest of hearts). A multi-instrumentalist, Kendra writes most of her music on guitar and banjo, but performs as fiddler and violist with several local bands. As a soloist, she has shared bills with the likes of Charlie Parr, Ralph Stanley, The No Name String Band, Eric Lambert, The Howlin' Brothers, The Jakob's Ferry Stragglers, Pearls Mahone, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.
In 2011, after discovering folk music while living abroad, Kendra started playing the banjo in a conquest for a deeper understanding of her homeland and its identity, and met many wonderful folk musicians and writers in the Rock River Valley. It has been in the pursuit of folk music and writing that she has found deep joy and satisfaction in expression. She independently recorded and released her first album "Carry Your Shoes," and sold it on the streets.
When Kendra's father passed away suddenly in the spring of 2012, she became a wellspring of new music and motivation to help others through their darkness. Her all original, profoundly hopeful album, "Kendra & Kin, Live in Rockford" (Vincent Records) was recorded and released about a year later. Her latest album, recorded along the Mississippi river, "Go Down to the Low Down" (released May, 2015, recorded with Awesome town Music/Video Production), is a collaborative of all-original music that most notably includes the voices of both her mother and sister, as well as many other musicians.
Kendra currently resides in north central Illinois, where she is a professional outdoor educator and environmental advocate. She performs widely throughout the area (and beyond) as a soloist and with various fellow musicians.
J: What is the story behind your song "Little Birds"? (7:16 minutes into above video)
J: If you could open a set for anyone, who would it be?
J: Didn't you just release new music?
J: Are you you performing soon?
Booking Contact: info(AT)kendraswanson(DOT)com
Kendra Swanson Links:
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