Grounded in acoustic tradition but going beyond conventional boundaries, 'Kelly crafts achingly beautiful songs and delivers them with simple grace.' (Chicago's Green Note Concert Series). Minnesota Monthly Magazine says her influences run 'deeper than your standard java-fueled folk' and include such diverse artists as Jeff Buckley, REM and Billie Holiday. Kelly released her EP 'wait for your spring' last fall, and it has already received national attention: the song Knee Deep won Honorable Mention in last year's Rocky Mountain Folks Festival, and her song Rockets was featured on NPR's All Songs Considered. Songs from 'wait for your spring' have been played on Internet radio station radioioAcoustic, Midwest radio stations KFAI, KUMD, WORT, WRNC and WOJB, as well as on acoustic-based radio programs in the northeast (Maine) and overseas (Belgium and Germany).
Kelly recently signed a digital distribution and licensing deal
with the San Francisco-based record label INgrooves!
on the EP
Released in November 2004, 'wait for your spring' features seven songs that showcase the diversity of Kelly's songwriting, from alt-pop anthems and intimate acoustic tracks, to dance mixes and driving ballads. Understated yet powerful arrangements using acoustic guitars, live percussion looping and digital programming emphasize the strength of the songs and highlight Kelly's transcendent vocals. The EP was produced by longtime collaborator Jennifer 'JJ' Jones, who added guitar and percussion. It was recorded in San Francisco at the studio of progressive-house music DJ and producer Jeff Steinmetz, a.k.a. DJ Kepi (Thump Radio, Sound of Mind).
on her background
A self-taught pianist from the age of 9, Kelly was composing instrumental pieces and performing them in school talent shows by the age of 13. At 16, she had an extensive original repertoire and had learned works by George Winston and Rachmaninoff by ear. She wrote her first song with guitar and lyrics at the age of 21 while living in Santa Fe, NM. She returned to her hometown in the suburbs of Chicago to front a folk/rock band (Prairie Smoke). A move to Madison, WI brought Kelly together with guitarist and drummer Jennifer 'JJ' Jones and the two formed an acoustic duo (Jink). Playing Kelly’s original songs, they performed at some of the Midwest’s most respected venues (see below), and shared the stage with such notable performers as Ann Reed, Ellis and Barb Ryman.
on her influences
Michelle Shocked taught her to play guitar. Shawn Colvin gave her a reason to want to. Indigo Girls were her crash course in harmony and fearless lyricism. REM woke her up. Nanci Griffith showed her how to be vulnerable. Sheryl Crow was her pop diva hero. Sarah McLachlan made it sound like her dreams. Dar Williams made her feel like she could do it too. Sara K taught her to use her upper registers and to sing like the land. Billie Holiday told her she could sing through anything. Jonatha Brooke was her divine revelation. Patty Larkin raised the guitar bar and turned her phrases. Patty Griffin broke her heart. Jeff Buckley put it together again.
on stage
Gingko Coffeehouse - St Paul, MN
Bryant Lake Bowl - Minneapolis, MN
The Cabooze - Minneapolis, MN
Mayslacks - Minneapolis, MN
Acadia Café - Minneapolis, MN
Anodyne - Minneapolis, MN
Riverview Café - Minneapolis, MN
The NorShor Theater - Duluth, MN
Amazing Grace - Duluth, MN
Black Cat Coffee House - Ashland, WI
Coffee Grounds - Falcon Heights, MN
Coffee Hag - Mankato, MN
Acoustic Café - Eau Claire, WI & Winona, MN
Fitzgerald's - Chicago, IL
Mission Coffeehouse - Steven's Point, WI
Barrymore Theatre - Madison, WI
Mother Fool's Coffeehouse - Madison, WI
Café Assisi - Madison, WI
Room of One's Own - Madison, WI
Culture Café - Manitowoc, WI
Villa Terrace - Milwaukee, WI
Tom's Burnt Down Café - Madeline Island, WI
Dolores Park Café - San Francisco, CA
Rose Street House of Music - Berkeley, CA
Anu - San Francisco, CA
Twin Cities Pride Festival - Minneapolis, MN
LaCrosse Pride Festival - La Crosse, WI
House concerts: Chicago, Boulder, Milwaukee, San Francisco |
