Some words about KINDRED... "Just when you think you have their acoustic sound pegged, out comes the mandolin or the drums to mix it up. With influences ranging from the Indigo Girls to Janis Joplin, they apply their beautiful harmonies and striking sound to each song leaving you wanting more." - Debbie Schilling, house concert promoter "Kindred is writing some incredible songs in preparation for their new full length CD. Their original work in combination with their slick stage presence will undoubtedly make them a common fixture on main stages across the country." - Kara Barnard, instrumentalist, producer, singer, songwriter The CD "Awakening"... From Finger-style to Carter-style, KINDRED's new CD has something for everyone! Special guest musicians include Kara Barnard (www.karabarnard.com) on guitar and banjo, Bonny Elifritz adding backing vocals, Trina Hamlin (www.trinahamlin.com) on harmonica and Lyndell Montgomery from Ember Swift (www.emberswift.com) on violin. The bios... Dionne Ward, originally from Oregon, relocated to Indiana at the age of twelve. Her parents bought her a used set of drums for her fifteenth birthday and it was then that her love of making music was born. In September of 2002, she picked up a guitar and has recently added various hand drums to her rhythm repertoire. Music and musicians have always inspired Dionne, but it is other independent female singer-songwriters who have inspired her most. Mandy Miller is an Indiana native. After teaching herself to play guitar at age 24, she's since enlisted the help of Kara Barnard in learning the mandolin and expanding her growth on the six string. Mandy's musical inspiration comes from a long list of female singer-songwriters who have carved out a path for many others to follow. Kindred was founded in 2003; however, Mandy Miller and Dionne Ward have been making music together for years. Their first group, Sojo's Truth, performed regularly at Utopia in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana in 1999. They can often be found working up new versions of old classics, or performing their own songs, with their large collection of musical instruments. Although they both have thriving non-musical careers, their love of music (and some encouragement from Kara Barnard and friends) led them to begin performing again in 2003.