<a href="http://banjobabescalendar.com/home"><img src="/sites/default/files/u19448/banjo_babes_0.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="178" /></a><a href="http://www.kendraswanson.com/">Kendra Swanson</a> is an independent Midwestern 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, The Howlin' Brothers, The Jakob's Ferry Stragglers, Pearls Mahone, and The Nitty Gritty Dirt Band.&nbsp; 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 &amp; 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 Awesometown 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.&nbsp; 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. Kendra strives to make music accessible to all ages, in all places, for all walks of life. Her original program makes booking her possible even if avenue does not pay dues to ASCAP, BMI, or SESAC, or the like.

Kendra Swanson

What a voice and what an interesting life <a href="http://www.kendraswanson.com/">Kendra Swanson</a> leads. We had such a wonderful time recording this show. I am truly envious of this lady’s life style. Born in <a href="http://www.ci.freeport.il.us/">Freeport, Illinois</a> and now hailing from <a href="http://www.discoveroregonillinois.com/discoveroregon/">Oregon, Illinois</a> which, as she says, “is just a bit downstream of Rockford and she has a day job that I love. She teaches children outdoor education through Northern Illinois University. As you will hear during her interview she has equal passion for her work with children teaching them about nature and her performing her original folk music based songs. I am so happy to present this lovely woman to you all. Enjoy.<a href="http://banjobabescalendar.com/home"><img src="/sites/default/files/u19448/banjo_babes_0.jpg" alt="" width="480" height="178" /></a>

Kendra Swanson

Session Photos