Swallow Hill Music is pleased to host acclaimed songwriters Celeste Krenz and Rebecca Folsom, The Rhythm Angels, as they take the Daniels Hall stage on Friday, October 23 at 8 p.m.
The Rhythm Angels sprang forth from serendipity as much as from destiny, blossoming from a Women-in-the-Round showcase. Celeste Krenz hails from the ranch country of North Dakota, while Rebecca Folsom comes out of the mountains of Colorado. Inspired by the magic of their contrasting voices and harmony blend, they started performing together on a regular basis. After sold-out shows across the country, it was clear audiences felt the magic, too. Together, this incredibly talented duo creates an inspired new sound.
Celeste Krenz started writing songs at age 15 and continued writing through college. In 1990, she moved to Denver, where she quickly developed a loyal following in a community that appreciated the honesty and warmth of her songs and voice. She released four independent albums between 1993 and 1998, with
Slow Burning Flame, produced by Tim O'Brien and Bob Tyler, reaching #11 on music trade magazine GAVINS Americana radio airplay chart. Now settled in Nashville, Krenz has been embraced by audiences across the country.
Robert K. Oermann of
Music Row Magazine writes of Krenz, "The purest folk voice I've heard in years, and that little catch in her throat gives it just a touch of hillbilly soul. I was so enchanted that I practically held my breath." In addition to her solo career, she works on many diverse projects with her friends, including the Secret All-Night Girlie Club with Sally Barris (who sang with and wrote for Kathy Mattea and Lee Ann Womack) and Diana Jones (who sang on several albums with the Gospel Music Workshop of America).
Rebecca Folsom tours extensively, having performed on the BBC, at New York City's Bitterend and Falcon Ridge Folk Festival, Nashville's Bluebird Café and Opryland, Colorado's Red Rocks Amphitheatre, and the Rocky Mountain Folks Festival. She loves the spark of the moment found in live performance. "My aim is to awaken and uplift people. It is important to look at the realities going on in the world today, socially and politically, but it is equally of value to laugh and spread comfort and joy."
Folsom's latest recording,
Water on Stone, a heart-opening, rhythmic romp fuled with stories of meeting life's daily challenges and inspirationally rising above. It is her fourth to date and features her band, Chris Malley, Chris Engleman, Christian Teele and Eric Moon. Boulder's
Daily Camera writes: "When Folsom busts her chops the word 'impressive' should be bantered about. She moves effortlessly and subtly through a seamless blend of genres."
Their new CD together as the Rhythm Angels,
Girls Like Us (High Horse Records), was released earlier this year. Michael Roberts of
Westword writes, "The new recording by Rhythm Angels Celeste Krenz and Rebecca Folsom...has a Colorado flavor ... on the standout track 'If I Had a Gun,' homicidal lyrics increase in effectiveness thanks to the chilling calm of their delivery .... they're consistently lovely and occasionally a bit sly-especially the Willie Dixon cover '29 Ways.' These very different Angels bring out the best in each other."
Opening the show are Kerrville winners Tom Prasado-Rao and Cary Cooper.
Tickets are now on sale at
www.swallowhillmusic.org (now with no processing fees) or by calling (303) 777-1003 x2. Discounts are available for Swallow Hill members. Buy in advance and save! Swallow Hill Music Association is located at 71 East Yale Avenue (just off Broadway) in Denver.