Biography

Andrew & Casey Calhoun, father and daughter, perform an eclectic mix of songs in the folk tradition. They have been performing together since 2006; Skeins is their first duo recording. Andrew is an enduring Chicago singer-songwriter, author, and music historian. Three songs on Skeins are by artists Andrew met through his work as owner/operator of Waterbug Records—Casey grew up listening to their music. Her distinctive singing was influenced by her mother Laurie Calhoun, Kat Eggleston, and Leslie Smith. Casey’s other continuing passion is dance; she studied at Dance Center Evanston (Illinois) and Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle.

“Skeins” refers to both coils of yarn and formations of flying geese: “Skeins of shining waters ask you patiently to hear” is a line from the second track, a 19th century Irish lyric called “Open the Door Softly”. Skeins is melodic and reflective, spiced with spirited moments of fire. The overarching theme is one of moving through transitions with integrity.