Identical
twins Carli and Julie Kennedy are both accomplished instrumentalists
and vocalists known for their exceptional blend, harmonies, and
musicality. Originally from the culturally active town of Powell
River, Carli and Julie are recent graduates of the University of
Victoria's Bachelor of Music Performance program. With the release of
their new recording, featuring four original songs, the Kennedys show
their love for a diverse range of musical styles. They have a passion
for songwriting and performing their own compositions. From a young
age, the Kennedys have been immersed in music from classical to
country. They have developed a sound that is all their own: a fusion of
their background in jazz, classical, celtic, and folk music. Their
beautiful blend of voices and instrumentation brings a unique sound to
audiences on the West Coast and beyond.
Carli and Julie Kennedy
have found success on the local and national music scene as
instrumental and vocal soloists, improvisers, arrangers, and composers.
Carli
Kennedy was the 2007 National Guitar Class winner at the British
Columbia Festival of the Performing Arts. She was also the Grand Award
winner at the Greater Victoria Performing Arts Festival, receiving the
2007 Roberto and Mary Wood Scholarship. She continued on to the 2007
Canadian National Music Festival and was awarded third prize in the
guitar category. Carli was the third prize winner in the Sooke
Philharmonic Orchestra's 2008 Don Chrysler Concerto Competition for
Young Musicians. She has also been awarded the 2007 Betty and Gilbert
Kennedy Scholarship in Music, the 2006 Herta Hartmanshenn Scholarship
in Music, the 2005 University of Victoria St. Denys Music Scholarship,
second place in the 2006 Trevor Harris Scholarship Improvisation
Competition, and the British Columbia Arts Council Junior Award. Most
recently, Carli was awarded the University of Victoria's Victoria Medal
as the top graduating student in Fine Arts.
Julie Kennedy was
the Concertmaster of the 2007 National Youth Orchestra of Canada. She
was awarded the Stephen Sitarski Leadership Scholarship for
demonstration of outstanding leadership in the orchestra. Julie's other
musical accomplishments include the 2007 Herbert and Eva Schaefer
String Scholarship, the 2006 Betty and Gilbert Kennedy Scholarship in
Music, the 2005 and 2006 Margaret Goater Scholarship in Strings, the
2005 Adaskin Endowment for Strings, and third place in the Trevor
Harris Scholarship Improvisation Competition. Currently, Julie plays as
an extra musician with the Victoria Symphony and has performed with the
renowned Galiano Ensemble of Victoria.
As a duo, Carli and Julie
Kennedy have been featured at festivals and events including the
Victoria Conservatory of Music's 5 Night Guitar Series, Jazz on the
Rocks Festival, Janis Borla Vocal Jazz Camp, Saanich Peninsula Country
Market, Sunshine Music Festival, and as onboard entertainment on the BC
Ferries. Featured in the Victoria Times Colonist in June 2008, The
Kennedys have been described by colleagues, professors, and audiences
alike as "fine players and truly communicative performers." Their
original songs touch the hearts and minds of their audiences with
themes that are influenced by the human journey of happiness,
heartbreak, humour, family, love, and change. Their soft and pure vocal
quality is similar to that of mainstream artists Alison Krauss and
Norah Jones. With a musical bond reminiscent of other family groups,
such as Leahy and The Rankins, audiences can expect to fall in love
with the music of Carli and Julie Kennedy.