“Kinfolk, is quietly and delightfully compelling. Hear the HEART in their melodies rising like fragrance from a flower.” (Nicole Bremault / Kanicosa)

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“Kinfolk’s “I’m Full” is a bouncy entertaining CD. I like the variety... something for adults as well as children. My favorite songs are “Noodles and Cheese” and “The Top of the Stairs” The spirit of Shirley Temple Lives!”
(Ron Robinson / Weekend Morning Show CBC Radio)

“Kinfolk’s music is wonderful. Their original tunes range from upbeat funky fun to soothing lullabies. This talented family has a bright future ahead.”
(Susan Rykiss / Winnipeg Parent Magazine)

"Kinfolk is more than a family band, it is a family doing music together, who lets us into their life, for the show. Susan is the story‑teller ... (Hannah age 8 and Eliza age 5) are seasoned performers and handle the stage with poise. Jamie ... plays the steady anchor ... as the shows unfold in a lively, unpredictable way. The CD (I’m Full) will be a family hit, but the live show is a must see! "
(Nancy McLennan / Brandon Folk Music and Arts Festival)

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K I N F O L K...THEN

In I997 singer/songwriters Susan B. Anderson and
James Musselwhite took to the stage with their daughters Hannah Sky (6) and Eliza (4.) It was family decision based on the wee girls’ desire to “get up on stage and sing” with their mom and dad. Neither of them wanted to be relegated to the audience any longer. So, armed with fresh tunes about their family life together and an open mind about what kind of performance can be expected of children so young, they made the leap and started what was to become a five year run of performing at folk festivals, schools, street parties and charity events.

 Needless to say, the first year was all about learning. Their live performances were built around the children being able to leave the stage whenever they felt like re-joining the audience. With that kind of flexibility and their love of singing, it wasn’t long before the girls wanted to be on stage the whole time and were on equal footing as valued members of this unique collective.

 In the coming years, the family grew exponentially in terms of their maturity as a vocal group. Four part harmony was common place and the girls were beginning to co-write many of the songs.

“The experience of growing together through music has been an invaluable part of our family life. We have learned so much about each other and about ourselves, not all of it easy to learn, but all of it worthwhile.  We have been very lucky to have been able to share our love for music with so many families just like ours.”

Susan continues as a freelance writer and has just begun to explore her creativity though writing picture books for children. She works from home where she facilitates home-based learning for her daughters. Susan continues to write songs for both children and adults and will record her first CD of contemporary folk music sometime this year.

 Eliza has developed interests in all the performing arts, singing, dancing and acting. She is currently spending most of her boundless energy preparing for a career in Musical Theatre.

Hannah is a visual artist and prolific writer who loves to read great long novels to any willing audience. She writes her own music, enjoys improv, and keeps her family laughing. She is working hard preparing herself for a career in Visual Arts, specifically the art for  the gaming world.

JAMIE

“Even though making music seemed like the natural and simple thing to do with my family, Kinfolk! became more than just music; it was a huge learning experience for all of us. Translating what is essentially a personal experience into a public experience made us all grow as artists and human beings, and through Kinfolk! I have become convinced that to truly be an artist, a musician must share what they have with others. Without a doubt, I can say that some of the best moments in my life happened while performing for kids, with my family by my side.”  

Jamie is a piano technician and rebuilder and runs Toronto Piano Tuning in the big T.O., but at heart is a small town boy who loves the small things in life the most: Good music, good books, and any opportunity to be creative. Most important are the small but significant moments shared between himself and his daughters.

To hear song clips for "I'm Full"

Click Here

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