Joe Kidd and Sheila Burke interview November 14 , 2015

In the 3 years that Joe Kidd & Sheila Burke have been together, they have created a sound that is powerful and unique in the world of acoustic music. Influenced by 60s folk music, traditional Appalachian songs, Celtic melodies, the intensity of bluegrass, country, & gospel/christian standards, Classical atmospheres, African & Middle Eastern rhythms, and Native American prayer chants, Joe & Sheila incorporate guitars, autoharp, djembe, Native American sacred drum, and many other diverse instruments from around the world to provide their original and uplifting music. They write socially conscious & spiritual songs of struggle, thanksgiving, redemption, and love. Their descriptions, interpretations & translations (sung in many different languages) are mystic and revelatory. Both are published poets/writers which gives their concerts the added power of the presence of the spoken word. This international duo have recently toured New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Tennessee, Virginia, Kentucky, Indiana, and Ontario Canada while still remaining active in Michigan performing concerts at countless festivals, churches, powwows, television & radio shows, benefits, and venues across the state. Along with this activity, in April 2013 they received their 1st prestigious Detroit Music Award for Outstanding World Music Songwriters of the Year and again in April 2014 they received the award for the 2nd straight year in a row.