On a beautiful, cool evening in September, under a moonless sky, two, talented singer-songwriters cast a spell over our Monkey House's guests.  Kipyn opened and played some new songs and several from her album Undercover Muse.  Then Grace played many new songs (six) and many fan favorites, to include "Abilene," "Italy," and "Murder of Crows."

Listen to one of Robyn's and my favorite songs: "The Gypsy's Code."

While still in college, Grace released her self-titled debut album recorded at the renowned Blue Rock Studio in Wimberley, TX. After releasing her album she splashed onto the music scene winning NPR’s Mountain Stage NewSong Contest, where her, "Nine to Five Girl" was selected for Best Song honors.

Grace carried this momentum when she performed as an Official Showcase Artist, at the 2010 International Folk Alliance conference, where she captured the attention of presenters and radio programmers as a young standout. Later that spring Grace won the Wildflower! Performing Songwriter Contest Grand Prize, and the People's Choice award.

Listen to Kipyn play "Undercover Muse."

Kipyn Martin will open.  Kipyn’s songwriting roots sink into the banks of the Shenandoah River. She grew up in the eastern panhandle of WV, exposed to the Newsong Festival held nearby and all the performing songwriters it attracted. Kipyn eventually attended the Newsong Academy in her early twenties. She has performed extensively throughout the eastern panhandle and Northern Virginia alongside award-winning acoustic blues artist and mentor, Pops Walker. Kipyn also received a Master of Music degree in composition from Shenandoah Conservatory in Winchester, VA.