Kristin Callahan

Anyone who has ever sat in on a performance by Kristin Callahan will later describe the unexpected silence that falls over the building after the first couple lines in an attempt to communicate the authentic experience they had that night. They may also tell of the stunned delay in applause when the song was over. They may say that they forgot what they had been talking about, or that their drink was just as full when the song was over as it was when it began. But in the end, they'll probably tell you to just go see it for yourself. Because what they're trying to tell you is that Kristin Callahan has that rare ability to coax listeners into the anticipation of each note, to bring people into the very soul of music, that realm of musical experience that is ill-described in the past tense. Quiet and unassuming, Callahan has a stage presence that is both sweet and sexy, one that catches everyone off guard and then keeps them there until the very last note. From her shy smiles between songs to her flawless execution of some of the most demanding pieces, Kristin exudes the perfect combination of country charm and urbane hipness. She grew up in a small town in Western Maryland, where it became evident early on in her childhood that she was a vocal prodigy. With the encouragement of all those who recognized her talent, she began learning and singing gospel songs in her church and in talent shows across the region, regularly winning any competition she entered. As a promising eighteen-year-old, Kristin was awarded a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music summer program, where she began honing in on her style that today ranges from blues to R&B and Jazz. Her experiences there had a profound impact on her direction in life, confirming music and art as her passion. Kristin knew from her experience there that her life, in whatever way possible, would be dedicated to her gift. Callahan performed regularly with talented blues guitarist Dennis Merrill at the upscale Cornish Manor for two years. This was a lively creative time for Callahan, in which she juggled her shows at Cornish Manor with her passion for photography and also her work with a well known electronic music duo from the Washington DC area known as Aligning Minds. It was with Aligning Minds that the single, “Swollen Sovereign” on the label Aleph Zero was released and later, a single with Austrian producer STJ entitled “Around My Head.” which showcase her talent as a lead vocalist. Today Callahan is fully focused on her art, and has recorded and performed with several accomplished musicians, including the well-known DC pianist Vince Evans, who will be featured on an upcoming jazz album by Callahan to be released this year. Some may already know of the authentic experience of music that attendees of Kristin's performances are trying to describe. They may think they've found it in other places. But there's something else hanging in the hushed tone of the crowd besides tranquility and awe. It's knowing that you're witnessing enormous potential actualizing before your very eyes. It's sensing that Kristin Callahan is a name you will remember. .. ..