Gifted folk group gathers in Elgin for Aug. 11 reunion

Highland Avenue is hosting the reunion of the musical group Kindling. People are coming from great distances to hear these gifted musicians one more time.

They began singing together in 1996 and for seven years performed at conferences, churches, and many other venues, disbanding in 2003. Though Elgin was not their base, it is a central place for this reunion gathering

The event is open to the public, and lovers of folk music in the Fox Valley will want to hear these fine musicians.

Steve Kinzie is a gifted songwriter, guitarist, and vocalist from Washington state. Shawn Kirchner on keyboard, guitar and vocals is a member of the Los Angeles Master Chorale and is a widely known and respected composer of choral music.

Lee Krähenbühl, vocalist and multi-instrumentalist, is a Professor of Communication and chair of the department at Stevenson University in Maryland. Peg Lehman, vocalist, lives here in Elgin, and for many years she has sung in schools, churches, community events, libraries, and park districts. For nine years she was a Ravinia teaching artist.

These four musicians sing songs of courage, faith, inclusion, and diversity — original music that is lively, moving and deeply heartfelt. They will lift your spirits and make you think.

Fletcher Farrar, the editor of Messenger, wrote, “Kindling’s music adds a dimension of truth to spiritual messages that we mere writers can’t approach.”

This musical gathering will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 11, in the Fellowship Hall of the Highland Avenue Church of the Brethren, 783 W. Highland Ave. in Elgin.

In addition to inspiring music the gathering will offer refreshments and friendly people and will be open to the community. There is no cover charge. For information call (847) 741-5124 or go to www.hacob.org.