Windborne

Windborne’s captivating show draws on the singers’ deep roots in traditions of vocal harmony, while the absolute uniqueness of their artistic approach brings old songs into the present. Known for the innovation of their arrangements, their harmonies are bold and anything but predictable. Instead of simply dazzling the audience with vocal fireworks; Windborne evokes a deep emotional response connecting their audience to the past, distant places and themselves, it's no wonder they have been crowd favorites since starting to tour in 2018.

With a 20-year background studying polyphonic music around the world, Lauren Breunig, Jeremy Carter-Gordon, Lynn Rowan, and Will Rowan share a vibrant energy onstage with a blending of voices that can only come from decades of friendship alongside dedicated practice. The ensemble shifts effortlessly between drastically different styles of music, drawing their audience along on a journey that spans continents and centuries, illuminating and expanding on the profound power and variation of the human voice. The singers educate as they entertain, sharing stories about their songs and explaining the context and characteristics of the styles in which they sing. BBC Traveling Folk describes Windborne as “subverting expectations and redefining the genre [of vocal music]... just absolutely phenomenal!”

Audiences and critics lavish praise upon the singers not only for their technical mastery, but for the passion, engagement, and connection with each other and the audience that imbues each performance with a rare power. But there’s another, crucial dimension to Windborne that guides and roots their artistry. They are adherents to folk music’s longtime alliance with social activism, labor and civil rights, and other movements that champion the oppressed, the poor, and the disenfranchised.  Windborne’s dynamic harmonies breathe new life into old songs, creating an experience that is rooted by its history, but strikingly relevant to the contemporary listener.

Windborne spent the pandemic developing and recording their 4th album, Of Hard Times & Harmony. This latest project continues to explore themes of social consciousness, singing in four languages and showcasing the depth of emotion their voices can evoke, as well as the moments of hilarity and wit that audiences will recognize from live performances. The group is committed to bringing vocal traditions to a younger audience and over the past year has found surprisingly viral success on tiktok and instagram with such unlikely genres as Corsican polyphony or early 20th century labor anthems, with younger audiences turning out in strength.

Official WOMEX Showcase Artists 2022

Official Folk Alliance International Showcase 2020-2022

Official Arts Midwest Showcase Artists 2020

Official Western Arts Alliance Showcase Artists 2020

Official Folk Alliance Midwest Artist 2019

Official Folk Alliance Northeast 2018

American Music Abroad Cultural Diplomacy tour of Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Angola

5 Tours in the UK 2017-2023

2 tours in France 2020-2023

4 tours in Canada 2018-2023

2023 will see Windborne in Canada, the UK, Finland, Portugal, Lithuania, and the Netherlands, with more to be announced.

 Participatory Workshops 

In addition to performing concerts worldwide, Windborne has taught workshops in schools, community centers, singing camps, and universities for the past decade. Experienced teachers and song-leaders, they delight groups young and old with enthusiastic, clear, and nuanced instruction and get groups singing in harmony in no time!

Main workshop description:

Participants of all abilities will learn singing styles from a variety of countries and cultures as well as songs of social struggle from movements past and present. All songs will be taught by ear, no experience required — just enthusiasm and willingness to try new things! The workshops are a great opportunity to connect with your community, sing out, and gather inspiration and energy. The Windborne singers educate as they entertain, telling stories about the music and explaining the characteristics and stylistic elements of the different traditions. They invite participants to learn some of their signature arrangements, improve vocal technique and health, and sing together in harmony! Not to be missed!

Other possible workshops:

Songs in other languages
Songs of social struggle 
Music with a message
Songs from France that aren't in French and songs in French that aren’t from France