44°
Turns out the last requirement was the most difficult.
“It’s hard because Connecticut doesn’t rhyme with anything,” she said, laughing.
Either way, Graves won the gig in 2013 and will wrap up her reign as the state’s musical promoter of the arts in March 2016. Gov. Dannel Malloy declared December 15 Kristen Graves Day in Connecticut, calling it a day "to recognize the arts, compassion and social justice.”
So what’s a state troubadour?
Established in 1991, the state troubadour is an honorary ambassador of music and song who promotes cultural literacy among Connecticut residents.
Graves, a Wisconsin native who has lived here since 2005, did just that Dec. 9, singing “We Shall Not Be Moved” and “The Tide is Rising” at a climate change vigil in her new hometown. She said she loves having the opportunity to combine her music with a good cause.
“I think the Earth is good,” she said matter-of-factly. “I think this is going to be a big year for us.”
Graves began her musical career studying classical piano and says she had her epiphany during the rise of Lillith Fair concert tours, which featured singer-songwriters such as Sarah McLachlan, Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin and Jewel.
Her mother asked her piano teacher to let her work on her own music during lessons, and a passion for singing and songwriting emerged.
“That’s when I really got into it,” she said.
Graves trained at Minnesota’s St. Olaf College and joined the school’s internationally known choir.
Recording since 2000, Graves has added her powerful, crystalline voice to six albums and two EPs. She tours constantly, often logging 200 appearances a year, and has shared the stage with folk stars Rusted Root, Dar Williams, Peter Yarrow and the late Pete Seeger.
In October, she completed her first European tour, hitting France, Spain and Germany.
She takes inspiration from Seeger, preferring to create music that’s hopeful and inspirational, rather than “whiny and sad.”
To that end, she’s also created her own “faux political party.”
“I call it the Just Be Nice Party,” she said, of her efforts to spread kindness among others. “Just be nice. I think that’s a good way to be.
“This way I’m of no interest to the special interests.”
For more information and a concert schedule, visit Graves’ website.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Fairfield and receive free news updates.
