Husband and wife are ready to rock

Middletown-The Kennedys, a husband-and-wife rock-and-roll duo, will perform at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26, at The Mansion, located at 115 South St. in Middletown. Even though their name is Kennedy, they don't play Irish music, and even though they wield acoustic guitars (bright orange Gretsch models), they don't play folk. They have loyal followings in both the pure guitar pop camp and the singer-songwriter set, and they're known not only as a harmonizing duo but also as independent record and video producers. Pete and Maura Kennedy met at the Continental Club in Austin Texas. In the dark confines of this roots-rock sanctuary, they hit it off immediately. Within 24 hours, they had written their first song, "Day In and Day Out." Their first CD, "River of Fallen Stars," written while they toured the British Isles, was awarded the "Indie" award in 1995 for Best Adult Contemporary CD by the National Association of Independent Record Distributors. In 1995, the couple hit the road to record their second CD, "Life is Large," which wove their talents with those of guests Steve Earle, Kelly Willis, Nils Lofgrin, Roger McGuinn, and the Dixie Hummingbirds. They were nominated once again for the NAIRD Indie award, and the title track became their signature song. Their third CD, "Angel Fire," an acoustic, lyric-driven collection was followed by "Evolver," a big, rocking set that included the power-pop song "Pick You Up." The Kennedys are comfortable in styles ranging from roots-rock to soulful acoustic pop. They describe their new release, "Stand," as "a call for social, political, and, above all, spiritual tolerance." Tickets cost $20 and $22. For more information call 342-0878.For information about The Kennedys, visit http://www.kennedysmusic.com.