The Kennedys – Celebrating Their New Album Smoketree with Original Folk Rock and Timeless Storytelling

The Kennedys return to Godfrey Daniels with their new album, Smoketree, a collection of original songs that explores timely issues with optimism, heart, and thoughtful storytelling. Since first joining forces in 1992, Pete and Maura Kennedy have spent decades touring together, building a devoted following through their spirited blend of folk rock, memorable songwriting, and genuine connection with audiences. Join us for this special Sunday matinee in our intimate Live Music Listening Room, where every performance offers Your Backstage Pass to the music and the artists behind it.

The Kennedys
kennedysmusic.com

The Kennedys to release "Smoketree" - their first CD of all new original songs in three years!

"...a simply mesmerizingly cultured and dutifully soulful new recording..." - Exclusive Magazine (July, 2026)

Pete and Maura Kennedy met at The Continental Club in Austin, Texas, in 1992. They first played and sang together a few days later, and, in no time at all, they had written their first song. Their first date was a road trip to Buddy Holly’s grave in west Texas. Pete was a member of Nanci Griffith’s Blue Moon Orchestra at the time. Soon after, Maura filled a vacancy in the band. The duo doubled as Nanci’s opening act, and The Kennedys set off on a lifelong road trip. 

As a duo going strong for more than 30 years, The Kennedys have recorded two dozen collections of mostly original songs, along with interesting side projects. The duo’s early albums, beginning in 1995, established them as core artists on the AAA and Americana charts. Despite touring at a rate of 50,000 miles per year right up until the Covid lockdown, they found time for a four-year stint as folk deejays, hosting “The Dharma Café” on Sirius/XM radio. When Covid struck, they didn’t lose their stride, performing over 150 livestreams and playing over 1,000 songs for a global audience.

Nowadays, Pete and Maura are back “home on the road” and busy in the recording studio. Their 2026 release, Smoketree, is the follow-up to the duo’s 2023 release, Headwinds, which spent a month at #1 on the national Folk DJ chart. Smoketree consists of all original, newly written songs that reflect their feelings on things both timely and timeless: environmental concerns, social upheaval as families and entire populations flee violence, the search for peace in the world and peace in one’s heart. All of these are touched upon with their trademark upbeat tone of uplift and encouragement. They are known for bringing the light rather than simply cursing the darkness, and they continue that approach with Smoketree. 

Well-traveled, never tiring of the life of wandering troubadours, The Kennedys look forward to hitting the airwaves and the stage with their blend of energized folk-rock, passion, and a sense of kindred spirit camaraderie with their audience.