by brooke wagner

Oxford’s definition of the word “kindred” is “similar in kind; related.” One girl-powered duo is bringing these words to life, not only in their work, but in their play as well. Angie Langeliers and Elisa Olson are two “Kindred” spirits who embarked on a musical journey with little more than two guitars and a shared passion for bringing joy through song. Both music teachers, the ladies shared a car ride to Great Falls on their way to a conference, where conversation turned to performing. Both missed it and felt they had lost a piece of themselves in the hustle and bustle of jobs and families.

Elisa, a former saxophone player and dancer in her college days, and Angie, a student of opera and choral music, began to dream of sharing the spotlight outside of the classroom. Angie says, “Elisa decided she was going to play the guitar every day for a year. She is very musical, and picked it up quickly. After a few months she invited me over to play with her and it was so fun that we never stopped! That was a little over two years ago.” A duo was born. 

Kindred’s music reflects a blend of folk, indie, and old-school country, woven together by their distinct vocal harmonies and intricate guitar melodies. Their performances are intimate, inviting listeners into their world as they pour their hearts out through each note and lyric. Drawing from their own experiences and emotions, they tackle themes of love, loss, self-discovery, and resilience. Each song is a testament to the human experience, offering solace and inspiration to those who listen. Their music carves out an oasis of sound that ranges from pensive and thoughtful to just plain fun.

Their musicality has been hard-won, however. Angie says, “It was hard those first years. It was hard for me to memorize songs. It was a huge learning curve to learn a new musical style and a new instrument. But, opportunities kept happening, so I just kept going with the flow.” The duo juggles the demands of motherhood, career, and all of the trappings that come with raising a family. Both ladies work full time and each have three kids, so they take time off between gigs. They love to play places like Cork and Barrel, Roots, Craft Local, Thirsty Street, and the St. John’s Summer Concert series. They say, “We have about 50-60 cover songs memorized and it's a blast to see people walking by and singing along with us.” Elisa picks a rhythmic beat while Angie noodles lead lines, and they lean into the classics to bring their sound to life. “Elisa is a ranch girl and knows all the old country tunes, so we pop out Dolly Parton and Glen Campbell, but also George Ezra, Sheryl Crow, and everything in between. We run the gamut, and if someone comes up with something they want to hear we will usually know it by our next show.”

In an age where technology often overshadows the simplicity of acoustic music, Kindred reminds us of the beauty that lies in stripped-down melodies and honest storytelling. Their journey is not just about making music; it’s about touching hearts, inspiring others, and leaving a lasting legacy of harmony and authenticity in a world that often craves it the most. You can find Kindred playing this weekend at Billings Public Library on Saturday, May 18 from 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. 

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