Carrie and Michael Fox combine native flutes and drums with keys and guitar for a multi-faceted sound that sometimes evolves with their audience. “What we love most is playing heart-centered music,” Carrie said. “We have our own original songs, and
Carrie and Michael Fox combine native flutes and drums with keys and guitar for a multi-faceted sound that sometimes evolves with their audience.
“What we love most is playing heart-centered music,” Carrie said. “We have our own original songs, and we usually have a basic melody but we like to see where the music takes us.”
The duo combines Michael’s knowledge of native music with Carrie’s talents in jazz and blues, as well as her master’s degree in music therapy to create a relaxing and inspiring atmosphere that fosters connection with others.
“It’s about connecting to the music and with each other,” Michael said.
Both Carrie and Michael are versed in voice, guitar and ukulele, and percussion. Michael said he plays the harmonica and the piano by ear, and Carrie has been playing piano since she was five years old.
Michael also has a background in drama and performing arts.
Carrie teaches music at Hanalei Elementary School and the pair also directs music at the Center for Spiritual Living in Kapaa, where they usually play on Sunday mornings.
Carrie and Michael and also play at weddings, birthdays, yoga retreats, and have made appearances at International Peace Day.
Though their passion is to play music with a more spiritual and meditative emphasis, the duo also has written multiple children’s songs.
“We tailor our music to the audience, so if they want us to cover something, we’ll do that,” Michael said, “but we really love playing our own songs.”
They’re about to start work on their first album, but Carrie and Michael said that’s only a small piece of their vision.
Their dream is to combine music and the fundamental teachings of Ashtanga yoga on mindfulness to create a music therapy program for Kauai’s youth.
Carrie said she already combines some of the strategies of music therapy in her elementary music classes.
The next opportunity to join Carrie and Michael’s musical experience is on March 28, when they’ll be holding a Sound Spirit Infusion event at the Center for Spiritual Living.
At the event, Carrie and Michael will be using Tibetan sound bowls, flutes, piano, and voice to create a meditative environment for the audience.
The cost is $15 for CSL Kauai Members, and $20 for the public. Call the Center for Spiritual Living at 755-9177 for more information.
