Getting to Know. . . WISHING CHAIR
 by Kathy S-B  ·  26 August 2007

Another venue presenter turned me on to Wishing Chair. How can you not take notice of an act from Stamping Ground, Kentucky? Is that a great town name or what? Especially for musicians! This rootsy duo is made up of multi-instrumentalist Miriam Davidson and songwriter Kiya Heartwood. Their politically charged songs combined with passionate and interesting instrumentation. They have recorded seven CDs to date since 1995. Their latest CD, “Underdog,” is a gem. Miriam and Kiya cite Holly Near as one of their “sheroes.” Check out their music at their MySpace page or visit www.wishingchair and get to know these talented women a bit more.

How did the two of you get together and form Wishing Chair?

We met while we were working at the Toronto campus of the National Guitar Summer Workshop. Miriam was running the program and Kiya was teaching songwriting and guitar. Kiya was getting ready to record a solo CD. We had done some singing together while at the workshop and over the course of things she asked if Miriam would like to sing backup vocals. By the time the record was done, it was Wishing Chair’s first recording, “Singing with the Red Wolves.”

Tell us about the band’s name.

Kiya had a friend from Ireland who had a postcard on his mantel of what looked like two Native American women sitting on a rock. He said, “No, those are Travelers at the Wishing Chair.” It’s a huge natural marvel, a rock formation along the northern coast of Ireland — the Giant’s Causeway. It’s part of the national park system. One formation is shaped like a throne and legend has it that if you sit and make a wish your dreams will come true.

You’re from Kentucky. How would you describe the music scene there? Is it different than other parts of the country you’ve toured?

The Kentucky music scene is small but mighty with artists such as Reel World String band and Jean Ritchie. There’s a good underground alternative scene as well.

Wishing Chair has won a lot of awards and played many folk festivals all over the country, but there’s one award that I find especially interesting — Best Political Song. Dare I ask what the topic was?

Well, we’ve been a finalist twice in the Music to Life song contest. It’s run by Paul Stookey and the finals happen at the Kerrville Folk Festival. The first time it was for “Dishpan Brigade,” a song about Mother Jones and the Arnot Pennsylvania strike of 1900. The second time was for “Outlaw Wedding,” which is a song about a lesbian wedding.

Your music has been described as independent and free-spirited. In my opinion, that’s a great description because it tells us that you don’t fix into a box like so many recording artists these days. Being yourself on stage and on record must be a truly rewarding experience. What’s next on your agenda? More touring? Any planned collaborations in the works?

We are working on many projects! We just put out new live CD, which is just like our live show, minus talking, tuning and our great wardrobes! Other things include a new fully produced CD and a choral song cycle. We are planning on more international touring in the next two years as well as festivals and concert appearances here in the States.

Photo by Irene Young