Penny and Sparrow visited Austin on Nov. 10 as part of their 2017 tour following the release of their album, “Wendigo,” which is yet another successful chapter in a long line of alluring musical genius.

By Megan Mayer

The indie folk duo, Penny and Sparrow, was formed in 2011 by members Andy Baxter and Kyle Jahnke while they attended the University of Texas at Austin. They have created impressive and inspiring melodies ever since. Following their EP, “Creatures,” they have released four albums, as well as one Christmas album, in the past six years.

As Penny and Sparrow played their set, it was apparent that the audience was transfixed. The theater was as quiet as ever as each person sat in awe and allowed themselves to be moved by the vocals and soft strum of the guitar. There was a raw simplicity created by the perfect combination of parts: the acoustic set, the uncluttered stage, the poetic nature of their lyricism and the ease in which they presented their words and chords to the audience.

The Paramount Theater allowed for an unexpectedly intimate atmosphere. One might think that a stage and theater seats would create a divide between the performer and the audience, but in this instance, it was quite the opposite.

In between songs, the duo spent some time talking to the crowd, telling stories and laughing with each other. There was even a bit of audience participation when they asked everyone to make sounds to accompany the music on stage. This lively interaction added another layer of amusement to the experience and the abundance of storytelling and commentary by the duo allowed the fans to connect and attach personalities to artists they may have only heard through their headphones.

Penny and Sparrow are two performers whose love for their craft seizes the attention of all those in earshot. They are pure musicians at heart and their performance is one that shouldn’t be missed if given the chance.