In 2019, Kirsten Maxwell performed at a gala honoring Judy Collins with such notable artists as Jimmy Webb, Suzanne Vega, Nona Hendrix, and Judy herself. The legendary singer was so impressed that she invited Maxwell on her 2020 winter tour. The young singer was also one of five artists selected to receive a grant from the 2020 Joe’s Pub Working Group - an artist development program of The Public Theater. 

In 2018, veteran talent booker Cathy Vasapoli—Shaffer was in the audience at a Karla Bonoff show. When she heard opener Kirsten Maxwell she immediately felt compelled to open doors for her, leading to more high profile opportunities.

In addition to sharing the stage with Paul Shaffer, Maxwell has also opened for Melissa Etheridge, Tanya Tucker, The Bacon Brothers, and Robert Klein. 

Maxwell also works in Nashville where she has performed at the City Winery and the iconic Bluebird Cafe.

A New York native, raised between Sunnyside, Queens and Huntington, Long Island, Maxwell attributes her love of music to her parents, who met performing at the famed Amato Opera. Maxwell made her stage debut at age 5, and grew up there, changing costumes and styles, exploring opera, musical theater, folk, and everything in between. Her eclectic taste and talent for switching between genres remains, but she can most often be found playing guitar and singing one of her original songs.

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Rhode Island Songwriters Association (RISA) songwriting contest Winner (2015) * South Florida Folk Festival Singer Songwriter Competition Winner (2016) * Official Showcase Artist at three Regional Folk Alliance conferences (NERFA, SERFA, SWRFA) * Kerrville New Folk songwriting competition Finalist (2016) * Most Wanted Artist at Falcon Ridge Folk Festival (2017) * Joe’s Pub Working Group NYC (2020)

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“Kirsten Maxwell is an amazing writer and powerful, evocative singer whose performances are a sheer joy. She shines in her own lyrical compositions and in her singular choices of other artists, especially those of Joni Mitchell. Hearing Kirsten sing is uplifting-her future as a performer will be an inspiration in an already marvelous present.“

— Judy Collins, “Singer, Songwriter and fan” 

“I once saw Kirsten Maxwell take the stage in a raucous bar. The patrons were there to drink, not listen. She began a delicate ballad, and by the third line, she had them in the palm of her hand. Kirsten is a strikingly special performer.”

— Paul Shaffer 

“You could compare Kirsten to some of the greats but that would be doing her an injustice. She is a very special artist. Her voice, her songwriting, and her delivery make her stand out to me.”

— Amy Kurland, Founder of The Bluebird Cafe 

"In a world with over processed cold digital music, Kirsten is a breath of fresh air with simply warm vocals and clean guitar playing.”

— Steve Walter, The Cutting Room NYC

“Kirsten Maxwell’s beautiful singing and playing makes audiences feel so damned good. So talented, you’re gonna hear from her.”

— Robert Klein

“If I could sing like that, I’d give up the violin.”

— Chris McKhool, Sultans of String

“She opens her mouth and birds fly out.”

— Vance Gilbert, Folk Singer/Songwriter