THE INNOCENCE MISSION

Thirteen years after recording their debut, The Innocence Mission remains an island of calm, a beacon of hope in a post-Littleton world. From the quiet city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the three members of The Innocence Mission make their music, all of it exalting love and friendship, peace and joy.

Don and Karen Peris, group founders and songwriters, and bassist Mike Bitts, all met in high school and quickly began making music together. Though the band missed the '60s, they could be considered honorary baby boomers because of their love of 60's music. Of course, they also developed a passion for contemporary music, from Talk Talk's "Laughing Stock" album to Rachel's "Music for Egon Schiele."

In 1987, The Innocence Mission signed with A&M Records. Between 1989 and 1995 the band released three acclaimed albums, a 1989 self-titled debut, "Umbrella" (1991), and "Glow" (1995), which garnered their greatest critical and commercial success to date. "The Village Voice" claimed, "'Glow's' subtle attractions prove as memorable as a perfect summer dusk," while "Interview" praised Karen's "pristine melodies, poetic verse, and lulling voice." The album boasted of a top 20 AAA hit with "Bright as Yellow," and tracks were featured on "Party of Five," and the soundtrack to the feature film "Empire Records." In addition, Don and Karen enjoyed some memorable turns as guest musicians over the years, having worked with such artists as Joni Mitchell, Natalie Merchant and John Hiatt. After the release of "Glow" the band toured with Natalie Merchant, Emmylou Harris, the Catchers, 16 Horsepower, and others throughout the US and Canada.

The Innocence Mission returned home in the spring of 1996, and that summer began to make recordings of new songs, working at the Keppel Building, a retired candy factory in downtown Lancaster, and at home.