As a part of the Acoustic Brew Coffeehouse concert series, guitar duo The Kennedys will bring their special brand of folk-rock to Centre County audiences Saturday at the Center for Well Being in Lemont.

Drawing musical inspiration from the likes of The Byrds, Buddy Holly and Roy Orbison, this rock couple, comprised of Maura and Pete Kennedy, have been on the road for about 11 years.

Their sound is what Maura Kennedy describes as "very guitar intense" and eclectic, as they try and integrate many styles into their music.

"Our music relies a lot on harmony singing. We also try and combine rock, folk, and jazz," she said. "Sometimes Pete will bring out a guitar and give an audience member an impromptu lesson."

The two classically trained musicians met in Austin, Texas after Maura Kennedy left her native New York to pursue a full time career in music. At the time, Pete Kennedy was touring with such acts as Nanci Griffith and Mary Chapin Carpenter.

The two hit it off immediately and later arranged their first date, a rendezvous at Buddy Holly's grave in Lubbock, Texas. A very rock 'n' roll beginning to their musical career.

Maura Kennedy soon joined her husband on Nanci Griffith's tour and after writing and performing together as a duo, the two eventually became the tour's opening act. They have been writing and performing with each other ever since.

Together, they write all original music. At their live performances, they will occasionally do covers, but mostly like to jam out and make each performance a unique experience for their audiences.

"Our live show has a lot of extended guitar playing. We like to make each show special and different," Maura Kennedy said.

Throughout their musical relationship, the couple has played many festivals around the country where they have developed large fan base in the folk community, especially around the Washington area. The two have also released six albums including River of Fallen Stars, Life is Large, Angel Fire, Evolver and Positively Live!

Pete Kennedy usually plays an acoustic six string while Maura Kennedy plays rhythm guitar as well as performs the majority of the vocals.

Their latest album, Stand, debuted in 2003 to eager fans.

All of The Kennedy's albums showcase the duo's folky-feel good sound.

The Acoustic Brew concert series was created started about 13 years ago and has been well received by the community.

"The series has a very loyal following, but there isn't enough PSU involvement," Jim Colbert, Acoustic Brew publicist, said.

"This year, we're lobbying for more high school and college-aged audiences to broaden our audiences," Colbert said.

The Kennedys are excited to return for their second State College area appearance.

This is the second time they will bring their love of music back to Happy Valley in almost four years.

"It's a beautiful area. We love it out there!" Maura Kennedy said.

She added that through the years, the duo's musical and marital partnerships have become virtually the same.

"Our relationship has always been integrated with music," she said.

Their love of music and each other seems apparent in their live shows, Maura Kennedy said, adding that her favorite aspect of live performance is "living in the moment."

"When we start playing, we go into this zone where we don't hear or see anything; we're so incredibly into the music," she said.