The Alldrins played multiple instruments and sang at College Park Community Church in Kingman in May while on their tour. They entertained with violins, penny flute, mandolin, guitar, viola, cello, piano and heavenly voices.
It has been a while since they passed through, but their story begs to be told. Loren Alldrin, and his wife, Kristen, met in a college music program, married, and started a family of four girls, Mackenzie, 21, Anneliese, 18, Emily, 17, and Jullian, 14,
A nice sized family, but they had friends who had adopted internationally, which made the Alldrins become aware of the great number of orphans worldwide. Eventually, they considered adopting a seven year old Ethiopian girl, Yodit. However, another five year old girl, Bethlehem and her two year old brother Biruk came up for adoption also. Loren said about the orphans, “We fell in love with all three, and flew to Ethiopia in 2009 and brought them home on Christmas day.”
Five years ago, they began to play fiddles as a family with no intention of forming a band. They played retirement homes, farmer’s markets, and churches. Loren said about these venues, “Pretty much any place that they would have us.” Loren plays many instruments, Kristen sings and all seven children sing and play at least two instruments. Their genres are: popular Christian songs, Celtic, folk, old-time fiddle, classical, hymns, gospel, and more.
In May, they began touring the country in a 12 year-old 35-foot Winnebago Sightseer. It was in good condition; however, they had to redo the whole interior and fix four leaks. It’s not large enough for everyone to sit down at a dinner table, and as Loren said, “It’s a squeeze, but its roomy compared to the 27 foot camping trailer we had.” Nonetheless, the children do have their own space, which they decorated themselves to make them feel at home.
About the tour, Loren said, “This tour has been one of the greatest challenges that we’ve ever tackled as a family, but the impact and benefits have been huge.” Loren continued, “We’re making a difference in other’s lives, and we’re being changed as well. “We won’t be the same people.”
Kristen added, “I’m excited to share our family’s story and our music with people all across the country.” Emily, the third oldest daughter, added to her mother’s comment, “I feel like I’m taking a 5-unit class, with all the hard work and music experience I’m getting. I’m learning so much, and I’m grateful that dad didn’t give up his God-given vision.”
In addition, Anneliese, the second oldest daughter said, “Preparing for this tour has been difficult, and I’ve not always been 100% into it, but when I stand on stage with my family, I feel so blessed to have this incredible experience.” The family has CD’s such as, “Heritage” a fiddle album and the “Child of Mine” album. You can learn more about the Alldrin’s at https://alldrins.com
