Acclaimed as one of Western Music's brightest hopes, Carin Mari is a songwriter from the heart with a deep passion for her music finding inspiration from life at home in the mountains of Colorado where she was born and raised. Her artistic interests developed early in life by being home schooled and exploring her creativity with her two brothers. Growing up, the three of them spent most of their time in the hiking in the mountains and learning to play instruments. Though their parents have not musically inclined since high school, they were very encouraging to the connection and natural talent the three of them shared with music. After several years of piano lessons, Carin’s musical life changed dramatically when she met Michael Martin Murphey, who is now a dear friend and mentor. He suggested Carin learn, "I Want to be a Cowboy's Sweetheart" in 2001, and from that moment Country Music quickly became her passion. Not a far stretch from her roots, Country Music fit her lifestyle perfectly since she was already passionate about her horses and an avid rider with a love for the western way of life. As Carin’s musical dreams aspired and her friendship grew with Michael over a few years, she and her brothers were motivated to start a band, and are now known as, “Carin Mari & Pony Express.” Michael has been a great inspiration and mentor, giving the trio numerous opportunities to perform with his band at various venues. They have been very fortunate to have a strong family bond and have shared many highlights in their career. They got to be a part of history at the John Wayne Centennial Celebration in his birthplace of Winterset, Iowa, and again in 2009.  The band was also honored to play for the “Route 66 Inaugural Ball” in 2005 at the Smithsonian National Museum for the American Indian in Washington D.C.. The band has released five CD's that embody the spirit of Western Music, winning them numerous awards, one of which named their album, “Follow The Trail,” the title of “Most Promising Album.” It features seven of Carin's compositions and was also named "Best Western Album for 2008" by the Colorado Country Music Association. The bands newest CD - “LIFE * LOVE * LEGENDS” features three of Carin’s original songs, including "Always A Road," the song that won Carin’s title of "2009 Songwriter of the Year" from the NACMAI. Carin, who is now twenty, is a National Yodeling Champion, and after 10 years of continued dedication, her talents as a guitarist/singer/songwriter have won her numerous individual awards, including 2010 Texaco Country Showdown Southwest Regional Winner and Runner-up in the National Final. Although Carin has had great success and opportunities as an individual artist, she knows none of it would have been possible without the support and musical talents of her brothers. Colin is twenty-two and plays his unique style on the mandolin, while Evan, at seventeen holds the band together with his rock solid bass skills. They have a respect for the traditional western sound, but strive to create their own refreshing sound that appeals to the lovers of the traditional western music, as well as those new to the genre.  Carin, is currently pursuing her dreams of being a singer/songwriter and is studying Commercial Music at South Plains College in Texas. She is a very diverse artist that can include a wide variety of music in her shows including, Western, New Country, Bluegrass, Classic Country, and Folk. Whether Carin is on stage with a big band, Pony Express, or playing as a solo entertainer, she is a crowd pleaser with her soothing vocals and intricate guitar skills. Family support has played an immense part in her success and drives her musical aspirations. For Carin, it does not get any better than to play music with her brothers and she hopes that their musical connection will carry over into a life long career.