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When the duo of Wishing Chair traveled from Lexington, Ky., to Broward County earlier this year, they expected little more than a good time with their numerous Florida-based musician friends.
They left with an unexpected -- and rare -- coup: awards in two South Florida Folk song competitions, for both Best All-Around Folk Song and Best Mellow Folk Song.
The recognition has accelerated their popularity in the Southeast. It also provided emotional fuel to Miriam Davidson and Kiya Heartwood, two musicians pursuing a "do-it-yourself" music career at a time in their lives when many are contemplating retirement.
"When you win an award, it's a real boost of confidence," said Heartwood, who writes most of the duo's songs. "A lot of times, songwriting is...