Kristy Hanson (born 16 June 1981 in Cleveland) is an American folk-pop singer-songwriter. After moving to Florida in 1986, she attended the University of Michigan, where she earned degrees in English and vocal performance while studying under Shirley Verrett. Influenced by Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez, and the Indigo Girls, Hanson established a reputation performing in venues such as The Blind Pig. Her discography includes the albums Half the Moon (2001) and She's Been Waiting (2003), both released during her university years. She followed these with the recordings Already Gone (2007) and Into the Quiet (2010). Hanson performed extensively across the United States, often appearing with other female artists. Beyond her solo career, she worked to promote independent musicians as a member of Indiegrrl and as a coordinator for Songsalive.
