The Innocence Mission

The Innocence Mission, formed in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in 1986, is an American indie folk band led by Karen Peris (vocals, multi-instrumentalist), her husband Don Peris (guitar), and Mike Bitts (bass). The trio met in 1980 during a school production of Godspell. Their 1989 self-titled debut, produced by Larry Klein, marked their entry into the alternative rock scene, peaking at #167 on the Billboard charts. Follow-up albums Umbrella (1991) and Glow (1995) showcased Karen's evocative songwriting and earned critical acclaim, with "Bright as Yellow" becoming a Modern Rock hit.

Post-1999, the band embraced a simpler folk sound with Birds of My Neighborhood. Their independent releases include Christ Is My Hope (2000) and Befriended (2003). Recent albums, Sun on the Square (2018) and Midwinter Swimmers (2024), highlight their enduring appeal.