Hapless Enigma is the Cincinnati-based acoustic duo of wife-and-husband musicians Jeanine and David Ridenour—two seasoned multi-instrumentalists with a shared love for timeless songs and rich, effortless harmony.

Drawing from the best of the 1950s through the 1980s, Hapless Enigma brings familiar favorites to life with a warm, intimate sound that audiences instantly connect with. Jeanine’s expressive vocals, piano, fiddle, and guitar blend seamlessly with David’s signature guitar style and smooth harmonies. On any given night you may also see appearances from mandolin, accordion, bass, fiddle, melodica, or other “surprise” instruments that add color and character to their set.

Their musical journeys span Chicago, Cincinnati, California, Nashville, and beyond—shaped by influences ranging from Alison Krauss, Mary-Chapin Carpenter and Joni Mitchell to Miles Davis, Bob Dylan and CSN&Y. Together, Jeanine and David create an easy chemistry rooted in decades of musicianship, life experience, and a shared sense of joy.

Whether performing at intimate venues, private events, house concerts, or community gatherings, Hapless Enigma is known for lush vocal harmonies, heartfelt storytelling, and nostalgic, crowd-pleasing sets. Audiences don’t just hear the music—they feel it.