The Gardeners Green Folk Music Club in Merville will host a house concert this Saturday by Tania Opland and Mike Freeman.
Since 1995 Tania and Mike have been touring the world together from home bases half a world apart, with a unique and eclectic mix of songs in several languages and acoustic music played on more instruments than any sane duo would travel with: hammered dulcimer, guitar, recorders, cittern, violin, Native American flute, ocarina, hurdy-gurdy, percussion...
Their shows feature traditional and contemporary material from many cultures as well as original compositions, all presented with wit and style — guaranteed to provide an evening of great music and entertainment for all, especially those seeking something a little off the beaten track.
Mike's irreverent sense of humor and Tania's stunning vocals provide the springboard for a roller-coaster ride across several continents and back again.
Freeman, originally from Manchester, England, has played guitar and percussion for many years with an assortment of bands, accompanied Middle Eastern and African dance troupes, and performed at countless festivals throughout Britain and North America. He has worked on numerous recordings in the roles of musician, arranger, producer and recording engineer.
Opland, born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, performs on an array of musical instruments including an unusual five-string violin, hammered dulcimer, hurdy gurdy and an Alaskan-made, double-chambered, wooden ocarina. She has appeared on radio and television in the U.S., Canada, Russia, Uzbekistan, Scotland, Ireland and England.
These two divide their time between Suquamish, in Washington state, and Inistioge, Ireland, because anyplace else would be too easy to spell.
They have recorded eight albums between them (including two collaborations with best-selling author Anne McCaffrey, in Ireland), and make numerous appearances as studio musicians on other recordings in the U.S., U.K. and Canada.
Check out their website and hear some of their music at www.opland-freeman.com.
As this concert will take place in a private home, seating is limited, and tickets must be reserved in advance. Tickets are $20 ($10 kids), all of which goes directly to the performers. Tickets include hot drinks and a bountiful dessert buffet.
A charity raffle will benefit the Ursula Joy Trust Fund to assist the family of little Ursula Joy, who is in Vancouver Children's Hospital undergoing treatment for brain cancer.
If you'd like more information, or to reserve tickets, phone 250-337-5337.
— Gardeners Green Folk Music Club