Nashville singers-songwriters coming to Grange stage

Saturday, August 24, 7:30 p.m., Orcas Grange

— from Mandy Troxel for House Concerts and Such —

Internationally touring Nashville singer-songwriters Mare Wakefield and Nomad (www.marewakefield) will be performing at the Orcas Grange Saturday August 24, 2019 at 7:30 p.m.

Mare Wakefield and Nomad were 2016 and 2015 Kerrville NewFolk finalists and 2015 Falcon Ridge Emerging Artists. Their versatility and travelscapes are evident in their music. Listeners roam through Arizona deserts, Oklahoma oil fields and Amsterdam canals. Journeys go inward too, exploring hope, heartbreak, and barroom brawls. Story and song are woven together by Mare’s intimate delivery and Nomad’s exquisite piano and accordion.

“Daddy was a seeker,” says Mare Wakefield. “Eventually he became a Salvationist minister. Mama was a gypsy, loving nothing more than a long stretch of highway.” Born with wanderlust in her DNA, Mare lived in eight different places before she was ten. “It was a roller-coaster way to grow up, but my brother and I learned to fit in fast,” she says. “We picked up Wisconsin accents in two weeks. Eighteen months later we were drawling like native Texans.”

For Turkish-born Nomad, the journey was equally varied. His musical education began at the exclusive Istanbul Conservatory and continued with a scholarship to Berklee College of Music. Nomad’s gift for musical arrangements includes a full arsenal of classical, folk and jazz chops.

Doors open at 7 p.m. with non-alcoholic beverages and treats included with the evening. $15 suggested donation ($5 accompanied minors). Tickets are available at the door, or at Brown Paper Tickets: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/4311110 . Reservations are helpful: email houseconcertsandsuch@gmail.com. Mare and Nomad will also be at the Shaw Island Community Center at 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 25.

With fans around the world, Mare and Nomad also have garnered critical acclaim. From the New York Times: “Lovely vocals and even lovelier songs. Mare Wakefield and Nomad are a little bit old country, a lot contemporary folk a la Dar Williams or Patty Griffin.”  Americana Tonight of Nashville, TN praises: “At times soft and soulful, at others riotous and rowdy … Mare and Nomad serve up silliness, angst, and twang — all delivered with a delightful stage presence.”

This event is hosted by House Concerts and Such. For more For more info please check out our website: www.houseconcertsandsuch.com.