Three Troubadours Bringing Hootenanny to Orcas Center

Friday, February 15 , 7:30 p.m., Orcas Center

— from Tom Rawson —

Three of the Northwest’s finest folk troubadours are bringing some hootenanny fun to Orcas Island.

Carolyn Cruso will regale you with the intricacies of the fascinating hammered dulcimer; an ancient instrument that originated in Persia over 2000 years ago. She plays both traditional Celtic tunes and her own world inspired contemporary compositions. She is also a singer/songwriter, accompanying herself often on alternately tuned guitars. Her lyrics explore such characters as bards, outliers and divine strangers. She explores topics of love, sensuality, loss and redemption, creating a rich weaving of rhythm, melody, and intelligent lyrics.

Tom Rawson is the West Coast’s very own version of Pete Seeger. Armed with longneck banjo and other weapons of mass delight, Tom is a master of warmth and wit who loves to share his musical treasures with an ‘I know something you don’t know and you’re gonna love it too’ kind of smile.

Ellen van der Hoeven is a singer/songwriter from Vancouver BC. Her songs are influenced by her rich background in British, Irish, Canadian and American folk, and include references to fairy tales, family relationships, and of course, the universality of love. She accompanies her songs on guitar and mandolin, and is most notable for her expressive singing style.

Triple Americana–a Coffeehouse Inspired Concert Carolyn Cruso, Tom Rawson, and Ellen van der Hoeven Orcas Center, Friday, February 15, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $15, Students/Seniors $12 www.orcascenter.org/events

From gospel to contemporary, profound to downright silly, Carolyn, Tom, and Ellen will have you singing, clapping, and laughing along all night. Join us for some humorous stories, user-friendly songs, and acoustic folk philosophy that’s guaranteed to leave you smiling. Tune up your vocal chords; you’ll need ’em!