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Wander off the beaten track with this music duo in Merville

Gardeners Green Folk Music Club in Merville will be hosting a house concert
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Tania Opland and Mike Freeman will perform an eclectic mix of songs Feb. 16.

Gardeners Green Folk Music Club in Merville will be hosting a house concert by Tania Opland and Mike Freeman on Saturday, Feb. 16.

Since 1995 Opland and Freeman 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. Freeman’s irreverent sense of humor and Opland’s stunning vocals provide the springboard for a rollercoaster ride across several continents and back again. Strap yourself in and enjoy.

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 Alaska made, double chambered, wooden ocarina. She has appeared on radio and television in the U.S., Canada, Russia, Uzbekistan, Scotland, Ireland and England.

The pair 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, 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.

They’ll also have one of their popular charity raffles with some great prizes, and the charity cause will be the Ursula Joy Trust Fund, for assisting the family of little Ursula Joy, who is in Vancouver Childrens Hospital undergoing treatment for brain cancer.

For more information, or to reserve tickets, call 250-337-5337.