Gualala Arts Global Harmony Series Encouraging global harmony by sharing cultures through the arts Presents: Willson & McKee

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Friday, October 28, 2011 Gualala Arts Center 7:30 p.m.

Willson & McKee, a nationally touring duo specializing in traditional Irish, Scottish and original acoustic music, will be performing on Friday, October 28, 7:30 p.m. at Gualala Arts Center.

Rocky Mountain Celtic... what Celtic becomes when it settles comfortably, three generations in the west! Americans doing what they do best - interpreting their roots music in fresh and original ways! The combination of their Celtic heritage plus their Montana and Colorado roots gives audiences a distinctive musical experience. Original compositions with an ancient sound, and traditional pieces re-dressed in their customized style.

Performing and studying with master musicians, storytellers and dancers in Ireland and Scotland, guarantees sparkle and depth with a Willson & McKee event! Repeated honors at such events as the Walton's of Dublin International Songwriting Competition at the Milwaukee Irish Festival and instrumental awards such as a National Instrumental Championship guarantee the highest quality performances. The combination of blazing instrumentals, warm harmony vocals, a lot of laughter and a ceilidh dance or two translates into... never a dull moment! A Willson & McKee concert is a curiously un-tamed moment in time, gathering past and present... a comfortable and engaging musical evening with friends.

The concert will include material from their nine recordings, including their latest collection from their last tour to Scotland.

"Our audiences frequently ask for an encore, but they very rarely give a quick standing ovation, the way they did for you on Saturday night! The blend of music and performing style, which you gave them, was excellent!" - N. Smith, Caltech, Pasadena, CA

"Willson and McKee are better than any review I could write for them. Together, they create a show that takes you to the past in the present. The tunes are familiar, sad and wonderful all at the same time. Their songs are of full strong lives and unforgettable stories that deserve a special place in our collective memory." - D.Lerdal, Dahl Fine Arts, Rapid City, SD

Kim McKee

A Colorado native, classical training was her foundation, but traditional folk music became her passion. In the late '70s - early '80s, traditional music was not that readily available, so she did her research by attending festivals, gathering unusual folk instruments, studying books, interviewing people from Ireland and Scotland, collecting stories and songs, having music sent from abroad. She was virtually obsessed! Kim has won numerous awards including the National Mountain Dulcimer Championship in 2002, and four time award winner at the Milwaukee Irish Festival songwriting contest.

Writing poetry, stories, songs and miscellaneous word endeavors, keeps the landscapes, people and experiences alive within her work.

Ken Willson

Ken Willson grew up in rural Minnesota and North Dakota. The early musical memories for him were cherished local events like variety shows, church music, family-made music and other grassroots experiences. Self-taught and determined, he passed through several musical lives, performing with many rock, country, bluegrass and other types of bands. Winning performance awards in such faraway places as Australia, Ken has honed his skills on stage through decades of performance and dedication to his "roots" of acoustic folk music.

Tickets are $18 in advance, $5 more day of the performance. Youth 7 to 17 are free. For advance purchase, go to Brown Paper Tickets or call them at 800-838-3006. To purchase in person, visit the Gualala Arts Center, Dolphin Gallery or Four-Eyed Frog Books in Gualala.

For more about Willson & McKee, visit their website: Jigheads.com

Willson & Mckee concert and the Arts in the School program are partially underwritten by
The Good Night Foundation, Bob Rutemoeller & Mary Sue Ittner and Natalie Shuttleworth.

Willson & McKee

Previous Performance at the Gualala Arts Center
November 2008

Willson & McKee
November 2008

The Gualala Arts Center, located at 46501 Old State Highway in Gualala, CA,
is open weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and weekends from noon to 4:00 p.m.
Please call (707) 884-1138 for more information, or email info@gualalaarts.org.

Join us in celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Gualala Arts, 1961 - 2011

Serving the coastal communities of northern Sonoma & southern Mendocino Counties.