Tillers Folly is an internationally-appreciated musical trio with extreme guitar, mandolin, fiddle, bass and banjo tendencies. Hailing from British Columbia, the band plays Portland, Friday September 20 opening the 2013 Portland Folkmusic Society season.Â
Their blend of Celtic-influenced Canadiana, Americana, Newgrass and beyond combusts in a sparking gap of three adept musicians who produce poignant, versatile and sincere music. Bruce Coughlin is the songwriter and guitarist; Nolan Murray, a mandolin, fiddle and banjo champ. Laurence Knight has toured playing bass with Bo Diddley and others. Tillers Folly preserves and promotes Pacific Northwest history in song. See tillersfolly.com
Sean Gaskell plays the 21 string West African Kora and opens the evening’s festivities. His 300 year old instrument is traditionally played by Griots (Gree-ohs) and the oral musical historians of the Mandinka people. Studying extensively under the instruction of Kora masters, Gaskell has played Kartong Festival in Gambia and Dombondir Festival in Senegal.
All in all, it’s a most splendid way to celebrate the autumnal equinox and PFS’ new concert location at St. David of Wales Episcopal Church, 2800 SE Harrison St. (less than a mile east of their previous Carvlin Hall location). Tickets are $14 for PFS members, $17 for non-members, and $8 for ages 12-18. (As ever, kids under 12 are free.) Advance tickets can be purchased online at portlandfolkmusic.org/concerts.