Jay Ungar & Molly Mason

Concert & Workshop with American Folk Duo

Jay Ungar & Molly Mason will be at the Community Theater this Saturday

From appearances on A Prairie Home Companion to creating the theme of the landmark PBS documentary, The Civil War, Jay Ungar & Molly Mason may just be one of the most celebrated duos on the American acoustic music scene.

The folk duo takes the stage at San Juan Community Theatre on Saturday, April 6 at 7:30 p.m. and holds a pre-concert free music workshop with the island’s own Mike Vouri and Mike Cohen at 2:00 p.m. at the Theatre.

After meeting at a rural New York club and then marrying in 1991, Ungar and Mason have been consistently making music together—filling their concerts with timeless renditions of hard-driving Appalachian melodies, Cajun and Celtic fiddle tunes, stirring Civil War classics, sassy songs from the golden age of swing and country, stunning waltzes and moving original works. Several of those original works have been featured in Ken Burns’ documentaries, including the selection of Ungar’s “Ashokan Farewell” for The Civil War.

Before the live concert on the Whittier stage, Ungar and Mason will be joined by Chief of Interpretation and Historian for San Juan Island National Historical Park, Mike Vouri, as well as folk singer Mike Cohen, for a workshop/demonstration, History Sings: An Exploration of 19th Century Folk Music.

The program melds with the Park’s ongoing efforts to explore the roots of mid-19th century American folk traditions as interpreted through songs and dances that tell stories. It will include “Pickett’s Irish” program, an exploration through folk songs that draws on the experience of the Irish in 19th century antebellum America. The complimentary workshop is made possible thanks to a grant from the Western States Arts Foundation (WESTAF).

The Business Partner for the concert is Wildwood Manor. Tickets are $24 for adults, $12 for student reserved and $5 student RUSH at the door. The SJCT box office is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tickets may also be purchased on-line at www.sjctheatre.org

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