Take a Musical Dreamtime Journey

Lawrence Duncan and Michael Marsolek offer annual Winter Solstice concert

On Stage
A Musical Dreamtime Journey
Lawrence Duncan and Michael Marsolek perform their annual solstice concert in the round, and by candlelight.

Lawrence Duncan and Michael Marsolek again celebrate Winter Solstice with their Musical Dreamtime Journey, 7 p.m. Dec. 21 at St. Anthony Parish in Missoula. This marks their only performance of the popular concert this year.

These annual concerts celebrating the season of lights and winter solstice have been presented around the region for more than two decades. Each performance features a variety of world instruments and sounds, including: didgeridoos, ethnic flutes, bassoon, saxophones, drums and percussion instruments, harp, Tibetan bowls, voices and other musical surprises.

Unique to the world of performing arts, the “Dreamtime Journey” concerts are held without applause, in the round, and by candlelight. And for contemplative comfort, participants are encouraged to bring pillows, pads and blankets etc.

For many attendees, the Musical Dreamtime Journey has become an annual holiday tradition and a great way to de-stress during the sometimes frenetic season.

Tickets are $12-$15 in advance and $20 at the door.

Duncan lives and works as a musician with his partner Mary Werner a few blocks from downtown Missoula. He has worked as a Music Thanatologist for Hospice of Missoula, and as a performer and workshop co-facilitator with Drum Brothers World Rhythm ensemble based in Arlee.

The multi-instrumentalist has recorded tracks on projects with Shake Russell and Dana Cooper, Mandir, Drum Brothers, Brian Kopper, John Floridis, and A Musical Dreamtime Journey.

Marsolek is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist, who plays numerous drums and percussion instruments with the Drum Brothers and world music ensembles Mandir and Tapas. He has performed on over 15 recordings since 1996. A long-time vocalist, Marsolek is in his 14th season with Dolce Canto, Missoula’s premier vocal ensemble. He has been collaborating with Duncan on the Musical Dreamtime Journey events for more than 20 years.

A stalwart at Montana Public Radio since 1989, he has served as program director for the network since 2001.