Lawrence Duncan and Michael Marsolek of the Drum Brothers and Dolce Canto deliver their Musical Dreamtime Journey concerts Dec. 18-22 to Helena, Butte, Missoula, Spokane and Kalispell.
These annual celebrations of the season of lights and winter solstice have been presented around the region for more than two decades. Each performance features a cornucopia 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, although chairs will also be available for those who need them.
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 $15 advance and $20 at the door (children 10 and older only). Concerts begin at 7 p.m. sharp.
Tour schedule:
- Helena: Dec. 18 at Covenant Methodist Church, 2330 E. Broadway St.
- Butte: Dec. 19 at Gold Hill Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 934 Placer St.
- Missoula: Dec. 20 at St. Anthony Catholic Parish, 217 Tremont St. (with surprise musical guests)
- Spokane: Dec. 21 at South Perry Yoga at the Buddhio, 915 S. Perry St.
- Kalispell: Dec. 22 at Northridge Lutheran Church, 323 Northridge Dr. (presented by Big Sky Live)
Duncan lives and works as a musician with his partner Mary Werner a few blocks from downtown Missoula, Montana. 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. He has recorded tracks on projects with several area musicians. Bassoon, soprano saxophone, flutes and recorders, West African percussion, harp, voice and EWI are among his instruments of choice.
Marsolek is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist who performs on drums and percussion instruments with the Drum Brothers and as a guest in other ensembles. He has a passion for the didgeridoo and Native American flute. The long-time singer is in his 14th season with Dolce Canto – Missoula’s premier vocal ensemble. He has collaborated with Duncan on the Musical Dreamtime Journey events for more than 20 years; appeared with the world music ensembles Mandir and Tapas; has produced two CDs and performed on more than 15 recordings since 1996.
Marsolek has worked at Montana Public Radio since 1989, and been program director for the network since 2001. In addition to regular radio work he does voice overs and appearances with Montana PBS and announces at a number of concert events and festivals around Montana. He lives in the Rattlesnake valley of Missoula with his two youngest children, Sophia and Patrick.
For more on the Musical Dreamtime concert tour, visit www.drumbrothers.com, call 406-370-3339 or find the event on Facebook.