The trio from Ann Arbor is made up of flutist and vocalist Kelly McDermott, guitarist and vocalist Terry Farmer, and bassist and percussionist Rob Crozier. The group first started in Ann Arbor as a classical flute and guitar duo, and quickly added Crozier to the group as bassist and percussionist. They released their first CD in 2009, and their sound has been morphing since then. A combination of traditional and Celtic sounds, the group infuses traditional and original music with classical and jazz elements, adding a dash of improvisation along the way.

Johnny Williams, curator of Ann Arbor’s Speakeasy Concert Series, says of the group, “The combination of Kelly McDermott’s confident, passionate and assertive voice, Terry Farmer’s beautiful voice and consistent guitar playing with Rob Crozier’s spot-on, in-the-pocket bass work is an emotional fantasy. Crafting intricate and original songs, that you’d swear were 100 years old, will transport you to another time and place.”

The group is on a Michigan tour and had heard about the Playhouse from other Michigan musicians. “The group called me and really wanted to make a stop at the Playhouse. The band members had heard about our great acoustics and great audiences and wanted to visit Whitehall,” says Playhouse Managing Director Katie Trzaska. “They have a distinctive sound and you can hear the classical, jazz and Celtic influences, which blend for a unique musical experience. I’ve never heard anything quite like them before. We are looking forward to hosting another great Michigan band at the Playhouse.”

More information and tracks from their albums are available at Cairn to Cairn’s website, www.cairntocairn.com. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for students, and are available in advance at Whitehall City Hall at 405 E. Colby St. in Whitehall or at the door the night of the show. For more information on the Playhouse and other upcoming events, please visit www.howmetplayhouse.org.

The Howmet Playhouse is a year-round arts and entertainment facility with a dedicated mission to support Michigan musicians, actors, and artists. The Playhouse is a proud member and participant in the annual Muskegon Area Arts and Humanities Festival, which celebrates and explores the arts and humanities in our community throughout the month of October. More info on ahFest can be found at www.ahfest.org.