PORT ANGELES — The newest concert space at Peninsula College has been a place for classical music and jazz, along with the occasional poetry reading or film.
But Friday night, a different sound will fill Maier Performance Hall: the sound of Merle Haggard, John Prine and even the Temptations in a bluegrass-harmony style.
FarmStrong, a country-folk foursome grown in Sequim, is headed for the hall, and singer-guitarist Cort Armstrong isn’t holding back about it.
“This is the most exciting venue the band is likely to perform in in 2014, though we are planning tours to Portland [Ore.] and the San Francisco Bay Area later in the year,” he said.
“There really is no better listening environment on the Peninsula.”
Twisted Roots, another foursome mixing up country, rock and folk, will open the show at 7 p.m. with a 25-minute set including songs such as “Sweet Georgia Brown,” “Nine Pound Hammer” and “The Girl I Can’t Forget.”
After intermission, FarmStrong — Jim Faddis, Rick Meade, John Pyles and Armstrong — will step up to play from 7:40 p.m. until 9 p.m.
Where to buy tickets
Tickets are $15 at www.BrownPaperTickets.com, and any remaining will be sold Friday evening at Maier Hall, which is on the southeastern side of Peninsula College at 1502 E. Lauridsen Blvd.
The band will donate a portion of the proceeds to the Peninsula College Foundation, which funds student scholarships and special programs on campus, said Getta Rogers, foundation development manager.
Rogers is urging people to buy before the 131-seat hall sells out.
It’s been difficult to book concerts such as this, Rogers said, due to its use for college activities and occasional partnerships with local organizations.
“This was a perfect storm in terms of timing,” she said, “in that students are out for spring break, no other performances were scheduled, and FarmStrong is a quality musical group suited for the venue.”
FarmStrong’s CD “Live in Dungeness: The Summer Sessions” will be on sale at the show.
Information about the band can be found at www.FarmStrongMusic.com, while Armstrong noted that he and the band plan on some offline interaction this Friday.
The four will stay after, for a good hour, to mingle with concert-goers in Maier Hall’s foyer.
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Features Editor Diane Urbani de la Paz can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5062, or at diane.urbani@peninsuladailynews.com.
