Submitted by Kelsey Nelsen

Regional favorites Caleb Klauder and Reeb Willms will play at the Lopez Grange square dance as the Cully Cutups, with local Chris Miller joining in on banjo. The pair is half of Foghorn Stringband, which has toured regionally and internationally for the past 15 years, gaining fans wherever they go.

Klauder and Willms form a vocally-driven duo whose music stands out as subtle, powerful and compelling. Their sound is elevated by Klauder’s distinctive and lyrical mandolin playing, and grounded by Willms’ unwavering guitar playing as they perform original songs and tunes as well as their favorite picks from traditional and country repertoires. Both artists originally hail from Washington State: Klauder from Orcas Island and Willms from the Waterville Plateau. They bring their pure and honest sound to both the Foghorn Stringband and the Caleb Klauder Band.

Recently, at a late-night performance in a bar, an audience member was heard to say, “If you don’t like this music, you deserve to have your ears cut off!” A little harsh perhaps, but the sentiment exudes admiration for the timeless sound that these two produce, capturing the essence of American roots.

The dance will take place Saturday, Jan. 11 at the Lopez Island Grange. There will be a potluck at 6 p.m. and the dancing starts at 7:30 p.m. No partner or experience are necessary; all dances will be taught and called by Kelsey Nelsen. Tickets are sliding scale $10 and kids are always free.

The duo will also play a house concert at 6:30 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 12. The evening will be a great time to hear some of Klauder and Willms’ repertoire of original tunes and country classics, and their beautiful harmony singing. Suggested $20 admission; please email Cary at clung.seattle@gmail.com to RSVP.