Event

The Foreign Landers

The Foreign Landers
Sunday, March 19, 2023
Doors: 7pm, Show: 7:30pm
Admission: $20

I see the shining stars. I wonder if you see them too wherever you are. ~ from Foreign Lander

This line of the traditional song from which The Foreign Landers take their name captures something of what makes this Transatlantic folk duos story so compelling. Mandolinist David Benedict grew up in South Carolina while Tabitha Agnew Benedict started playing 5-string banjo at a young age in her homeland of Northern Ireland. They spent their early years playing the same music, gazing at the same stars, yet still so far away from each other. But today Tabitha and David are carving their own path in the acoustic music world together, drawing on their unique international heritage to create something new. With the 2022 release of their album Travelers Rest, they share their own story in a way that is beautifully honest and moving. Although it is their story, listeners will find much that resonates within themselvesfears in the face of uncertainties and change, a commitment to cling to hope, and a longing for home/a familiar place to restall presented in a unique musical experience that sparks curiosity and joy, and showcases a love that unites across borders.

Individually these two are no foreigners to music. Before forming their duo, Tabitha performed with BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalists Cup OJoe from Northern Ireland, and Island Records signed British bluegrass band Midnight Skyracer. While in Nashville, David toured with Grammy-nominated, 10-time International Bluegrass Music Association (IBMA) Bass Player of the Year Award recipient Missy Raines, and later, in Boston, with 2020 IBMA New Artist of the Year Award recipient Mile Twelve. These opportunities led to both Tabitha and David receiving Instrumentalists of Year Momentum Awards from the IBMA as well.