On Saturday, Nov. 4, Elsie Gawler and Ethan Tischler take the stage at the Merry Barn. These songsters and tunesmiths weave together a musical world of past, present, and hopeful future. Ethan and Elsie delight in learning and sharing the rich musical traditions of New England, Quebec, their Celtic influencers, and Scandinavia, as well as writing their own tunes and songs to carry these traditions forward. 

Elsie Gawler is a multi-instrumentalist and songster rooted in Maine's traditional folk music and culture. With her family, the Gawler Family Band, Elsie has played throughout the state and beyond, sharing traditional fiddle tunes, songs, and original works. From this foundation she has launched her debut solo album, “Sweet As Honey,” a collection of nine original songs inspired by sacred connection to earth and community. 

Ethan Tischler is a vocalist and multi-instrumentalist from just outside of Burlington, Vermont. Though his principal focus in music has been singing and songwriting, Ethan plays concerts and dances on guitar, fiddle, mandolin, and banjo. He leads the Youth Choir at the Belfast Unitarian Universalist Church, teaches guitar and sound recording at the Bagaduce Music Library in Blue Hill, and teaches participatory song and dance residencies at public schools. Ethan records and performs with the Gawler Family Band, the dance trio Springtide, and his partner Elsie.

Building on the rich history of the Merry Barn as a beloved dance hall, and the centrality of music and storytelling to the seafaring communities, farms, fields, and forests of Maine, this new series brings musicians with Maine ties to the Midcoast.

In a turn-of-the-century barn with a house concert vibe, songwriters and musicians find community, connection, and a place to explore their craft. Audiences of all ages experience the beauty and power of story and song in intimate performances spanning genres from indie, folk, rock, blues, multicultural, and indigenous music.

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Concert begins at 7 p.m. Tickets available at www.merrybarn.com and at the door. $20 for adults, $10 for kids 12 and under. For more information: merrybarnwritersretreat@gmail.com. The Merry Barn is at 417 River Road, Edgecomb.