Willamette Shakespeare Introduces Celtic Band Roughly Hewn, 5/21 and 6/3

This summer, Willamette Shakespeare will be sharing the stage with Newberg-based Celtic band Roughly Hewn in its August production of A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. For those who can't wait until that production to hear them, there are two upcoming opportunities to catch them. In addition to playing at the Willamette Shakespeare Preview Party and Fundraiser on June 3rd at Stoller Vineyard, the band will be playing on Friday May 21st at The Coffee Cottage at 808 E Hancock in Newberg from 8 - 9:30 PM. More information is available at their Facebook event page.

Roughly Hewn is a Yamhill County-based group of multi-instrumentalists who produce a unique, engaging kind of music: a fusion of Celtic Traditional with elements of jazz and rock. The driving rhythm section and aggressive strings complement the lilting voices and flute.

The group initially formed in 1998 as a group of friends enjoying playing music together. Soon Roughly Hewn had a name and places to play, such as weddings, parties, coffeehouses and festivals. Their first album, 'The Grey Dawn,' came out in 2004. The current group consists of original members Sean Boyle (guitar, bass and vocals), Gordon Hall (violin, viola, bouzouki, mandolin), and Sally Mehler (flutes, whistles, and vocals), as well as Joia Otto (violin and viola), Joshua Toole (drums, harmonium, guitar, and vocals), and Todd Harris (drums). Each member contributes to the arrangements of the songs and instrumentals.

For more information about Willamette Shakespeare, please visit http://www.willametteshakespeare.org/. For more information about Roughly Hewn, please visit http://www.roughlyhewn.info/.