Beyond the Borders

A musical and art delight in Longbranch

Hugh McMillan

Special to the Gateway

A sizzling sun didn’t detract from the enjoyment that personified the third annual Beyond the Borders musical performances last Saturday at the Longbranch Improvement Club.

The day kicked off with the Erev Ravs, who describe their musical renditions as “Klezmer and Chutzpah!”

Musicians of Malibu Manouche — Neil Anderson of Pearl Django, Peter Pendras and Tom Hume of the Key Peninsula — poured out their “Gypsy Jazz meets Surf Guitar” sounds and beats. The crowd-pleasing refrains kept toes tapping and bodies swaying.

During breaks of the outdoor performances, sounds on the indoor stage of a unique ensemble called the Washington Association of South Sound Ukulele Players provided a soothing atmosphere.

Attendees enjoyed an art show featuring works by artists of the sponsoring Two Waters Arts Alliance. For the third year in a row, Bev Pedersen won the “People’s Choice Award.”

The haunting sounds of Jami Sieber, electric cellist, vocalist and composer, accompanied by percussionist Geofff Johns, were evocative. A world traveler, Sieber has lived and performed in the Seattle area for almost 30 years and now lives in Bremerton.

A surprising performance came from Angelina Mullins, 4, of Lakebay, who spontaneously displayed her sense of rhythm and dance on the grass to the music of the Sambatuque Afro-Brazillian and Afro-Cuban group that they handed her a metallic gourd to be part of the group’s rhythmic performance.