STA concert brings Grammy winners

It certainly wasn't the first time that Grammy Award-winners have performed in Sisters, but it's not exactly an everyday occurrence, either. In addition to developing a first-class network of trails in Sisters, the Sisters Trails Alliance (STA) sponsors a series of quarterly outdoor recreation talks. Last week, the local organization sponsored their first-ever fund-raising concert.

By bringing the new age duo of Eric Tingstad and Nancy Rumbel to Sisters, the STA has set the bar high for future events. Tingstad and Rumbel, based here in the Northwest, have been together for nearly 30 years and offer a unique blend of classical guitar, oboe, and ocarina.

Shaped somewhat like a large egg, the ocarina is a wind instrument played by Rumbel that produces flute-like sounds and dates back thousands of years. As enjoyable as Rumbel's ocarina work is, her oboe playing is even more remarkable; and many of the concertgoers wore dreamy looks as the haunting notes echoed through the FivePine Conference Center.

In addition to the ocarina and oboe, Rumbel played the seldom-heard English horn, also known as the tenor oboe. This unusual instrument is a larger oboe with a bulb attached to its end. It was developed in the 18th century in Germany, but the French are credited with labeling it as an "English" horn.

The duo's 2003 album, "Acoustic Garden," won the Grammy Award for Best New Age Album. Tingstad is also a Grammy-nominated solo artist for his work on the classical guitar. Last week at the STA event, he performed several solo pieces, in addition to pairing up with Rumbel.

Ken Serkownek is STA's fundraising chairman, and it was his idea to add this concert to the growing list of STA's contributions to the Sisters community.

"I got to know this group when I lived in Roseburg," said Serkownek. "They performed there for a number of years, and their concerts were always very popular. So, when I had this chance to develop a fundraiser for the STA, I thought of them."

Serkownek said that about 140 people attended the event, and he estimates that $3,000 to $4,000 was raised to benefit STA programs. The funds will be applied toward STA's continuing efforts to improve and expand the trail system and outdoor recreation in and around Sisters.

STA Community Outreach Director Ann Marland was very excited about the event.

"The concert was a success, the music was wonderful, and the audience seemed to have a great time," she said. "Folks I talked to ... said the concert was great and thanked us for putting it on."

She also thanked the several sponsors of the event.

"There were several comments on how the quilts hanging on the walls really added a warm feeling to the room. Thanks to the Stitchin' Post for allowing us to hang these beautiful quilts around the room. Ken Serkownek did such a good job of planning and organizing this event. I'm sure we will provide another event like this in the future."

Serkownek had special praise for another event sponsor.

"I approached FivePine, and they were very gracious about offering their support, along with the other sponsors."

Other local sponsors included Abbajay Security, Your Store, The Gallery, Blazin' Saddles, Jen's Garden, and Shibui Spa.

For his part, Serkownek sounded ready to do it again.

"I gained a lot of experience in organizing this thing, and we'll probably try to have a similar event next fall," he said.

The Sisters Trails Alliance is an all-volunteer community organization dedicated to the planning, constructing, and maintenance of walking, hiking, cycling and equestrian trails in Sisters Country. The STA believes that trails are an indispensable ingredient of quality of life and economic vibrancy in Sisters Country. Help and new members are always welcome. For further information, log on to their website at www.sisterstrails.com.