The Foreign Landers
Peggy Dow Performance Center
Thursday October 19, 2023 at 7:30 PM
About The Foreign Landers
This line of the traditional song from which The Foreign Landers take their name captures something of what makes this Transatlantic folk duo’s 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. Tabitha and David have carved 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 themselves—fears in the face of uncertainties and change, a commitment to cling to hope, and a longing for home/a familiar place to rest—all 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 O’Joe 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.
Tabitha and David simply sound like two people who are meant to make music together. The playing, singing, and arrangements are all so wonderful—I’m a fan!”— Sierra Hull
“These two get it, they feel it, and they showcase it here. The Foreign Landers is a duo, a couple of creatives literally and figuratively, but the way they blend themselves, their skills and their ideals... it showcases that, in terms of their artistic souls, they are one.”— The Aquarian
Seating for this concert is traditional auditorium style. If you’d like to help cover the cost of catering, you can choose the “plus Catering” ticket—but this is optional—you can still enjoy refreshments with the regular ticket.