Martha Scanlan has teamed up with Wilderness Inquiry for this special benefit concert. This event is a perfect pairing of Martha's love for the outdoors and Wilderness Inquiry's community-based mission. Martha's background includes a mix of music, travel, and outdoor adventure. She moved from Minnesota to Montana, where she taught herself guitar while working with youth in a wilderness program. She later moved to East Tennessee and helped launch the Reeltime Travelers. "Wilderness has been a huge part of my life and continues to inform my art - I am so thrilled to be involved in what you all at Wilderness Inquiry are doing." -Martha Scanlan

Martha is making national waves as a solo artist after six years with the Reeltime Travelers. Before they disbanded in 2005, Martha and the Reeltime Travelers performed with greats like Ralph Stanley and Alison Kraus, and were then asked to perform a gospel tune for the Cold Mountain soundtrack and to join the subsequent Great High Mountain Tour. Martha caused a stir as an emerging songwriter, winning first and second prizes in the bluegrass and country division at MerleFest in 2003. Her 2007 debut CD "The West was Burning" has garnered rave reviews. She is joined on this recording by legends Levon Helm (of The Band) and Dirk Powell. Adding to the warm, intimate sound are friends Amy Helm and Glen Patscha from Ollabelle. Martha will be joined by the Stuart Brothers of North Carolina for this special benefit performance.

"Martha Scanlan's music is delivered in a voice that's as beautiful and enigmatic as her poetry. She can be teasing, witty, fragile, and wise, all in the space of a verse and chorus." -Mongrel Music

General admission: $18

Children (under 12): $10

For tickets and more info, go to the Community Events Calendar at www.wildernessinquiry.org

Advance tickets will NOT be available via the Cedar Ticketline, nor from Ticketweb or other Cedar outlets.

Questions? Call Amy Sandeen at 612-676-9420

The West Was Burning asin: B000LPR4EO