Celebrate Spring with local harpist David Michael and guitar wizard Michael Mandrell to hear a masterful blend of warm tones of Celtic harp with crystalline strings of steel guitar, playing a graceful garland of original melodies.

These two prolific recording artists have been collaborating for decades. Michael Mandrell, hailing from Taos, New Mexico, met harpist, David Michael in 1994 while touring in the Pacific Northwest and began a collaboration spanning over thirty years. David, in turn, introduced Michael to his long-time friend and World-Fusion music pioneer, Benjy Wertheimer, which inspired Michael to move to Portland—Benjy’s home. Michael and Benjy went on to create a new style which they coined “Celtistani” music—that often included David for many trio performances in the years leading up to the Covid pandemic. Michael then returned to Taos where he has been based since. During the pandemic, David spent time with him there where the two of them created much of the material that was recorded on David's recent "Skyburst" album while also doing some online performances.

Michael's delicate fingerstyle guitar playing employs tinges of folk, jazz, ethnic, with an infusion of Celtic overtones. His CDs have been heard on numerous syndicated networks and radio shows. Michael was a prominent guest on David’s two most recent albums "Confluence" (with Benjy Wertheimer and Grammy-winner Nancy Rumbel) and "Skyburst." David and Michael have also released an ambient duo album, "Cascadia," which has been a favorite with healing arts practitioners internationally. (Their live concerts are more robust and uptempo.)

David Michael has resided in Port Townsend since 1990, running his independent recording label Purnima Productions. He has produced 26 CDs of original music—from lively, world-fusion ensemble works to ambient relaxation music—as a solo artist and in collaboration with ethnic music masters and members of major symphonies. His music has been featured on syndicated radio shows, cable & network television, documentaries and in nature films.

He became somewhat of an institution for his impromptu harp concerts aboard Washington State Ferries. He played regularly on the Whidbey Island/Port Townsend run for 17 years until “homeland security” concerns capsized his busking stint there in 2007 to the dismay of his many fans and his saga touched off an international media storm. He has also toured Europe, performing in castles, cultural centers and as a busker in the walking streets of Scandinavia.

Advance tickets are $25 from www.UnityPT.org or call 360 385-6519. Admission at the door is $30. The Unity Center is located at 3918 San Juan Ave. (across the street from Blue Heron Middle School)