By Betty Freeman

Look for some surprises and all new songs when the Rural Characters take the stage at 7:30 p.m. for two nights, Friday, May 16 and Saturday, May 17.

The Characters invite you to share in all the music, laughter, joie de vivre, and casual disregard for perfection that endears them to their audience and allows them to get away with this year after year.

“We’re reaching out to the Best Generation, the Beat Generation, Boomers, X-ers, Millenials and whatever we're going to call this next crop — there's something for everyone, like slices on a cheese platter,” said Rural Character Randy Hudson.

This is their 12th show at WICA, offering what they call a “Clintonian mix of originalia, parodilia and paraphernalia.”

The core group includes Hudson, Gordy Adams, Tom Fisher and Tom Walker. Russell Link will play percussion, and special guests “The Heggenes Valley Boys” Ed Fickbohm and Joe Jeszeck, will also join the fun.

The Rural Characters got their start in 1997 as singing cowboys at a theatrical performance at WICA. They’ve been together ever since, sharing their unique take on Island life with insight and wit. Their first concert was in 2003 as part of the then new Local Artist Series. The next year they were invited back, but this time as a benefit to help fund the Series. The year after that the show extended to two nights.

“Playing Langley qualifies as a road trip for us,” said Hudson. “We’ve come up with all new songs and stories for this concert, and already had a lot of fun in the process. Why not come and have fun too? It’s Island style.”

Tickets are $25, and can be purchased online here, at the box office at 565 Camano Ave. in Langley, open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 1-6 p.m. and two hours before show time, or by phone 800-638-7631 or 360-221-8268.

Betty Freeman is an award-winning writer and editor who frequently writes about the arts for Whidbey Island publications. She lives in Clinton with her husband Dan, a sculptor.