John and Carleen McCornack

About this event

With a career spanning over 5 decades, Oregon-based folksinger-songwriters Mike and Carleen McCornack have built a musical legacy deeply rooted in Americana and folk-music traditions. Their compelling individual voices blend in rich harmony, which along with their sparkling guitar accompaniment, deliver beautifully crafted songwriting that is both deeply personal and universally resonant. As award winning songwriters, Mike and Carleen’s songs capture the quiet nuances of life and all its stories; songs that express and honor a deep connection with the natural world, as well as whimsical tunes that tickle the funny bone!

Folk legend Bill Staines said, "They sing with a warmth and an easy grace that immediately draws the listener in, with beautiful melodies and pure, heartfelt vocals all blended together into music that will leave you smiling in your heart.”

The McCornacks are at home performing for adults and young folks alike. Their exceptional writing for children has earned them national recognition, including receiving the prestigious Parents’ Choice Gold and Parents’ Guide awards for excellence in recordings for children. Regionally, they have been twice honored with the Florence Winter Music Festival’s “People’s Choice Award,” and Carleen is a songwriter award winner at the Tumbleweed Folk Festival.

To date, Mike and Carleen have released eleven albums—from their 1974 debut recording, Possibilities to their much-anticipated new record, Pocket of Time. Their recordings feature not only their fine original songs, but also outstanding interpretations of exceptional songs by other writers. Legendary songwriter Steve Gillette offered appreciation and high praise of Mike and Carleen’s recording, Stories We Could Tell that included “Darcy Farrow,” the enduring folk ballad Gillette co-wrote with Tom Campbell and said, "Mike and Carleen’s songs are wonderful and the recording is so meticulous, just exquisite. I love their voices too, very sweet harmonies, beautifully expressive singing... I'm very proud of what they've done with 'Darcy Farrow.' It's one of the nicest versions we've had.

At the heart of Mike and Carleen McCornack's enduring appeal is their unique ability to warm any stage in two distinct configurations. As a duo, they offer the intimacy and feel of a cozy living room song circle, no matter the venue. Performing with their full ensemble, the Garden Variety Band, they retain that warmth while adding a sophisticated musicality and instrumental brilliance that perfectly complements the duo's acoustic core. This elegant balance allows them to deliver performances that range from quiet introspection to a full-stage celebration! Whether performing as a duo or with the fuller musical tapestry provided by the Garden Variety Band, Mike and Carleen deliver an authentic, heartwarming and folk-centric experience that leaves audiences feeling like a community of friends."

Veteran concert producer, Anna Ellenman has said, “Listen to Mike and Carleen, and you'll hear two artists making music formed by a devotion to each other and their music, introspection, humor, and a deep desire for connection with their audiences. You'll hear about journeying through life and what happens when love becomes song.”

20. Tickets can be purchased through the Turning Tides website: https://turningtidesmusic.org/ticketing