Deschutes Public Library is pleased to welcome David Helfand, Celtic Harpist, and violist Justin Lader for three performances as part of Escape the Ordinary, this summer’s adult reading program. The performances are free and open to the public and CDs will be available for sale.

Saturday, July 18, 11:00 a.m.
Redmond Library

Saturday, July 18, 3:00 p.m.
Sunriver Library

Sunday, July 19, 2:00 p.m.
Downtown Bend Library


Their music is an eclectic blend of original multicultural-inspired music with Celtic and Middle Eastern influences. They have performed throughout the Northwest and the San Francisco Bay Area and have released three albums together to date. Prior to their collaborative efforts Helfand recorded six albums as an ensemble and solo artist.

Helfand’s musical journey began in New York where he started as a drummer in high school. After dabbling with the guitar, he was introduced to the Celtic Harp. Over the years, Helfand has performed at many Northwest festivals and in 2003 was invited to perform in Cornwall, England. He has also performed at the harp conference HarpCon in Bloomington, Indiana, and has produced and performed concerts at the Lane ESD Planetarium.

Together, Helfand and Lader have performed at the Eugene Irish Festival; Music to Die For series’, the Seattle and Santa Cruz Libraries; house concerts in Berkeley and Alamo, California, and the Occidental Center for the Arts. Their albums include the all acoustic harp/viola CD called “After the Rain,” their Celtic inspired album “From a Distant Time” and their new Space Opus album “Through the Portal.”

For more information about this or other library programs, please visit the library website at www.deschuteslibrary.org. People with disabilities needing accommodations (alternative formats, seating or auxiliary aides) should contact Liz at (541) 312-1032.