Press Release
The Backus Community Center in International Falls is pleased to present Bill and Kate Isles as the final show of its 2015-16 concert series.
They take the stage this Saturday (April 16) at 7 p.m.
The Isles are an acoustic singer/songwriter duo based in Duluth, Mn.
Using a wide variety of musical styles, their performances carry audiences through a broad landscape of experiences—from metaphorical worlds to small-town family stories and zany comedy.
Consummate performers, they’re known for their catchy melodies and memorable songs.
They have a deep-seated love for the audience, and each other, and it shines before, during, and after the performance.
They tour nationally, presenting their profound songs for audiences large and small—from house concerts to festival stages and everything in between.
Bill Isles (born and raised in Duluth) performed his first show of original songs, after a 25-year hiatus, in February, 2000.
Since then, he’s become one of the most well-known singer/songwriters on the Minnesota acoustic scene, and has been getting national and international attention.
Isles’ love of life has strong roots in his childhood, but his urgency to tell these stories comes from an experience in 1993 when, with just enough warning to drive himself to the hospital, he experienced a sudden cardiac arrest.
He arrived with just 10 minutes to spare.
After being defibrillated, and before the doctors had time to detect and open a blocked artery in his heart, Isles made a commitment to himself that, if he survived, he would begin to write again.
Those paddles restarted more than just his heart. . . .
Kate Isles, born in Tecumseh, Neb. but raised in Rochester, Mn., came to the CD release concert for Bill’s first CD, “Weightless,” after hearing a public radio interview.
She bought the CD and signed up on his e-mail list (“Grounds for marriage!” quips Bill).
Their song, “Public Radio (A True Story),” is a delightful duet that chronicles these beginnings.
Their relationship began in the ensuing months as they enjoyed afternoon sessions with guitars, harmonies, and coffee.
They’ve been together ever since, marrying in May, 2004.
Tickets for the show are available in advance at Backus and City Drug in the Falls, as well as Betty’s in Fort Frances.
They also will be available at the door the night of the show.
Tickets cost $12 for adults, $6 for students, and $25 for families.
