MARSHFIELD – MPK Christian Celtic Band brings a celebratory release concert for its brand new CD “Harbour” to Chestnut Avenue Center for the Arts. The performance begins at 7:30 p.m. on Sunday evening, Sept. 21. Featured will be MPK’s unique mix of original Celtic songs and traditional instrumental Scottish fiddle tunes.

“We are excited about the release of this new album,” said Deb Johnson, MPK band leader, “because it reflects our growing maturity as Celtic musicians. It contains a variety of styles that come under the Celtic genre, including soulful fiddling, country and contemporary ballad.”

MPK Christian Celtic Band is made up of seven family members. Since they last played at Chestnut Center, the Johnson family college-age daughters have graduated as music performance majors and now teach. Their added experience, along with the family’s outstanding musicianship, makes for highly appealing audience entertainment.

Pastor Ron Johnson, a Scottish historian, serves as master of ceremonies for his family’s performances. Mother Deb Johnson’s talents include songwriting, vocals, classical and electric guitar, and violin. Daughter Dawn Wolf is a songwriter and vocalist, and performs on flute and whistles.

Daughter Maranatha Elmhorst plays keyboard, guitar and bagpipes; in addition, she is a vocalist, songwriter and Highland dancer. Daughter Joanna Johnson is an award-winning Scottish fiddler (National Scottish Fiddle Competition in Edinboro, PA; Regional Competition at Grandfather Mountain, NC) who also writes, vocalizes, and dances.

The family’s college-age grandson Noah Wolf is working toward a BA in music. He performs on djembe, bodhran, drums, accordion and keyboard; he too is a songwriter. Maranatha’s husband Vince Elmhorst is the sound tech for the band and runs a 20-channel board Yamaha EMX 5000.

MPK, a local group, has performed in five states and also in Scotland. This Christian band has music, a message, and a ministry that they want to share. Check them out on the web at www.mpkband.com and www.facebook.com/mpkband.

The ticket price is $8 at the door. Children 11 years and younger are free. Chestnut Center is located in downtown Marshfield at the corner of Third Street and Chestnut Avenue.