Celebrate the spirit, songs of Simon & Garfunkel when the indie-folk duo Scarborough brings its live concert — the Music of Simon & Garfunkel — to Sedona. There will be one performance Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m. on the Goldenstein Stage at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre, presented by the Sedona International Film Festival.
Scarborough is the music of Simon & Garfunkel performed by Nashville song¬writers and touring folk duo, Edward Williams and Ashley E. Norton.
“Ed has the Art hair but plays the Paul guitar,” Norton said. Neither of them really take on a role as either Simon or Garfunkel. The goal is the music and getting as close to the original compositions as they can. They switch off roles as to who sings who, staying true to the orig¬inal acoustic performances. With just one guitar and two voices in harmony, you’ll be transported back into a time when music was about poetry and harmony.
Williams and Norton met in Nashville, Tenn. They began their music partnership as a song-writing duo and began to travel the world with the mission of performing original folk music, under the band name Whitherward. Ed grew up listening to Simon & Garfunkel and would play “Parsley, Sage, Rosemary and Thyme” on repeat.
“It was my favorite album,” he said. “Then, later in Whitherward, we’d be covering songs like “Mrs. Robinson” and “The Boxer,” and they were by far the most popular. More than The Beatles, more than Tom Petty, more than our originals. So we thought, let’s make this a thing.”
And the thing grew. The duo began to take their show on tour, playing all over Arizona, California, Colorado and soon Washington and Wisconsin. Norton has uncovered interesting stories about Paul and Art, including reasons behind their breakup, stories behind the songwriting and quotes that will make you laugh and cry.
“When you come to a Scarborough show, you have no idea how much you’re going to be singing along,” Norton said. “I’ve had people shocked that they still remember all the lyrics to ‘April Come She Will.’”
Norton has an extensive background in studio recording and songwriting. She has been touring with Whitherward for over four years and claims that she sometimes loves the Scarborough shows even more than her original music.
“There’s just something about bringing these songs new life,” she said. “Since they won’t do it anymore, I guess we will.”
Come hear the story behind “El Condor Pasa.” Remember the deep tracks that you forgot about. Sing along to “Homeward Bound. Hear the magic of “Sound of Silence” like it’s the first time all over again. Go back in time and experience the music of Simon & Garfunkel.
Scarborough: The Music of Simon & Garfunkel is live at the Mary D. Fisher Theatre on Thursday, June 27, at 7 p.m. Tickets for the show are $20 in advance; $25 at the door. All tickets include a meet-and-greet in the lobby after the show.
Visit SedonaFilmFestival.org for tickets and performance information or call 282-1177. Both the Sedona International Film Festival Office and the Mary D. Fisher Theatre are located at 2030 W. SR 89A in West Sedona.
