(Photo submitted) The Starlings will perform at The Shaky Tree on Friday, Sept. 20.

As part of a six month national tour promoting their new album, "Marveling the While," which debuted at No. 8 on the Euro-Americana charts in April, The Starlings will perform at The Shaky Tree on Friday, Sept. 20.

The Starlings have captured the ears of fans both in the Northwest and beyond. The anticipated March 2008 release of their sophomore album, "Marveling the While," follows their successful 2006 release of debut album "Songbook." Based out of Seattle, they've received accolades from notable sources as Maverick Magazine and Americana UK; appeared live on KEXP's Audioasis; spent several weeks on John Richards' (KEXP) "Top Ten Northwest Bands"; and shared prominent performances with the likes of Todd Snider, The Avett Brothers, Eilen, Jewell, The Everybodyfields, Shannon McNally, Michelle Malone and numerous regional artists.

Featured in a two-page spread in the March 2007 issue of Maverick Magazine (UK), The Starlings are bringing their blend of Americana country and folk music to an ever broader stage, garnering fans from all corners of the musical spectrum.

Led by the magnetic harmonies and songwriting of Joy Mills and Tom

Parker, the lyrics and vocals are all at once wistful and fierce, haunting and soothing. Their approach is contemporary and inventive, inspired by the classics of country, folk and Appalachia. Guitar, banjo, harmonica and mandolin give front porch flavors to the songs. Elemental themes create The Starlings' solid repertoire -- from a pin-dropping ballad to a foot-stomping barnburner, their images linger -- empty boxcars, twilight on the prairie, divining rods, river beds, the long drive home, and an underlying wonder at the mystery of it all.