Fieldstone

In the early to mid 1980s, husband and wife Mark and Bekki Titchner were part of the western PA rock scene. However, with a keen interest in mid 19th century history, particularly the Civil War era, the couple's music took a decidedly acoustic turn, and as a duo in the 1990's, they performed Civil War era ballads in a variety of venues, including reenactments and theater productions. They were drawn to the roots of these songs, whose melodies, songs and stories had trickled down from the great Celtic emigrations of the day. These songs became the foundation upon which the roots of Fieldstone would be built.
In 1996 Fieldstone expanded to trio configuration, adding Dr. Paul Fehrenbach and recording three CDs of Celtic and original material, with And Miles To Go Before I Sleep being produced by legendary Irish musician Gerry O'Beirne. In 2004 Paul left the band to pursue other musical endeavors, and the present-day lineup was forged with the addition of multiple-time Pennsylvania fiddle champion Tara Sansom. Adding Tara infused renewed vigor and passion to the band, taking their music to even greater heights.
Five time Pennsylvania State Fiddling Champion, Tara has performed, competed and taught throughout The United States, Ireland, Scotland and Canada, entertaining audiences with expert Celtic, Bluegrass, Old Time fiddling. She is also a formidable classical player. She graduated with a Bachelors Degree in Music Education from Grove City College in Pennsylvania and holds her Masters in Arts and Liberal Studies with a concentration in Appalachian, Scottish, and Irish Studies from East Tennessee State University. She is an instructor of traditional music at Morehead State University in Kentucky.
The trio mixes it up with Celtic and Appalachian influences, which also find their way into the group's original material. Mark's love of classic rock gives the trio's music a particular drive, as does his penchant for alternative tunings.
Mark plays the 6 and 12-string guitars as well as the bouzouki and cittern. On some of the trio's recordings Mark dusts off the electric guitar for a bit of fun. Tara lends harmony to the group as well as vocals on some Appalachian songs, and she also plays mandolin. Bekki is the group's primary vocalist, and she also plays wooden flute and whistle. She recently began a love-hate affair with the tenor banjo.