A vocal artist with a wide range of musical talent who is new to Whidbey Island is preparing a performance honoring Mother Earth.

Singer and songwriter Celia Farran is playing an Earth Day concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, April 21 at the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Whidbey Island, which is located at 20103 Highway 525 in Freeland. A portion of the event’s proceeds benefit Sound Water Stewards of Island County, a network of volunteers working towards a healthy, sustainable marine environment through education, science and stewardship.

Farran is a prolific artist who has recorded and produced a total of 13 albums. She writes a new song every week, which is available to her subscribers of Patreon, a membership platform for content creators.

Raised in a musical family in Wisconsin, Farran gained experience learning a variety of instruments and performing from a young age. At 16 years old, she recorded her first album.

“I was like a little goddess on fire at that age. That is an album that no one will ever hear,” Farran said with a laugh.

After earning a degree in theater, Farran got involved in the musical theater world of New York. But a trip to Ireland to visit sacred sites inspired her to shift her career to music.

Still, her roots in the performing arts are present when she sings and plays guitar, ukulele and the bodhran, an Irish drum made out of goat skin. She likes to incorporate comedy into her performances with silly songs and characters, such as a professional “nasalist” with a French-sounding name who plays her nose as an instrument for a living.

“I like to really bring a full package together in concert so people leave feeling really uplifted and amazing,” Farran said.

With her flowing red hair, pearly complexion and penchant for dressing up in unique costumes, people often assume she is a Celtic singer. Although she has some songs honoring her Irish heritage and the Emerald Isle, it’s difficult to peg her exact musical genre since she also has songs that are socially conscious, spiritual and humorous.

“I just like to do what my creative muse wants me to do, which makes me really eclectic and a little hard to define,” she said, adding that her song “Bard to the Bone” helps best describe her style.

Farran recently moved to South Whidbey from Arizona for love. Though she misses the desert, there’s a certain familiarity about Whidbey that reminds her of Ireland.

“Whidbey has a similar vibe. I think that’s why I like it so much,” she said. “My Celtic roots feel enriched and nourished in the environment of Whidbey.”

She likes to compose songs while walking or hiking, such as a tune hailing caffeine.

“I call Whidbey the land of mermaids and fairies,” she said.

Her upcoming concert celebrating Earth Day will include songs from her repertoire honoring earth, water and the elements. And of course, a little bit of comedy mixed in is to be expected. More than anything, Farran said, her concert is an experience.

“I love to connect with the audience and create a cohesive energy where we all rise up together,” she said.

Though she spent a lot of time touring around the country in the past, she’s decided to stick close to home for now. Before the COVID-19 pandemic shutdown in 2020, she had been on the road full time for a total of four years.

“We sat waiting to find out what was next, what was possible and where our careers would go,” she said of herself and other performing artists.

Luckily, Farran had a leg up – six years before anyone had ever heard of COVID-19, she was playing concerts online. The transition to the internet during the pandemic was not difficult for her.

Farran’s concert on April 21 will be livestreamed, so those wanting to stay home can also catch her performance. Tickets can be purchased online in advance by visiting the website CeliaEarth.eventbrite.com. Tickets cost $20 in advance and $25 at the door.

Though she has primarily performed as a solo entertainer, Farran is looking forward to collaborating with Whidbey artists in her new home.

Celia Farran is a South Whidbey singer who plays a number of instruments, including guitar, ukulele and the bodhran, an Irish drum made out of goat skin. (Photo provided)