<p>Violinist Sara Panjunen, left, and accordionist Teija Niku will perform as Aallotar at a prequel concert of the Finnish-American Folk Festival, Saturday, March 29.</p>

ROSBURG, Wash.? The Finnish-American Folk Festival will sponsor a concert by Aallotar at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 29 at Valley Bible Church, 4723 Washington State Route 4 in Rosburg, Wash.

Aallotar is a freshly minted a transatlantic collaboration between violinist Sara Pajunen of Minnesota and accordionist Teija Niku of Finland. One hundred years ago, their ancestors lived within miles of each other in the western region of Finland. The duo is founded on the common musical ground the women share but also revels in the cultural differences formed when a lineage is separated by an ocean and the passage of time. Aallotars music, released on the duos March 2014 debut album, has been described as exquisite, sophisticated chamber folk music.

Niku will be familiar to local audiences who heard her perform at the 2013 Scandinavian Midsummer Festival as part of the band Polka Chicks. Pajunen also appeared previously in the local area with her band Kaivama.

The Finnish-American Folk Festival will take place July 25 to 27, and the Aallotar concert is a prequel to the upcoming festivities. Admission to the concert is free, but donations to FinnFest 2014 will be welcome. There will be an opportunity to meet the performers at a appetizer and dessert potluck following the performance.

Established in 1882 as a way to celebrate the Finnish and Scandinavian roots of local settlers, the Finnish-American Festival features entertainment, traditions, foods and crafts from Finland and surrounding countries. It also celebrates traditional industries, such as logging, fishing and farming that fostered settlement and growth in the region.

The festival planning committee meets the last Sunday of every month. Anyone interested in participating in the preparations can contact Mike Swanson at 360-484-3388.