Inspirational folk concert next weekend

Solo contemporary folk singer/songwriter Eric Hansen returns to the area for a concert at 7 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Carson Valley United Methodist Church, 1375 Centerville Lane, Gardnerville.

Hansen also will be the guest musician at Unity of the Sierra's Sunday service, 9:30 a.m. Sept. 11, 110 Ann St. in Carson City.

The warmth and intimacy of Hansen's music and performance style embraces both adults and children in the audience. His body of work includes inspirational songs that ask human beings to build a bridge of hands in cooperation, whimsical songs about frogs and baby geese, songs about love lost and found and playful adult songs. He has released seven CD's.

Hansen lives in Arizona where he is a voice instructor and the musical director at the Sonoran Center for Spiritual Living.

In 1996, Hansen was diagnosed with a rare congenital lung disease called Alpha1 Antitrypsin Deficiency that has left him with about 38 percent lung capacity.

"There are many things I'm not able to do and the little things are a struggle, but I can sing like a bird," he says.

Despite his diagnosis he says, "I am living my dream every day. I make my living with my guitar, voice and my songs. I get to inspire and lift the human spirit through my work. I get to help people find their singing voices and watch their dreams come to fruition."

For information call the Carson Valley United Methodist Church at 782-4600 or Unity of the Sierra at 841-2221.