26 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY FEBRUARY 12-18, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com MUSIC In 2012, Dan Frechette came across a YouTube video of Laurel Thomsen playing violin. Then living in Winnipeg, he reached out with a compliment, a connection that eventually led to remote recording sessions. When Frechette began thinking about touring California, he asked Thomsen if she would perform with him. She agreed, and the collaboration quickly expanded into a tour. “We were sending out overdub recordings, just acting like we were a duo. No one knew we had never met before,” Thomsen recalls. The leap of faith paid off. They discovered an immediate chemistry, both onstage and off. Frechette calls Thomsen his co-conspirator: “When we’re on stage together, I feel invincible.” Thomsen agrees, describing their partnership as a true team—musical and personal—where they finish each other’s sentences and the rhythm is so natural the music seems to breathe on its own. Frechette wrote “Love Will Leave You Where You Belong,” a song about leaving the outcome up to fate. When Thomsen came to Winnipeg in 2013 for a summer run of concerts, she answered the question with an exclamation point as she picked up her violin and, within minutes, created a part that fit the song effortlessly—an experience Frechette describes as magical. After more than a decade, they continue to thrive. The local community has embraced the duo, responding to their lyrics, which balance personal experience and universal appeal. In 2020, in the middle of the pandemic, their hometown of Bonny Doon was drastically affected by the CZU Lightning Complex fires. The studio was wiped out but the music tracks survived. Looking through the material, the duo noticed a common thread. Though the subjects varied, many pointed toward resilience and hope, “like a phoenix rising,” Thomsen says. They named the album After the Fire, expressing optimism. Frechette says a positive outlook has been shaping his songwriting lately. He’s drawn to themes of unification—songs that look for common ground. “Music embraces everybody,” he says. They play on Valentine’s Day as part of a performance for couples, also featuring Magenta Spreen. Tickets include a bottle of wine and bites. Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen perform 4-5:30pm Saturday, Feb. 14. Asilomar Conference Grounds, 800 Asilomar Ave., Pacific Grove. $150/couple. (831) 372-8016, eventbrite.com. JIM MACKENZIE Two Tone Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen have lived a story of love and harmony, perfect for Valentine’s Day. By Tonia Eaton Dan Frechette and Laurel Thomsen move easily between folk, rock, bluegrass and roots styles—a versatility they say is key to making a living in music. Stanton Center Custom House Plaza Monterey Saturday, February 14, 2026 Noon – 4PM Presentation in the theatre at Noon & 1:00 by Scott Gale “Los Perdidos y Los Salvados” , the lost and saved historic Monterey buildings OPEN HOUSE Free Admission Come see new exhibits: Emile Norman On the Waterfront: Chris Shake Collection Vaqueros, Cowboys & Ranch Life Thank you to the City of Monterey for supporting this event. Presentation in the theatre at Noon & 1:00 by Scott Gale “Los Perdidos y Los Salvados” , the lost and saved historic Monterey buildings Come see new exhibits: Emile Norman On the Waterfront: Chris Shake Collection Vaqueros, Cowboys & Ranch Life Thank you to the City of Monterey for supporting this event. TICKETS ON SALE NOW! SAN CARLOS ST AT 9 AVE, CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, CA 93921 TH BOX OFFICE HOURS: MONDAY – FRIDAY, NOON – 4 PM 831.620.2048 | BOXOFFICE@SUNSETCENTER.ORG | SUNSETCENTER.ORG SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER, INC. IS A 501(C)3 NONPROFIT | TAX ID #52-2404864 GRAMMY AWARD-WINNING FOLK TRIO FRI. JUN 5, 2026 7:30PM SUNSET CULTURAL CENTER CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA
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