Pictured, from left: Sara Stovall, David Brain, Carmela Pedicini and Doug Conroy of Passerine. Photo by April Doner.

Since 2009, folks in Sarasota and Bradenton have enjoyed the musical stylings of local folk/Americana band Passerine, but now the band takes its sound across the Atlantic for its first international tour. Hopping on a plane come Monday, the musicians of Passerine will play at venues all across Germany, but not before the traditional tour kick-off at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center this Saturday, July 29, at 8pm.

With their third CD releasing in June 2016, Passerine has been looking for opportunities in Europe, says David Brain, who plays dobro in the band, alongside Carmela Pedicini on guitar, Doug Conroy on bass, Sara Stovall on violin and all three singing. Opportunity came knocking when Passerine caught the attention of Songs and Whispers, which offered the band a spot touring Germany through the month of August. Joining three other acts—one from the UK, one from Australia and a third from the US—Passerine will play anywhere from 20 to 25 shows in that month, at venues ranging from radio stations and bars and clubs to folk festivals and a resort on the North Sea.

Wrangling up a European publicist, the band has been pushing its CD for radio time there as well, looking to show Songs and Whispers, which also handles distribution, that Passerine is a good bet. “We’re really doing the whole thing,” says Brain. “We’re hoping we can get some European distribution.”

But before setting off for international acclaim, Passerine will take a moment to celebrate with the fans and family at Fogartyville for a kick-off performance…and a little fundraising. The band will have to pay its own way on tour—travel included—and one more push from the fanbase goes a long way. But for the price of admission, fans get two hours of music with Passerine onstage and some special German fare, whipped up and provided by Richard’s Food Truck in honor of the upcoming tour.

The question remains: Do German audiences have a hankering for American folk music? Brain finds solace in the fact that other Florida acts, such as Tom Shed, have found great success in Germany. “Apparently, yes,” he says with a bit of a laugh. “But I guess we’ll find out.”

Passerine performs at Fogartyville Community Media and Arts Center this Saturday, July 29, at 8pm. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door.

Pictured, from left: Sara Stovall, David Brain, Carmela Pedicini and Doug Conroy of Passerine. Photo by April Doner.