Mark Olson and Penny Critchlow are Twice As Nice. They are a duet, performing music from the Old Time Music tradition, and live off the grid in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Live Oak String Band fiddler, Mark
Mark took up fiddling during the 1970s and soon became a mainstay of the Santa Barbara square and contra dance scene. He accompanies their songs on guitar, mandolin and fiddle.
Ray Bierl's CD Release Concert, Freight and Salvage. Berkeley CA
Penny has a knack for unearthing gems from the country music repertoire and can be heard singing on Ray Bierl's CD, "Anywhere I Hang My Hat." When playing in the duet, Twice As Nice, she loves backing up both their songs and instrumental pieces with her rhythm guitar playing.
Performing at the Jupiter Cafe, BOTMC Berkeley, CA
Penny and Mark harmonize on songs from the string bands of the 1920s and 1930s and the country duets of the Delmore Brothers and Louvin Brothers among others.
Besides performing as a singing duet, the couple is available for playing and calling square dances for crowds ranging from beginners to experienced. A broad repertoire of musical styles makes them a winning choice for providing music at parties, weddings and family reunions.
Penny, teaching and calling Mountain Home School's Family Dance, Oakhurst. CA
Mark's taking the picture at the Wilsonia Square Dance, Sequoia National Park, CA