It all started one night a few years ago at Racine's Yardarm Bar & Grill. The harbor-side restaurant is where James Schatzman, founder and artistic director of the Choral Arts Society, was trying to conduct a business meeting when he became pleasantly distracted by the live music drifting his way from a nearby performing duo.

"It got so I couldn't concentrate on the meeting," Schatzman said during a recent interview. "The music was so powerful and so personal - I was just knocked out by it. And I continue to be impressed by it today. Every time I hear a song by Scott and Michelle, there are so many layers of opportunity to learn more about life and oneself."

The Scott and Michelle Schatzman refers to are an award-winning singer/songwriter couple also known as the Dalziels. Having been based in Iowa in recent years, the pair performs frequently at the Yardarm, where they have developed a loyal following of listeners with their unique blend of original music and intuitive lyrics.

Immediately smitten with the Dalziels' sound, Schatzman started up a conversation with the duo the first time he heard them play. Many musical nights later, the three have not only become friends but artistic collaborators.

Sharing the stage

Back in 2007, they worked together on a community-wide project called "Julius and Friends" - a musical adaptation of Kevin Henkes' children's book "Julius, the Baby of the World" - which was performed at Memorial Hall. And on May 1-2, Racine will again be treated to their teamwork when Focus on Folk will be performed at St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 614 Main St.

Focus on Folk is the final concert of the Choral Arts Society's 2008/2009 season and it will feature the music of the Dalziels, as well as selected choral works ranging from American folk songs to international music and composer Glenn Burleigh's "Faithful Over a Few Things." Those familiar with the Dalziels' work will recognize songs such as "Gravel Roads" "Give Me One Good Reason" and "I Think I Saw Elvis" on the program - some of which will be performed by the songwriters themselves, while others will be done in conjunction with the symphonic chorus.

"Their music speaks so strongly to me, the lyrics are so genuine and honest," Schatzman said. "I am really excited to be able to work with them again."

The musical merger of the CAS and the Dalziels is also made possible by Gregory Berg, local musician/composer/teacher and radio personality who is arranging the choral back-up for Scott and Michelle's music.

Berg, who also wrote and arranged music for "Julius," said he has enjoyed the challenge of working with the Dalziels' music, which he described as "not easily categorized."

"They seem to draw from a lot of folk, country and R&B influences - all of them very different," he said. "That is one of the things I like about their music."

It is also neat to be able to write music for the Choral Arts Society, Berg said.

"They are such a good group. You can throw just about anything at them and you know they will sing it with skill and assurance."

Along with all of those voices, Focus on Folk will feature the accompaniment of several area musicians: Paula Braun on bass, Shane Mooney on drums and Alexandria Schlitz on viola. Berg is also hoping to be able to play piano with the ensemble for the performances.

Dream come true

For Schatzman, Focus on Folk is not only a chance to collaborate with some of his favorite musicians, but the culmination of about ten years of brainstorming about ways to have the symphonic chorus stretch itself across musical genres, expanding its audience along with its repertoire.

"This is a dream come true for me," he said. "I'd been thinking for a long time about doing something like this and after watching Scott and Michelle perform, and getting to know them as people, I knew it would be possible."

The Dalziels, too, are excited about another chance to perform with the CAS. Hearing their music performed by a chorus of 60 voices was, in a way, overwhelming for the couple the first time they experienced it.

"Because Scott and I are a couple and have been singing together for 12 years, we know each other really well," she said. "To all of a sudden have 60 other voices coming in and singing with us was a little scary at first. But it is also very cool. We had a lot of fun doing "Julius" and I think this is going to be fun too. We have become a very nice little circle of friends."

For more about the Dalziels, go to: http://www.dalziel.net

If You Go

WHAT: Focus on Folk: Scott and Michelle Dalziel perform with the Choral Arts Society

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. May 1 and 7 p.m. May 2.

WHERE: St. Luke's Episcopal Church, 614 Main St.

COST: Tickets are $15 adults, $12 seniors and $5 students.

INFO: Go to http://www.choralartsonline.org or call (262) 634-3250.

Fundraiser

The Focus on Folk concert on May 1 will offer a special feature. An ice cream social will be held following the performance as a fundraiser for the Choral Arts Society's trip to New York City in March of 2010. The chorus has been invited to perform at historic Lincoln Center as part of a festival chorus presenting Glenn Burleigh's "Nguzo Saba Suite." For more about the CAS's New York tour, see next Thursday's Scene & Heard column in Out & About.