The husband and wife music duo Gifts or Creatures will play a free show at Schuler Books and Music (the 28th street location) this Friday at 7 p.m.

Brandon Foote (guitar) and Bethany Foote (piano) will also be joined by friend and percussionist Ty Forquer. Gifts or Creatures refer to themselves as "progressive nostalgic Americana" that "blends Midwestern folklore, old world history and cinematic soundscapes." The audiences can also expect sounds from a vibraphone and a toy piano.

They list influences ranging from singer/songwriters like Pete Seeger to Iceland's cinematic musician Sigur Rós.

Brandon Foote describes his folk influence as "[making] a sense of community much smaller: you know your neighbor and sing songs with your neighbors, and I think there's an element of growth that's inherent in folk music. Folk music is the music of the people."

Following in the folk tradition, they explore themes about sustainability, self-awareness, and strengthening the community. Sometimes the duo also includes film and videos in their performances. They believe this helps strengthen the emotional resonance of the event.

Brandon explains, "if you had an experience with a song in a particular place, you can put your headphones on and it will take you there. Music is a portal to the past and the future."

Gifts or Creatures' debut album Pilot House was released in 2010, and featured the songs Sidecar Two Track, Mail from the Westcott, and Weimaraner.

They belong to Earthwork Music's collective of artists. They play throughout Michigan and include lyrics about the Great Lakes Region.

Brandon talks about Schuler Books and Music as a, "a cozy and intimate space."

He continues, "Schuler is a great independent bookstore, and we believe in supporting the indepedent bookstore realm. We think music in these independent stores is ideal."