Submitted photo The band Spencer & Rains features the talents of Tricia Spencer (right) and Howards Rains.

NEW ULM — In the midst of the Oktoberfest celebration this weekend the State Street Theater (SST) is hosting an old-time string band from Kansas, Spencer & Rains.

The band will perform at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Oct. 5, at the SST, with a special appearance from Dick Kimmel and Pamela Longtine.

The band Spencer & Rains features the talents of Tricia Spencer and Howards Rains. The husband and wife duo are known for their twin fiddle harmony. Together the two musicians have toured nationally and internationally, singing traditional American folk songs and playing old-time fiddle.

Spencer & Rains will play the Big Island Rendezvous this Sunday in Albert Lea, but will first make a stop at the SST.

In addition to playing with the band, Dick Kimmel is also a fan of Spencer & Rains’ talent. Kimmel said when you hear them play, it is the real authentic folk music. He said it was the kind of stuff you would hear people play on their porches or during an old-fashioned square dance.

Spencer & Rains are sometimes described at a bluegrass band, but Kimmel said their music is pre-bluegrass and closer to the American folk tradition.

“They come from a long tradition of fiddle players,” Kimmel said.

Another long-time tradition of old-time string music is the ability for others to participate.

Prior to the show, Spencer & Rains will also offer a fiddle worship for beginners from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday. The fiddling workshop is $10, and tickets can be bought on Eventbrite or at the door.

Advance tickets for the concert are $10. They can be purchased at the New Ulm Best Western, New Ulm Chamber of Commerce, New Ulm Hy-Vee and online at https://spence-rains.eventbrite.com. Tickets are $15 at the door.