From the land of the Kalevala, ancient land of forests, lakes, small villages and epic songs, the Karelian Folk Music Ensemble brings its 15 instruments and three voices to the River Theater at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 17.

The lively and entertaining trio hails from the Russian Republic of Karelia, on the Finnish border. Their music ranges from ancient epic songs accompanied by Finnish harps to a capella Russian village songs, from old shepherd melodies on wooden trumpet and flutes to Finnish dances on accordions, and from scythe accompaniment to church bells. Members are Igor Arhkipoff, Alexander “Sasha” Bykadoroff and Arto Rinne.

The ensemble has toured the U.S. previously, with many performances in the West and Midwest. In addition to concert tours, the Karelian Folk Music Ensemble is a featured group in the Christmas Revels Northlands show, a theatrical show based on traditional songs, music and dances from Scandinavia and Karelia. Performances have been in Cambridge, Mass., Houston, Washington, D.C., Portland, Tacoma, Wash., Hanover, N.H., New York City and Oakland, Calif.

“From the Land of the Kalevala” is their most recent CD, released by Gadfly Records in January 2001. The recording includes a mix of instrumental and vocal pieces and Finnish, Russian and Karelian languages. Previous recordings, also on Gadfly, and with the University of Petrozavodsk’s folk music ensemble Toive, are “The Karelian Folk Music Ensemble” and “Ingrian Folk Songs.”

Join the Karelians for an entertaining evening of music, humor and history. Bill’s Tavern Brewhouse Beer and wine will be available for the performance. Tickets are $12 at the door or $10 in advance, and can be purchased at the River Theater’s box office, 230 W. Marine Drive, from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Fridays, online at www.RiverTheater.com or at the Astoria Co-op on 14th and Duane streets. For information, call (503) 325-7487.