“It’s a dog’s life, but let’s sing about it anyway – that’s the attitude of the Kings of Mongrel Folk.Whatever folks are going through, I like to point out the ‘peopleness’ of people, says Mark Graham, one-half of the musical duo whose fusion of blues, country, harmonica and vocals is a genre unto itself. The other half, Orville Johnson, believes that all an audience needs to enjoy their music is an open mind and a funnybone. They are confident the citizens of Bainbridge will pass the test. Mark Graham last played on the island in 1976, to an audience of some 400. Now he returns with Johnson in tow to perform at Port Madison Canvas Company on Friday. Successful artists in their own right, the pair teamed up following a jam session at the Northwest Folklife Festival in 1991. Both have appeared independently on NPR’s Prairie Home Companion, and between them have played in an eclectic mix of venues that include London’s Festival Hall.Travelling around, you learn that people are the same all over, says Graham. He cites his on the road existence as crucial to the success of their musical happenings, a beatnik philosophy of living for the moment upon which Johnson expounds:We always tell our fans to be there – now.The one thing these creative cronies refuse to tolerate is dullness. If Graham’s gripe against image-blind, influence-deaf music critics is any kind of a warning, it may be time to stop writing and let the sounds speak for themselves. We just wanna make you laugh and lighten your spirit, says Graham. Come hear for yourself.The Kings of Mongrel Folk play at 8 p.m. May 12 at Port Madison Canvas Company. Tickets are $10 in advance, $12 day of show, or $7 for kids 6-11. Advance tickets: 842-6140.”