Genres: Folk and World Beat eclectically drawing from Celtic and Country

Otter BewITCHed delivers an interactive experience that can make you laugh, clap, and sing. 
—Radio Ray, Wheel of Wonder

Inspired by the Salish Sea, Otter BewITCHed brings forth music and rhythms that are accessible and original.    — Ray Simkins, Conservation Education Interpreter

Otter BewITCHed is the creative collective of Darleen Marie Muhly Simkins. Darleen is a singer-songwriter, poet, storyteller, and bard whose music celebrates the rhythms of nature and the inherent worth and dignity of all people.

The name Otter BewITCHed is both a tribute to her husband, whose words, “Let’s be like the otters and hold hands so we don’t drift apart,” became an affirmation of resilience, love and connection during difficult times, and to the power of women as child and knowledge bearers. The otter bitch is one of the four transformations of the Welsh goddess or witch, Cerridwen, in her pursuit of knowledge and poetic inspiration (Awen) for the love of her son, Morfran, deemed too ugly to be listened to. Otter BewITCHed celebrates the sacredness of all voices and perspectives and explores emotions as powerful catalysts for change and advocacy.

Her music mixes soulful lyrics, sounds of nature, and rhythmic beats. Her performances include storytelling and audience engagement with rhythm sticks, playable peace signs, and all manner of noisemaking so people of all ages and abilities can join in the sounds of creation.