by James Christopher MongerWashington-raised artist, dancer, and songwriter Dawn "The Faun" McCarthy formed Faun Fables in 1997. After a self-released debut, 1999's Early Song, her powerful voice, penchant for performance art, and British folk-infused rock with lyrics steeped in pagan imagery attracted the attention of Nils Frykdahl (Sleepytime Gorilla Museum). Frykdahl became a frequent collaborator, appearing on 2001's Mother Twilight. The following year, McCarthy premiered her musical The Transit Rider, with the accompanying soundtrack due in 2004. The duo released Family Album that same year on Drag City Records, followed by the conceptual Transit Rider in 2006. In 2008 the duo released the culinary-themed EP A Table Forgotten, the first installment in McCarthy's exploration of women's roles in the home.