Tuesday, April 24, 2018, 7:30pm
Common House, 25 Half Moon Hill, Acton, Massachusetts 01720
Tickets: $15 in advance through eventbrite.com and, if not sold out, $20 cash at the door.DINNER AND A SHOW - Ticket holders get 15% off dinner at Not Your
Average Joe's (305 Main Street), just show your server your eventbrite ticket.
Artist’s website: http://www.cantrip-music.com/
"Their music
comes from wild landscapes and wild places of the spirit." -- The
Orcadian
The name is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell or
piece of mischief and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in
their musical arrangements, likewise the compelling potency of their
musicianship. Originally formed as a quartet, Cantrip sprung from a local
session in Edinburgh nearly twenty years ago. Their driving music immediately
caught the attention of the masses, and they were quickly signed to the Foot
Stompin' label. With their first album "Silver" (2001) in hand, Cantrip
made its way across the water to the United States, where they were received
with roars and shouts (of enjoyment). After years of significant touring, the
band parted ways with Foot Stompin' and began producing albums on their own.
Two albums later ("Boneshaker" in 2005 and "Piping the
Fish" in 2008), Cantrip had cemented itself as a perennial figure. After a
period of hiatus in which children were born and continents were left for new
ones, Cantrip redefined its sound. Trimming itself to a trio, the band tightened
its arrangements while expanding its influence. New inspirations began creeping
into the sound, complementing the traditional foundation of the band. This more
mature sound debuted on their recent release "The Crossing" (2016)
and has been catching the ear of listeners and concert goers all over again.
Now, in recognition of 20 years of performing the band is returning to its
roots and revisiting Silver, with a live re-release slated for Autumn 2018 that
looks to be as exciting and full of energy as ever.
DAN
HOUGHTON (bagpipes, flute, whistles, guitar, bouzouki, vocals)
Dan was born in Ghana, but was transported to Scotland shortly
thereafter, where he was surrounded by the indigenous music. He began his
career with the whistle at age seven and started playing bagpipes in the early
nineties, proceeding to win the Scottish Lowland and Border Pipers' Society
Open Borderpipes and New Composition events (multiple times), as well as the
Maitre de Cornemuse at St. Chartier. Over the years he increased his versatility
as a multi-instrumentalist, becoming an accomplished player on the flute,
bouzouki and DADGAD guitar. In 2010, with the help of many friends (including
Jon Bews), Dan released his first solo recording entitled "The Long March
Home". He is an instructor at the Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts, and in
addition to Cantrip can be heard as a member of Parcel of Rogues, Prydien and
Salsa Celtica. Outside of music Dan holds a BSc Hons I degree in Applied
Mathematics and Geophysics from the University of Otago and an MLitt degree in
Gaelic Literature and Language from the University of Edinburgh.
JON
BEWS (fiddle, vocals)
A veteran of the fiddle, having started at age four, Jon came to
Scots music from a classical education by way of Goth rock. But it didn't take
long for him to entrench himself in the world and carve a name for himself as a
fiddler. A prizewinning graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in
1994, he has performed and recorded with such diverse artists as Malinky, James
Yorkston, Mikel Urdangarin, Ranarim, Deaf Mutes and Samling. In addition to
Cantrip, he currently plays with Edinburgh based bands Urvanovic, OBT and
League of Regrettable Superheroes. Jon is also widely recognised as a composer
and arranger. His string arrangements have been sought out by Ewan MacPherson
and Fribo and his tunes have won high acclaim across the board. Jon moved to
the Scottish Borders in 2003 where he spent two years as Traditional and World
Music Development Worker for Scottish Borders Council. He stayed there because
the view is nice and only moved back to Edinburgh because the shops are open
later.
ERIC
MCDONALD (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals)
As a US native, Eric found his way to traditional music through
the rich local music scene in his hometown Boston. Nearly a decade after
studying at Berklee College of Music under world renowned musicians such as
guitarist/mandolinist John McGann and cellist Eugene Friesene, he is now
established as one of the USA's premier accompanists in many styles. Eric cut
his teeth playing for contra dances in New England, and can still often be seen
from the dance floor. Nowadays he is an active session player, regularly
recording and traveling with musicians of many stripes. Touring credits include
The Outside Track, Chris Norman Ensemble, Andrea Beaton, Wendy MacIsaac and
Katie McNally. In addition to Cantrip, he can currently be seen touring with
traditional Irish music trio Daymark, Scottish fiddle champion Ryan McKasson
and award winning singer/songwriter Connor Garvey. In addition to guitar
accompaniment, Eric's debut solo album "Rove" features his unique
style and approach to tunes on the mandolin, as well as carefully crafted
deliveries of traditional ballads on voice and guitar.
