Next Stage Arts Project and Twilight Music present an evening of Celtic and Québecois music from Scotland, Canada, and the US by two trios – Cantrip and E.T.E. – as part of the 2022 Next Stage “Bandwagon Summer Series” on Monday, September 5 at 3:00 pm at West River Park in Brattleboro, VT.

From the strong base of its Celtic roots, Cantrip branches out into the music of other European cultures. With swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar, and three rich voices, Dan Houghton, Jon Bews, and Eric McDonald take audiences on a cultural journey, putting their own spin on each musical style. Known for their innovative arrangements, high-energy songs and tunes, and dry wit, Cantrip has toured throughout Scotland and the US, expanding the boundaries of Celtic music along the way.

Cantrip

Cantrip sprung from a local music session in Edinburgh, Scotland nearly 20 years ago. The band name is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell, or piece of mischief. It aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in the trio’s musical arrangements and the compelling potency of their musicianship.

Dan Houghton (bagpipes, flute, whistles, guitar, vocals) has won the Scottish Lowland and Border Pipers’ Society Open Borderpipes and New Composition events and the Maitre de Cornemuse at St. Chartier. Jon Bews (fiddle, vocals) is an award-winning graduate of the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and has performed and recorded with a diverse roster of artists. Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals) found his way to traditional music through the rich music scene in Boston, and studies with guitarist/mandolinist John McGann and cellist Eugene Friesen at Berklee College of Music.

É.T.É.

With soaring vocal harmonies, a deep groove, and rich instrumentation, É.T.É. transforms the nostalgia of a kitchen party into an unforgettable show experience that celebrates the joie de vivre of Québecois culture. Since winning the OPUS prize for “Discovery of the Year 2017-2018,” Élisabeth (fiddle, step-dancing, vocals), Thierry (bouzouki, podorythmie, vocals), and Élisabeth (cello, vocals), have shared their original, lively take on Québec traditional music with audiences worldwide.

West River Park is located at 333 Rte. 30 in Brattleboro, VT. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for outdoor seating on the softball field. Tickets are $20 in Advance / $25 At the Door, and kids 12 and under are free. Advance tickets are available online at nextstagearts.org. Next Stage will provide a beer, wine, and cocktail cash bar. For more information, visit nextstagearts.org or call 802-387-0102.

Bandwagon Summer Series

The Bandwagon Summer Series is a family-friendly outdoor cultural performance series running from early May through mid-October. More than 20 performances from a diverse group of musical styles, circus arts, dance, and theater will take place at ballfields, farms, and parks throughout Windham County. Kids under 12 always get in for free, and a dedicated play area will be available at all shows. Refreshments are sold onsite, including the return of last summer’s hugely popular Barr Hill cocktails, and the new addition of some selections from Mad River Distillers.

Support for the Bandwagon Summer Series is provided by VTDigger, Brattleboro Reformer, Oak Meadow, Whetstone Beer Co., Landmark College, Barr Hill, Mad River Distillers, The Porch Café and Catering, and People’s United, a Division of M&T Bank.

Next Stage Arts

Next Stage serves southeastern Vermont as a regional cultural hub, arts producer, and instigator of meaningful cultural experiences. Founded in 2010 as a nonprofit organization, Next Stage Arts is a transformative, community-centered project dedicated to revitalizing Putney’s cultural and economic village center through excellence in arts programming valuing diversity as a springboard for nurturing community.

For more information and updates please go to: nextstagearts.org