Saturday January 13, 2024

The 2nd Saturday Community Concerts present, CANTRIP! The name Cantrip 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. Swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar, and three rich voices blend to create a sound energetic enough to tear the roof off. After 20 years of touring, Cantrip has found a character like no other. Echoes can be heard of trad music from the 1960s and 70s, but the years have slowly infested their music with the sounds of funk, metal, bluegrass, swing, and even klezmer. Dan Houghton, Jon Bews, Alasdair White, and Eric McDonald stir the elements in a witches cauldron, slowly coalescing into chaotic order. "Their music comes from wild landscapes and wild places of the spirit." -- The Orcadian.