By: Declan Hertel
Entertainment Editor

Friday, Oct. 7, 2015 in Rice Auditorium, Smith Fine Arts will welcome award-winning quintet 3 Leg Torso to Western.

The Smith Fine Arts Series is all about bringing the best in performing arts to the Western’s campus, and 3 Leg Torso looks like they will uphold that mission admirably.

Originally formed in 1996 as a violin, accordion, and cello three-piece, 3 Leg Torso has since expanded to five members, and their unique brand of modern chamber music is sure to delight anybody who enjoys music from supremely talented performers.

I have listened to the band’s 2010 release “Animals and Cannibals” (Meester Records) several times since learning of the group, and I absolutely love the cinematic, gypsy aesthetic.

The opening track, “Akiko Yano”, feels like setting off on an adventure through the European countryside. Several songs on the record have a tango influence to them, and you can’t help but imagine the band off in the corner of some small pub, playing their hearts out as the patrons dance around.

Despite being an instrumental act, each song tells a little story, along with the music. And really, who doesn’t want to know the tale implied by “The Life and Times and Good Deeds of St. Penguin”?

3 Leg Torso plays Friday, Oct. 7, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. in Rice Auditorium, and tickets are free for students. It certainly looks like it’s going to be a great time, and for the low, low price of free? Check out 3 Leg Torso. You’ll be happy you did.

For more information on tickets or the performance, please contact 503-838-8333 or visit The Cottage at 342 Monmouth Ave. North.