By: Rachael Jackson Staff Writer
Ten Strings And A Goat Skin will perform at the Rice Auditorium in an event free to WOU students, Friday, Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m.
Hailing from the Prince Edward Island of Canada, this English-French bilingual band bends and fuses the genre of traditional Irish music and Acadian sounds with their interpretations of modern and world rhythms.
The bulk of their songs are played in the style of trad music, which is fast-paced and upbeat – it is something to dance and have fun to. They blend in sounds of bluegrass, traditional Scandinavian music, and other world music in a seamless way that makes the fusion seem natural.
Jesse Périard, guitarist, brothers Rowen Gallant, violinist, and Caleb Gallant, percussionist, come from Acadian heritages themselves, giving them a close understanding of the culture.
Périard and Rowen Gallant comprise the ten-string part of the musical group, while Caleb Gallant is the goatskin, because, traditionally, goatskins are tanned and stretched to cover a drumhead.
Acadia is the Eastern coastal region of Canada that includes the Maritime provinces and part of present-day Quebec. The French settled the region in the seventeenth century until Irish and Scottish immigrants began settling in the Maritime provinces.
With just the three instruments, the band creates a full sound that seems almost textural, as if the music has a physical feeling. This is an attribute that can be hard to achieve even with the most technologically advanced music equipment.
For being so young– all members are under 25– they have an outstanding understanding of their instruments that is sure to entertain audiences of varied backgrounds and tastes.
Take care not to miss this performance. The concert should be a fun and lighthearted entrance into the weekend that will lift spirits and ensure a prolonged good mood.
