Ten Strings And A Goatskin to perform at Fire In The Kitchen Concerts

Put this date on your calendar if you need to blow off the February blahs: Saturday, February 20, at 7:00 PM.

From the far northern maritimes of Prince Edward Island comes Ten Strings And A Goatskin. They are the perfect antidote to February. It’s music that’s at once traditional, but when put in the hands of three college-aged musicians, turns into the rural equivalent of rock and roll. It’s forged in a part of the world where icebergs float by during the summer, where the winters are long and dark, and where the traditional entertainment was sitting around the kitchen table and playing music with friends all night long. At the same time, it’s party music at it’s best. Ten Strings have been turning heads at festivals the world over, and in their rapid rise, have already been nominated for some pretty serious awards. Great music, great fun and great family entertainment. As always, ice cream after the show.

Why we like them: They’re astonishingly good, more so when they’re all under 22 years old, some still in college. Their music is traditionally pure, but played with the intensity and goofiness of a great garage rock band. And, my favorite, they were pushed by their parents to play on the local Prince Edward Island youth symphony orchestra and take lessons. They’re a perfect example of what you can do with that “Mom made me do it” upbringing: take what you learned, have some fun with it, and tour the world while making some money. To that end, and to show kids the possibilities that creativity bring, we let them sit down in front, just feet away from the musicians, where they can really feel the power that comes with great performances.

As always, after every show, there’s a free Ashley’s ice cream reception. Ticket prices are $25 an adults, and only $5 for kids high school and under, making it affordable fun and inspiration for the entire family. Kids can also sit right down in front where they can be just feet from the performers and where they can feel the real power and excitement of brilliant acoustic musicians.

Our concerts aren’t just shows, they’re meant to awe and inspire kids of any age to want to pick up an instrument and play. To that end, we offer free workshops when artists are available, and the Skunk Misery Ramblers fiddle club, an all-ages, all-abilities fiddle club that performs at area events. Join in the fun, that’s free also!

The concerts are all at the North madison Congregational Church up at the circle of routes 79 and 80. You can get information by calling Charlie Shafer at 203-668-3735, or going on the website at http://fireinthekitchen.org