Roaring Jelly performs at the Old Manse

Listening to the sounds of Roaring Jelly transforms one into the world of varying sounds and cultures as the band plays music, varying from Scottish to Irish to Celtic.

The group is about ready to celebrate its 40th year of playing together and is comprised of approximately 30 members.

According to the group's Web site, "Roaring Jelly began in a kitchen as a session band in 1970, formed by and for musicians who wanted to develop their skills and play contra and square dance music."

The band mainly plays at contra dances once a month, usually at the First Parish Church in Lexington, but Sunday, July 18, afforded them the opportunity to play for an audience in a concert setting next to the Old Manse.

Leslie Fuller, a member of the band for 20 years, who plays the fiddle, said while some music is written by band members, most is traditional music taken from various cultural roots including Scottish, Irish and French Canadian.

Mainly the band performs jigs and reels and waltzes, which are performed during contra dances.

Fuller said she "enjoys being able to play the music."

Keyboard player Deborah Gerstein couldn't agree more.

Having played piano since she was a child, Gerstein said she joined the band 15 years ago and loved being able to take her training in classical and apply it to the band.

Gerstein says she especially likes playing at contra dances because "the energy that goes back and forth between dancers and musicians is great fun."

Most of all, Gerstein hopes the audience "find (Roaring Jelly's) music fun and energizing."

Several audience members in the audience Sunday seemed to enjoy the music, as some tapped their feet while others listened intently.

Joan McDade said Roaring Jelly's music "has a nice beat" and it is "lively and happy music that makes you feel good."

Larry Landers had similar impressions of the band. In fact, this is not the first time he has come to see them.

"They are excellent," he said, and "they play well together."

Carol Corrigan of Watertown added that Roaring Jelly's music "makes me feel happy."

For more information on Roaring Jelly, visit the band's Web site: www.roaringjelly.org.