What follows is a a blog entry by Wesleyan Senior Donovan Arthen:
If you are a music lover, then you are in for a treat this Friday night at 8pm; Le Vent Du Nord will be gracing the Crowell Concert Hall stage. The group is a Québécois folk band that plays traditional music from the region as well as contemporary compositions. They have been making music together since the summer of 2002, and have been wowing audiences all over since their debut.
Their members are all multi-instrumentalists and singers. Oliver Demers, initially a classically and jazz trained violinist who’s devoted the last ten years to mastering traditional Québécois folk technique, and brings a strong and melodic sound. Simon Beaudry is a guitarist who comes from a strong family background in folk tradition adds a driving rhythm to the groups music. Réjean Brunet has been playing traditional music since he was a boy and brings the harmonic sound of accordion style instruments. Finally, Nicolas Boulerice plays the piano and the hurdy-gurdy, a medieval era instrument that adds a unique and engaging sound to the group’s music.
I first saw them in the summer of 2008 at the Old Songs Music Festival in New York State, and I was thoroughly impressed by their energy, talent and personality both as a group and as individuals. Their performances are both beautiful and exciting. If you have even the slightest inkling to see what these fantastic musicians can do I encourage you to go to the box office and get a ticket for just $6 (which is practically stealing for a performance like this!) and maybe an extra one for your friend, and come to their 8pm performance in the Crowell Concert Hall! There is also another opportunity to experience this talented group, through an open jam session from 7-9pm in the Daltry Room (room 003) on the basement level of the rehearsal hall building (the short concrete building next to Crowell). Hope to see at both events! Come and get a taste of one of the richest folk music traditions in North America!
Le Vent du Nord
Friday, September 24, 8pm
Crowell Concert Hall
Pre-concert talk by Alec McLane at 7:15pm
$22 General; $18 Seniors/Wesleyan Faculty & Staff/Non-Wesleyan Students; $6 Wesleyan Students
Jam Session with Le Vent du Nord
Thursday, September 23 at 7pm
Daltry Room (Rehearsal Hall 003)
Free admission