Le Vent du Nord blows into Tamworth Nov. 13

A fresh breath of cool air will blow in from Quebec on Saturday, Nov. 13, when Le Vent du Nord takes The Barnstormers Theatre stage, presented by the Arts Council of Tamworth in a 7:30 p.m. concert.Le Vent du Nord"North Wind"is a newly-evolved traditional Qubecois band born of richly eclectic musical experiences and tastes. Originally founded by pianist and hurdy-gurdy player Nicolas Boulerice and fiddler Olivier Demers (both formerly of the group Montcorbier), the band now boasts the addition of stepdancer-accordionist Benoit Bourque (formerly of Matapat) and singer-guitarist Simon Beaudry.This is one of those rare magical Canadian bands that inspire a deeply passionate love for Canadian cultural music. The music is a blend of Qubecois, Celtic, Brittanyfrom toe-tapping Celtic stepdance reel music to ballads, to pure Qubecois folk, their voices, lyrics and music are memorable from the first few notes. Le Vent du Nords energy level rarely drops from number to number, and even from the first set into the second. Their voices are rich and strong, and blend very well. In addition, these fab four play almost every instrument you could imagine, and them somehurdy-gurdy, guitar, mandolin, fiddle, recorder, bodhran, accordion, bones, spoons, as well as keyboard. Youll find it impossible to resist moving to the music and calling them back for several encores. Concert reviews bring such accolades as a perfect 10!Band member Benoit Bourque also is a giguer (stepdancer) who performs on stage, as well as teaches the audience something about the traditional Qubecois social dances. He radiates such warmth, seems to never stop smiling, and genuinely gives to the audience from his hearthis natural charisma is something one just doesnt see every day. People who were lucky enough to be in the theater when ACT brought Matapat to The Barnstormers several years ago wont forget what a master at working the crowd that Benoit is.The band is currently at work on their second recording; the first CD, "Maudite Moisson," on Borealis Records, was the winner of Canadas 2004 JUNO Award for Roots and Traditional Album of the Year. Tickets for the Arts Council of Tamworth concert are available now at Tamworth Village Store, Sandwich General Store, Chinook Caf in Conway, The Sound Resort in North Conway, Caff Salerno in Wolfeboro, and Vintage Fret Shop in Ashland. The advance price for adults is $15; tickets purchased at the door cost $17. The student (age 13 and older) price is $7 and the child (age 12 and younger) price is $2.Tickets may also be purchased directly from ACT using a MasterCard or VISA, by calling 323-8104. Scrip tickets are multi-admission tickets good for any performance in the 2004-1005 season, and offer great savings at a cost of $108; these are only available through ACT.Le Vent du Nords Tamworth appearance is made possible by the support of sponsor Settlers Green, co-sponsors Chequers Villa and White Mountain Oil, and media sponsors 93.5 WMWV/Magic 104 and The Mountain Ear.For additional information on this concert or any of Arts Council of Tamworths other upcoming performances and programs, contact ACT at 323-8104 or visit the website at www.artstamworth.org. Enjoy some great photos of Le Vent du Nord, listen to some of their songs, add yourself to their mailing list, et cetera, with a visit to www.leventdunord.com.