(Earlville, NY – July 2015) The Duhks (rhymes with shucks) make a splash landing at the Opera House this July. The Boston Globe is calling them “Canada’s premier neo-tradsters” because they borrow from multiple traditions to create their hypnotic sound. The Duhks are one of the Canadian neo-folk scene’s most influential roots acts, earning the band a Juno Award and Grammy nomination for their brand of neo-Celtic-Cajun-Folk fusion that merges world-beat, blues, urban-pop and old-time with “wild-eyed invention and spine-rattling groove.” They play at the Earlville Opera House on Sunday, July 12 at 8 p.m.
Hailing from Winnipeg, the Duhks feature virtuoso fiddle and banjo licks apt to resonate with all fans of traditional music. Len Podolak, one of the band’s founders, leads with Appalachian-influenced clawhammer banjo, and is backed by innovative percussion from drummer Kevin Garcia, whose kit looks like something out of Dr. Seuss. Meanwhile, songbird Jessee Havey’s register dips and soars with gospel-tinged grace and soul. The band’s permanent new lineup now also includes Québécois multi-instrumentalist Colin Savoie-Levac on guitar and the Swedish fiddling phenom Anna Lindblad on violin.
Themes of lost love, trials and tribulations, and sweet salvation are all tackled. Last year, The Duhks released their first studio album since 2008, entitled Beyond the Blue. On it, “the band’s dynamic genre-in-a-blender approach feels as fresh as ever,” according to New Canadian Music’s Noah Siegel.
On stage, a compelling spirit of playfulness infuses their performance reflecting the Duhks’ spirit, energy and complete fearlessness to try new things. The Duhks received a Juno Nomination for their first CD, won a Juno for their second recording, and won a Grammy for their part in a Stephen Foster Compilation, all the while becoming darlings of the US acoustic music scene.
The Earlville Opera House is wheelchair-accessible with a ramp and a lift.
For more information, or to reserve your seats, call 315-691-3550 or order online at www.earlvilleoperahouse.com.
The Opera House is located at 18 East Main St. in Earlville.