Next Stage Arts continues its Bandwagon Summer Series with a vibrant outdoor celebration of Celtic and Québécois music on Monday, September 1st at 3:00 PM at the scenic Scott Farm in Dummerston. The Celtic & Québécois Festival features three powerhouse acts—Cantrip, Keith Murphy & Yann Falquet, and Cécilia—for an afternoon of spirited tunes, rich harmonies, and deep-rooted tradition.
With swirling border pipes, fiery fiddle tunes, and driving rhythms, Cantrip lives up to its name—an old Scots word for a magic spell or charm. Born out of Edinburgh’s folk sessions two decades ago, the band has become a festival favorite for their high-octane arrangements and adventurous musicality. Blending traditional roots with unexpected influences like funk, klezmer, and swing, Cantrip conjures a spellbinding live experience.
Joining them are Keith Murphy and Yann Falquet, two of the finest contemporary interpreters of traditional Celtic and French-Canadian music. With guitars in hand and rich vocal traditions at their core, Murphy and Falquet explore the musical bridge between Newfoundland, Québec, and Vermont. Their harmonies and arrangements are both intricate and heartfelt—a musical conversation across cultures.
Rounding out the lineup is Cécilia, a joyful trio made up of three of Canada’s most celebrated trad musicians: Timi Turmel (accordion), Erin Leahy (piano), and Louis Schryer (fiddle). With their genre-blending style—drawing from classical, swing, jazz, and folk—Cécilia brings freshness and infectious energy to every performance. Their debut album Accent showcases the trio’s playful virtuosity and unmistakable warmth.
The Bandwagon Summer Series offers a festival atmosphere for all ages, with a dedicated kids’ area, food from Big Boy Bagels, and refreshments including the beloved Barr Hill cocktails. Bring a blanket or lawn chair, grab a picnic, and enjoy the music in one of southern Vermont’s most stunning settings.
Tickets are $24 in advance and $28 at the gate. Children under 12 always get in free. Gates open at 2:00 PM, and music begins at 3:00 PM. More info and tickets at nextstagearts.org.
