Cantrip

“Their music comes from wild landscapes and wild places of the spirit.”

Just like the Old Scots definition of their band name, Scottish band Cantrip leaves audiences spellbound when they take on any stage. 

After forming in Edinburgh 20 years ago, this group came together to create music that is not shy of its Celtic origins or influences from the folk, metal, bluegrass, swing, and klezmer genres. 

In 2001, Cantrip released their first album, Silver, and later traveled to the United States, where they released two more albums: Boneshaker (2005) and Piping the Fish (2008). After years of touring and a brief hiatus, Cantrip’s sound has undergone changes that have expanded their influences and inspirations, creating a fresh, mature sound that is evident in their 2016 album, The Crossing.

Dan Houghton (pipes, whistles, flutes, guitar, bouzouki, vocals) is a virtuosic musician and educator who has taught and performed worldwide. His travels, as well as his time residing in countries such as New Zealand, Nova Scotia, the United States, and France, have allowed him to hone his musical skills, perform with notable groups, receive numerous awards, and become an instructor at the Vermont Institute of Celtic Arts. 

Acclaimed performer, composer, and arranger Jon Bews (fiddle, vocals) is a high-demand, prizewinning fiddler in Edinburgh. He began fiddling at the age of four and went on to receive an education at the Royal Conservatoire in Scotland before performing on tour with Malinky for seven years. Since he departed from the band, he has worked with other musicians, including Ranarim, and Samling, and now plays in the bands OBT and Storm the Palace. 

Alasdair White (fiddle) is a wayfarer and performer with broad musicality, which has led to his musical success. While he currently resides in New York City, he is originally from the Outer Hebrides, specifically the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, an area renowned for its rich musical heritage. That environment was just the beginning for him. Throughout White’s career, he has premiered commissions and toured with Scottish and Irish traditional artists like Kathleen MacInnis and Julie Fowlis.

Boston native and lover of DADGAD guitar, Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals) is a premier accompanist and session musician. Before he was an established performer, he studied at the Berklee College of Music under John McGann and Eugene Friesen. Now he regularly records and tours with artists such as Connors Garvey and The Outside Track. When he’s not performing with Cantrip, he’s releasing music like his solo album Rove or touring with Kalos, Bellwether, and The McDades. 

“Known for their innovative arrangements, un-produced sound and dry wit.” - The Foundry 

“Scottish powerhouse band.” - The Bethel Citizen 

“Cantrip must have one of the strongest group personalities on the folk circuit. Their presentation is all energy as they channel modern swoops & slides of sound into the traditional repertoire. Their music comes from wild landscapes & wild places of the spirit.” -The Orcadian

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

May Memorial Unitarian Universalist Society, 3800 East Genesee Street, Syracuse, United States