This Labor Day Weekend the Franklin Opera House will be alive with the music of CANTRIP, appearing in a special 20th-Anniversary CD Release Tour performance Saturday, September 1, at 7:30 PM.

Their name is an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell or piece of mischief and it aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in their musical arrangements and the compelling potency of their musicianship. Cantrip sprung from a local session in Edinburgh twenty years ago. Their driving music immediately caught the attention of the masses. With their first album “Silver” (2001) in hand, Cantrip made its way across the water to the United States, where they were received with roars and shouts (of enjoyment). After years of significant touring, two more albums, and a period of hiatus in which children were born and continents were left for new ones, Cantrip redefined its sound. Trimming itself to a trio, the band tightened its arrangements while expanding its influence.

Hailing from Scotland and New England, members include Dan Houghton  (bagpipes, flute, whistles, guitar, bouzouki, vocals), Jon Bews (fiddle, vocals), and Eric McDonald (guitar, mandolin, bouzouki, vocals).

Now, in recognition of 20 years of performing, the band is returning to its roots and revisiting Silver, with a live re-release slated for Autumn 2018 that looks to be as exciting and full of energy as ever.

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

Tickets are available online at www.FranklinOperaHouse.org, or by calling 603-934-1901 during business hours.