Seven Days: Vermont's Independent Voice

Northern Exposure

The lakeshore is teeming with acts dropping by for the Burlington International Waterfront Festival, including Le Vent du Nord (“northerly wind”) and Les Cowboys Fringants (“the dashing cowboys”). Never heard of them? Catch the beat at this special Québec All-Stars concert. Winners of a 2004 Juno Award, Le Vent du Nord give a new spark to traditional folk music with spirited step dancing and a vast array of lively instrumentals, featuring the jaw harp, hurdy-gurdy, bodhran and more. Les Cowboys Fringants have revived political songwriting in their “néo-trad” tunes that pep up Québecois folk music with doses of rock and country flair. They’ve even inspired an underground overseas following called “Les Cousins Fringants” — “cousins” being the affectionate French term for their French-Canadian counterparts. Check out our northern neighbors with the light harmonies of these talented quartets.