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Cantrip at OLS
Cantrip
One Longfellow Square
181 State St
Portland, ME 04101
May 17, 2025
8:00 PM EDT
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onelongfellowsquare.com
About this concert
Doors 7pm | Show 8pm
The name Cantrip 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, likewise the compelling potency of their musicianship. Swirling border pipes, raging fiddle, thunderous guitar and three rich voices blend to create a sound energetic enough to tear the roof off. After 24 years of touring, Cantrip has found a character like no other. Echoes can be heard of trad music from the 1960s and 70s, but the years have slowly infested their music with the sounds of funk, metal, bluegrass, swing, and even klezmer. Dan Houghton, Jon Bews, Alasdair White, and Eric McDonald stir the elements in a witches’ cauldron, slowly coalescing into chaotic order.
“Their music comes from wild landscapes and wild places of the spirit.” — The Orcadian
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What fans are saying

James
September 2nd 2024
Cantrip played two sets: one at the "beer tent" to a large audience and one at the "pole barn" to a small one. Both sets were fantastic. This band has a high level of precision and complexity of arrangement that makes them very enjoyable to me. I could hardly believe people were walking by the pole barn and not stopping to listen (some did though).
Altamont, NY@Altamont Fairgrounds
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About the venue
One Longfellow Square is one of Portland, Maine’s most charming and versatile, non-profit performing arts and concert venues, offering a warm and intimate atmosphere and ...
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Cantrip Biography
The 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, likewise the compelling potency of their musicianship. Originally formed as a quartet, Cantrip sprung from a local session in Edinburgh fourteen years ago. Their driving music immediately caught the attention of the masses, and they were quickly signed to the Foot Stompin' label. With their first album "Silver" (2001) in hand, Cantrip made its way across the water to the United States, where they were recieved with roars and shouts (of enjoyment). After years of significant touring, the band parted ways with Foot Stompin' and began producing albums on their own. Two albums later ("Boneshaker" in 2005 and "Piping the Fish" in 2008), Cantrip had cemented itself as a perennial figure. After 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. New inspirations began creeping into the sound, complementing the traditional foundation of the band. The enhanced sound has been catching the ear of listeners and concert goers all over again. The band's much anticipated fourth release is in production, and it looks to be as exciting and full of energy as ever "Their music comes from wild landscapes & wild places of the spirit.” - The Orcadian
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