CARTHAGE — Scotland’s high-energy band Cantrip will bring its blend of twin fiddles, bagpipes and guitar to Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, March 21.

The trio of Scottish and American traditional musicians — Dan Houghton, Brendan Carey Block and Eric McDonald — will also take the stage Thursday, March 22, at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity.

Cantrip, an Old Scots word meaning a charm, magic spell or piece of mischief,  aptly describes the unexpected twists and turns in the group’s musical arrangements.

Houghton is a Scottish piper, flautist and DADGAD guitarist. Winner of many competitions, he has toured and taught extensively throughout Britain, Europe, Ireland, America and Asia. He performs as a soloist as well as in various ensembles, including salsa fusion band Salsa Celtica and rock band Prydein. He lives in southern Vermont.

Constantly in the pursuit of the boundaries of the violin, and in turn pushing them as far as he can, Twenty-six year-old

Block, 26, the 2000-2001 US National Junior Scottish Fiddle Champion, has been performing since age 10. His innovative sound incorporates jazz and rock elements as well as ideas from the many Celtic regions of the world.

At 17, McDonald picked up the mandolin and burst onto the Boston folk scene. He was a founding member of teen string band Jaded Mandolin and toured two years with the Dave Rowe Trio. He has accompanied songwriters as a mandolin accompanist and can also be seen playing for contra dances with his band Scoot.

The March 21 concert at Skye will begin at 7 p.m.; the March 22 performance at Unity is at 7 p.m. There will be preshow jam sessions one hour prior to curtain.

Tickets are $15 at the door. For reservations,, call Skye at 562-4445 or UCCPA at 948-7469. Skye is at 2 Highland Drive in South Carthage. UCCPA is at 42 Depot St., Unity.