CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts presents Maine’s highly energetic Acadian band Boréal Tordu at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in South Carthage on Monday, April 30. Curtain at Skye is 7 p.m. A 26-member delegation from the U.S. Tour Bus Operators Association along with committee members from the World Acadian Congress 2014 will be present at this special showcase event. The Franklin County Fiddlers will start the show with a rousing 30-minute set. A pre-show jam session starts on hour prior to curtain.

When the fiddle beat picks up or the words spin a story of songs learned from loving grandparents, the unique group Boréal Tordu brings to life the many influences of Maine’s poignant past. Referring to their style as a French-American mélange, Boréal Tordu represents both cultures that have stamped themselves on the Maine that is such a popular destination today. Maine-Acadian songs, ballads, Cajun swing music and French fiddle tunes — some traditional through the ages, some a heritage in the performers’ families, and some original creations that have been inspired in their recognition of ancestral roots — are part of Boréal Tordu’s performance, as well as songs and dances from Quebec, the Maritime provinces and Acadia.

Since 2003, Boréal Tordu has played to enthusiastic English and French-speaking audiences throughout New England, New York, Quebec and the Canadian Maritimes. They have been featured three times on Maine’s 207, NPR, CBC Radio Canada and Robert Resnick’s “All the Traditions” on Vermont Public Radio. Their 2006 release “La Bonne Vie” was called “an inspiration to the Franco-American community” by Dirty Linen Magazine, and has been heard on the PBS series with Bill Moyers. Most recently, Le Centre de la francophonie des Ameriques has selected Boréal Tordu’s recording of Steve Muise’s song “le Par-en-Bas” to appear on a CD compilation produced by none other than Cajun music pioneer and stalwart, Zachary Richard. Thrice nominated for the Portland Phoenix readers’ poll award for Best World Music Act, Boréal Tordu continues to innovate and abide in a genre by itself.

The band features Acadian fiddler/accordionist extraordinaire, Steve Muise, named Maine Music Educator of the Year 2007, and Acadian singer-songwriter and dobro player Rob Sylvain, known for his work in the band Douce with Matthew Doucet (son of Michael) of Lafayette, La. Rounding out the rhythm section is Pip Walter on guitar and backing vocals and Andy Buckland on upright bass.

Whether it’s the lively fiddling of an Acadian tune by Steve Muise, the humorous refrain of “Quelle belle vie … Ma femme est partie!” (What a beautiful life . . . My wife is gone!) by vocalist Rob Sylvain, or the nostalgic songs taught by a doting mémé (grandmother), the music of Boréal Tordu is a crowd-pleaser.

Skye Theater is located 3 miles West of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Rd and Route 2 in South Carthage. Ticket price is $15 at the door. For reservations at Skye Theatre call 207-562-4445.

More information is available at:http://www.necelticarts.com