LEWISTON — John and Ellen Gawler, joined by their daughters, Molly, Edith and Elsie, will bring an eclectic assortment of old and new sounds from many folk traditions to the Franco-American Heritage Center.

Their concert at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 28, will close out the center’s Celtic Series for 2010.

The Gawlers will also perform at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center in Carthage on Wednesday, Dec. 29, and at Unity College Center for the Performing Arts in Unity on Thursday, Dec. 30. A preshow jam will start at 6 p.m. at Skye and Unity, and will include musicians from all over the region. Curtain is at 7 p.m. at  Skye and at 7:30 p.m. in Unity. A brief contra dance will follow each concert.

Together, the Gawlers play fiddles, banjo, wooden banjo, cello, guitar, ukulele and piano. Whether performing a quietly poignant ballad or a rollicking fiddle tune, their arrangements are engaging and often include antidotes of historical or humorous content.

Dance tunes in the Scots-Irish and French Canadian traditions are their specialty, but when on-stage the Gawlers are also known to perform an Appalachian work song, a “Sweet Honey in the Rock” a cappella number or an amusing ode to everyday life.

The Gawlers share their infectious spirit and musicianship on their CD, “Golden Thread.”

Singer John Gawler is known for his fun-loving and original renditions of traditional music. With his finger picking guitar and banjo, he lends an underpinning to the musical family.

Ellen Gawler is a celebrated Maine fiddler, conversant in many styles including Maritime, Irish, New England, Shetland and Quebecois. She began playing at a young age and traveled to Ireland and the Shetland Islands to study with fiddlers.

Molly earned a bachelor of fine arts degree at SUNY Purchase Conservatory of Dance. She has been performing with Pilobolus Dance Theatre’s international touring company, appearing on the Academy Awards show, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” Japanese television and “Late Night TV with Connan O’Brian.” She has also performed with Corbin Dances from New York City, Nelly Van Bommel of France and Pickleshoes of Georgia. 

Edith, a guitarist, recently returned from her travels around the world Also accomplished on the fiddle, piano, and banjo, she fills in the Gawler ensemble with her rich low harmonies.

Elsie takes her inspiration from a new sound that incorporates the cello into folk music with a range of chops, backup rhythms and innovative chord structures. With fiddle music embedded in her musical sensibilities, she delivers lively jigs and reels as easily as melancholy waltzes on her cello. She is a recent convert to the ukulele.

General admission tickets are $12, $5 for children 12 and under. Tickets may be purchased by calling 689-2000, online at francoamericanheritage.org or at the door.

Tickets are $12 at the Franco center, $10 at Skye and Unity. The Franco center is at 46 Cedar St. Skye Theater is at 2 Highland Drive in South Carthage. UCCPA is at 42 Depot St., Unity. For reservations, call the Franco center at 689-2000, Skye  at 562-4445 or UCCPA at 948-7469.