Rooted in old-time country, with a bluegrass kick and the bounce of a street-corner jug-band, Tricky Britches will put some swing in your step from the moment you hear them. With songwriting full of down-home harmonies and dirty licks, their music harkens back to humble beginnings sawing out mountain tunes on the Portland, Maine sidewalks.

Tricky Britches formed in 2009, playing on street corners across the country, simply as a means of paying for a road trip. Suddenly there were weddings, parties, and dances to be played, and before the boys knew it, Tricky Britches had gained too much momentum to be stopped.

As time went by they focused more on songwriting and original material. Their influences include John Hartford, Hank Williams, Bill Monroe, The Stanley Brothers, The Grateful Dead, The Everly Brothers, and American traditional folk music

In an age of auto-tune and manufactured music, Tricky Britches isn’t just a throwback – they’re a look forward. When we tire of the digital and the plastic, we can comfort ourselves in the warm embrace of three-part harmonies, fire-breathing fiddle and mandolin licks, and the thump-thump to the gut of a stand-up bass.

Not only do they reintroduce us to the delicious crudeness of early-20th century tunes like “Greasy Coat,” but even their originals sound old as dirt. As comfortable on a street corner or front porch as they are on stage and under the lights.

Skye Theater is at 2 Highland Drive. Ticket price is $15 at the door. For reservations, calll 207-562-4445. More information is available at www.necelticarts.com.

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