Barrule, a musical trio from the Isle of Man, will stop in Maine as part of its first U.S. tour.

 

The group will play in Portland on Tuesday, June 21, at One Longfellow Square, 181 State St. Show begins at 7 p.m.

 

Barrule will also be in Farmington on Thursday, June 23, at the North Church, 12 High St. Show begins at 7 p.m., with a jam session and pie social at 6 p.m.

 

The unique sound of traditional Manx music is the Celtic world’s best-kept secret. This is set to change with the introduction of Barrule, the award-winning trio determined to take the Isle of Man’s music to a much wider audience.

 

Named after the famous Manx summit where legend says the ancient Celtic God Manannan MacLir stalked his mighty fortress, Barrule fuses three distinct musical forces: gifted fiddle player Tomas Callister, accordion wizard Jamie Smith (of the group Mabon) and versatile accompanist Adam Rhodes (of Mabon and Manx band King Chiaullee) on bouzouki. Together this versatile acoustic unit creates a powerful and wholly distinctive sound.

 

With bold but sensitive arrangements, the trio presents a fresh take on traditional and contemporary Manx music. While sharing common ground with its Celtic cousins, as well as the English tradition, Manx music has retained its own particular and inherent Manxness: an atmosphere evoked by the music that speaks of the natural beauty of the island and the lives of its inhabitants.

 

Tickets for the Portland show cost $15 and can be reserved by calling 207-761-1757 or visiting https://onelongfellowsquare.com/event-registration/?ee=525.

 

Tickets for the Farmington show cost $15 and may be reserved by calling 207-778-2006 or visiting www.necelticarts.com.