BATH — The Toronto-based Ozere, created by Jessica Deutsche, who amalgamated the initial group together one night in 2012, showcases freewheeling Celtic music with violin, mandolin, cello, bass and percussion. This robust quartet plays Friday, May 19 at the Chocolate Church Arts Center, located at 804 Washington Street in Bath. Show begins at 7:30 p.m.

Violinist Jessica Deutsche is classically trained but found her passion when she stumbled across a Celtic music jam at a pub near her place in Vancouver. She was intrigued, began to participate, and became hooked.

“I introduce the music, but the others bring their own contribution to it and I wouldn’t have it any other way,” Deutsche says. Now with a cream of the crop rotating cast of fine musicians she can call upon whenever she takes Ozere on the road or into the studio.

2016 Canadian Folk Music Awards nominee Ozere takes inspiration from classical string quartets and world folk bands. Fiddler Jessica Deutsch’s compositions bridge her upbringing as a chamber musician and her experience playing many styles as a side-woman, including Celtic, bluegrass, and old time American as well as Folk and world music. This band takes you on a journey, from knee-slapping reels that emit all the joy of an Irish pub session to solemn suites inspired by the Middle East and back to lively Folk traditions. 2017 has turned out to be an exciting year for Ozere as they were featured at Celtic Connections in Glasgow in January, and now touring in the U.S. and Canada on an extended tour over the Spring and Summer.

“At times, you think you’re listening to a newgrass band featuring old time-style and Celtic fiddle and vocals, but other times the group heads in unexpected directions, introducing classical chamber music flourishes, memorable vocal harmonies and instrumental jazz interplay” — Angel Romero, World Music Central.

Described by the Boston Globe as a “rootsy take on the string quartet,” Ozere blends together the intimacy of chamber music and the spontaneity of an improvisational jam session, performing original compositions and traditional favorites. The group plays Friday, May 19, at the Chocolate Church Arts Center in Bath. Show begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 in advance, $18 at the door.

FMI: chcolatechurcharts.org, 442-8455

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