When lead singer Erik Arsenault made a decision to move back to his hometown after a four-year stay in the mountains of Alberta, big brother Remi flew west, and on the long drive home, the brothers laid down the foundation for The BackYard Devils. It was a dirty country and bluegrass band that would cater to young and old whose fans ranged from punk rockers to country and bluegrass fans.

The brothers recruited Chris Belliveau, a talented and in-demand guitar player with a love for roots music and Dillon Robicheau, a seasoned bluegrass mandolin and banjo player out of Nova Scotia to help create the vision. With a swinging guitar rhythm, doghouse bass slaps, smashing guitar solos and lightning quick banjo and mandolin lines, The BackYard Devils managed to hammer down their own sound in an old fashion-style, just like the brothers had planned.

New England Celtic Arts in collaboration with Music New Brunswick will present The BackYard Devils in a series of shows that each start at 7 p.m.

Monday, May 20, St. Lawrence Arts, 76 Congress Street, Portland. Tickets available through Bullmoose and Brown Paper Tickets, $15. Info: 207-775-5568 or www.stlawrencearts.org.

Tuesday, May 21, Deertrees Theatre, 156 Deertrees Road, Harrison. $22. Info/reservations: 207-583-6747 or www.deertreestheatre.org. Bring your own blanket as it may be chilly in this venue.

Wednesday, May 22, Skye Theatre, Winter Hill Rd., Carthage. Pre-show jam session starting at 6 p.m. $15. Info: 207-562-4445 or www.necelticarts.com.

Thursday, May 23, Phillips Area Community Center, Depot Street, Phillips. Pre-show jam session starting at 6 p.m. $15. Info: 207-639-3717 or www.necelticarts.com.