Audience members at the Scythian show on May 5 are likely to find themselves engaged in a “rock n’ roll barn dance” of sorts, complete with stage antics, sing-a-longs and epic fiddling.
Scythian, a Washington, D.C.-based five-piece specializing in immigrant Celtic rock, will take the Chilkat Center stage at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 5.
The show is sponsored by the Haines Arts Council.
Arts council president Tom Heywood said he doesn’t want people dancing in front of the stage because it will block the view for other audience members, but dancing in the wings, back and sides of the auditorium will be encouraged.
“This is a really big energy band. I think it will have a broad appeal; hopefully, it will appeal to the younger crowd in Haines, as well,” Heywood said.
According to the Washington Post, “Scythian’s enthusiasm is contagious, and shows seem to end with everyone dancing, jumping around or hoisting glasses.”
Aside from Celtic rock, the band also dabbles in Gypsy, Gaelic, bluegrass and funk sounds. Most of the five members are multi-instrumentalists, with Alexander Fedoryka on fiddle, mandolin, bass and vocals; Danylo Fedoryka on rhythm guitar, accordion and vocals; Josef Crosby on fiddle, bass and vocals; Tim Hepburn on drums and percussion; and Larissa Fedoryka on cello.
“It’s very technically difficult,” Heywood said of the show. “It’s really going to challenge our new sound system.”
Scythian will visit Haines as part of its Old Tin Can tour, so named for the group’s recently-released album. They will also visit Ketchikan and Skagway on the Alaskan leg of their tour.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for students and $55 for families. Tickets are available at the Babbling Book or the door.