Royal occasion

Young P.E.I. band will perform for Swedish royals

P.E.I.’s Ten Strings and a Goatskin will travel to Sweden on Feb. 21 to perform for King Carl XVI Gustaf and Queen Silvia at the famous VASA museum in Stockholm. Governor General David Johnston requested the bilingual trio of Jesse Périard, Caleb Gallant and Rowen Gallant perform during “The Friends of Canada” event that will also include Canadian artists such as Cirque du Soleil.

The band members from Rustico said they are “humbled” to have been chosen to represent Canada and excited for the opportunity to visit. “Sweden is one of the most progressive countries in the world for its social values and innovation and we are very pleased to play a small part in this state visit,” said fiddler Rowen.

The members of the trio, who are currently working on their royal etiquette, will also participate in outreach activities while in Stockholm.

Their album was named Album of the Year by the Canadian Folk Music magazine “Penguin Eggs.” In addition, Folk Alliance International nominated the group for Album of the Year.

This awards ceremony, which honours Bruce Cockburn and Ani Difranco, was held in Kansas City at Folk Alliance International’s annual conference on Feb. 15. The event is attended by thousands of music lovers and considered the largest folk music conference in North America.

The group said it is overwhelmed with the numerous accolades it has received for their album, “Auprès du Poêle” (Around the Woodstove). The album has been nominated for a Juno, two ECMAs, four Canadian Folk Music Awards, and six P.E.I. Music Awards.

For more information visit the band’s website: tenstringsandagoatskin.com.