A fabulous fiddler and soulful alto lead singer — combined with a trio of instrumental wizards that even use cat food tins as instruments — make up the eclectic American roots band of Rani Arbo & Daisy Mayhem.
This Northeast quartet brings a jubilant mix of traditional, original and contemporary sounds to the San Juan Community Theatre’s Whittier Stage on Tuesday, 8 p.m.
Arbo is the fiddler and lead singer of the group, joined by Andrew Kinsey, Arbo’s singing partner for more than 15 years as well as the band’s bass player.
Scott Kessel pilots the unforgettable “Drumship Enterprise,” a recycled drum kit comprising a cardboard box, cat food tins, a Danish butter cookie tin and a suitcase.
The band is rounded out by Anand Nayak on guitar, whose style draws from a century’s worth of jazz, funk, blues and folk masters.
The quartet strives to mix up their harmonies, adding traditional American musical stylings to the songs they write, and adding modern twists to the traditional material they play.
Describing the impact of her concerts, Arbo says the best way is to quote one of her fans, who told her: “Whenever I see you guys play, I leave feeling like my life is pretty good.” A review from the Boston Globe included several accolades for the group, including: “This quartet has a rare gift for fashioning hip, sleek sounds from the solid cloth of vintage American music.”
More information on the group can be found on the Web site, raniarbo.com
This performance is sponsored by Salt Spray Window Cleaning and San Juan Pest Control. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for student reserved, with $5 student RUSH available at the door. A donor has made provision for free tickets to anyone needing financial assistance to attend a theater event.
The box office is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Saturday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and one hour before any performance. Call 378-3210, or visit www.SanJuanCommunityTheatre.org.