UPPER JAY – Taking their name from a traditional song, “Les Poules a Colin” were raised behind the scenes at folk festivals, learning their craft at kitchen parties amongst some of Quebec’s finest trad musicians, which included their parents.

The group will perform at 8 p.m. Saturday, May 18 at the Upper Jay Arts Center.

You can hear a seamless blend of their strong folk upbringing in their music, along with North American influences that range from old-time to jazz, with some provocative and moody effects. Their repertoire is a mix of original and traditional, primarily in French but with some English compositions, and reveals a glorious vocal, instrumental and rhythmic prowess. Their adaptations of traditional songs from Quebec, Brittany and Louisiana speak eloquently to their generation while retaining the beauty of the timeless music of the past.

The Upper Jay Arts Center is located at 12198 state Route 9N.