Folk, Rock, and Innovation
Imagine, if you will, the musical integration of bluegrass with equal parts folk and rock n’ roll flair. The product is no less than the Sans Souci Quartet, which may translate directly to ‘carefree’ in the French language, but embodies the eclectic musical styling’s of a group soon to take over the Northrop Plaza.
Minneapolis’ own Sans Souci Quartet has made a name for itself in the local music scene with a unique blend of bluegrass, folk, rock, and innovation. Next Wednesday, Summer Music Festival at Northrop concert-goers will hear unique and refreshing arrangements, achieved with the help of a mandolin, guitar, banjo, and bass. These strings create Sans Souci’s traditional sound to match the authentic voices that accompany them.
Is this your first time seeing Sans Souci Quartet perform live in concert? Not to worry! Here are a few fun facts that are sure to get you up to speed on this bluegrass/folk/rock quartet.
What is the most bizarre or memorable experience you have had at a performance?
A few years back, our bassist entered the wrong house after a gig, grabbed a frosty beer, cooked a frozen pizza, and then fell asleep on the couch. Hours later, the tired and weary bassist later awoke to a terrified and irate home owner – only then realizing the unfortunate mistake he made.
On Wednesday you’re playing for the Summer Music Festival at Northrop, which will take place in Minneapolis, Minnesota. If you could play a show in any city in the world, other than Minneapolis, of course, where on the map would you choose? Why this place?
Without a doubt, we would played near San Fransisco, CA in 1973 on Jerry Garcia's old porch. Sans Souci Quartet draws much of it's inspiration from the almighty Jerry Garcia, and the music he created in Old and in the Way and the Grateful Dead.
If each of your band mates were an animal, what would they be and why?
Eric Roberts - Sloth (three fingers, quite lazy) Adam Lutz - Dog (lives inside his doghouse bass, somewhere up in space) Eric Larson - Bird (specifically, the rare avian species: birdolin) Zach Gusa - Dolphin (high pitched, playful)
What musicians are queued up on your iPod, CD player, computer, or what-have-you right now?
Henhouse Prowlers Del Mccoury Band Smashing Pumpkins Béla Fleck Tony Rice Doyle Lawson Packway Handle Band
Souci Quartet released their second full-length studio album, Lemming. This new album continues to push the traditional music envelope while combining a blend of American roots and modern string band music. With this being said, what are you waiting for? Now you’re prepared to see Sans Souci Quartet take Northrop Plaza next Wednesday!
