The north wind is about to usher in a unique folk band from Quebec: Le Vent du Nord.

The band—in the midst of a nonstop, 800-concert tour throughout Canada, the U.S. and Europe—will play at the Smith Opera House Saturday night as part of its passport World Music Series.

Le Vent Du Nord’s music is infectious and it sounds a bit Celtic until the voices kick in with four-part harmony.

“The music in Quebec is very particular. … We are a mix of the French, the Celts, Irish and Scots, and also the music is influenced by the native people, so it’s a unique mix, even in Canada,” said band member Nicolas Boulerice.

One thing that adds to the band’s sound is the hurdy-gurdy that Boulerice plays. The instrument has its roots in medieval times and consists of a wooden wheel which Boulerice turns with a crank with his right hand, acting like a never-ending bow, and keys which he pushes with his left hand.

“It’s very weird; it’s from the 12^th century,” said Boulerice. “The French brought it here, and it’s like a part of the very first roots of Quebec music.”

The group began by chance, when a fire alarm in 2002 brought musicians Boulerice and Olivier Derners, fiddle in hand, and asked him whether he knew any old tunes. Derners, now a performer for Cirque de Soleil when not playing fiddle and foot-tapping with this band, answered yes, and Le Vent du Nord was born. They eventually joined up with Simon Beaudry, a multi-instrumentalist from one of Quebec’s most musical villages, and accordionist Réjean Brunet, who hails from a musical family in a small town near the United States border.

Now, three CDs later, Le Vent du Nord have given Quebec roots music a new voice.

“When we go to the U.S., I think we are maybe exotic for American people,” said Boulerice.

Le Vent du Nord’s repertoire gets crowds dancing and foot-stomping wherever they play. Boulerice said they sing original and traditional songs in their native French.

“We try to find some songs that people don’t know because we like to bring something different. We life to find the rare songs,” said Boulerice, smiling.

He added that many types of music influence the band.

“We like to mix the new with the old sound. If you listen to the piano, the sound of jazz is there. Pop music can be heard in some chords and vocal harmonies,” Boulerice said.

In conjunction with the concert, The Smith’s gallery and gift shop will hold a “pre-formance” meet-the-artists reception. Visitors can view artwork throughout the lobby, meet the artists and enjoy refreshments.

After the concert, members of the band will mingle in the lobby and have CDs of their music available for sale.

“We like to say hello!” said boulerice.

More information about the band and its new CD can be found at www.leventdunord.com.

--by Larry Ann Evans