SAGAPOOL

From: Montreal
Since: 1999
Claim to fame: Modern take on Eastern European traditions

A half-dozen multi-instrumentalists comprise Sagapool, a diverse act that pairs violin, accordion and clarinet with guitar, drums, bass and piano to explore Eastern European folk traditions in a contemporary context. The majority of Sagapool's members hail from Quebec and reflect the cultural melting pot of their home province, while the band also claims natives of Italy and Hungary. The group's playful but dramatic originals are marvelously crafted and masterfully executed, tying Romanian gypsy melodies to klezmer rhythms in a lively, largely instrumental manner. PineCone executive director William Lewis leads a preshow discussion. At STEWART THEATRE. $5–$28/8 p.m. —Spencer Griffith