Music of Quebec: E.T.E. to offer songs, dances of Canada at RRCA

Hear the music of Quebec, accompanied by podorythmie and step dancing, Saturday at the River Raisin Centre for the Arts.

The Canada-based trio E.T.E. (pronounced AY-TAY) will offer 90 minutes of its “unique brand of music from Quebec,” agent Danielle Devlin said.

“Most of the tunes and songs the band performs are original or adaptations of traditional tunes,” Devlin said. “People will love the energy we share through our music. Our music is infectious.”

E.T.E. is named for its members: Élisabeth Moquin, who plays fiddle, step dances and sings; Thierry Clouette, who plays bouzouki, dances podorythmie and sings; and Élisabeth Giroux, who plays cello and sings. All three have music degrees.

The band name also suggests summer and energy.

“The word ‘été’ in French means summer, a fitting tribute to how their original, lively take on Québec traditional music is infused with a new vitality,” the band said.

Some E.T.E. songs will showcase dancing, including podorythmie.

“Podorythmie is very common in traditional music from Quebec,” Devlin said. “It's like step dancing in a chair, and provides the underlying driving rhythm for the music. In its simplest form, it imitates the sound of a windmill.”

Moquin also offers more traditional step dancing.

“The step dancing of Élisabeth Moquin is an incredible feat to witness,” Devlin said.

E.T.E.’s performance is enjoyed by all ages.

“Audiences vary greatly, from the very young to elders,” Devlin said. “People are always commenting how much energy and ‘joie de vivre’ (great enjoyment) our music has and that it is very moving. People who are not familiar with music from Quebec are often very surprised by just how joyful and unique it is. And, at times, very moving and maybe tinged with sadness, as many French and Celtic love songs are. The songs blend many Celtic traditions and French, so there is some familiarity with American audiences often times because of the Celtic influences.”

The band began in 2015, and its first album was released in 2017. E.T.E. was awarded the Opus Prize for “Discovery of the Year 2017-2018.”

Today, the members are on the road about a third of the year. They travel the world.

“We are based in the province of Quebec, and we travel all over Quebec, Canada, the U.S., Australia and Europe,” Devlin said. “They are very excited to be coming to a part of the U.S. where there is francophone (French-speaking) history and happy to share their music with you.”

If you go

WHAT: E.T.E. in concert

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Saturday

WHERE: River Raisin Centre for the Arts, 114 S. Monroe St.

TICKETS: $39 for adults; $35 for veterans, military and seniors; and $15 for students

ORDER: www.riverraisincentre.org or call the box office at 734-242-RRCA

This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: E.T.E. to offer songs, dances of Quebec at RRCA