De Temps Antan Set for Skirball's Sunset Concerts Series in LA Tonight, 8/16

The West Coast premiere of De Temps Antan continues the Skirball Cultural Center's annual Sunset Concerts series tonight, August 16, 2012 at 8:00 PM.

Since 2003, Éric Beaudry, André Brunet, and Pierre-Luc Dupuis have been exploring and performing time-honored melodies from the stomping grounds of Quebec's musical past. Even their band name, De Temps Antan, is a play on words, a nod to their ancient heritage ("de temps en temps" in French means "from time to time" while the similar-sounding "antan" means "yesteryears"). Using fiddle, accordion, harmonica, guitar, bouzouki, and many more instruments, the three virtuosi blend boundless energy with the unmistakable joie de vivre of traditional Quebecois music. Beaudry's rich vocal range and unquestionable talent on stringed instruments, combined with Brunet's unwavering energy and refined style on the violin and Dupuis' skills on the accordion, guarantee a rousing performance for all.

The Skirball Cultural Center's Sunset Concerts, curated by Skirball Vice President of Programs, Jordan Peimer, offers community concerts free of charge representing music from around the globe in the Skirball's scenic central courtyard.

The 2012 series begins with Samba Mapangala & Orchestra Virunga (July 26) and continues with the West Coast premiere of The Alaev Family (August 2); West Coast premiere of Orquesta Sarabia under the direction of Roberto Rodriguez (August 9); West Coast premiere of De Temps Antan (August 16); La Santa Cecilia (August 23); and world premiere of Eric Bibb's String Band (August 30).

For each live performance, the expansive outdoor space is transformed into an intimate, celebratory gathering. Concertgoers arrive early to dine under the stars, visit the museum galleries, and explore the Skirball's spectacular architecture and hillside setting. Then, as the performers take the stage, festivities spill out into the aisles and music lovers of all ages sing along and take to the dance floor.

It takes musical flair to create memorable songs of yore: songs with a hint of contemporary, dosed with humor, deep-rooted couplets, and sudden, impromptu shifts that speak to familiar rhythms of the past: these are the sounds of De Temps Antan.

Éric Beaudry was first exposed to traditional Quebecois music in Saint-Côme, a village in Quebec's Lanaudière region. Raised by a family entrenched in music, he began singing and playing guitar at the age of ten. In 1992, he unleashed his musical ambitions on local audiences by founding La Galvaude, followed up later by Ni Sarpe Ni Branche and Norouet. Éric's passion for music also fostered an interest in song, which earned him a 2002 Prix Mnémo for his role in producing the album Musique gaspésienne, featuring violinist Édouard Richard. In 2003, hot on the heels of this success, Éric became a member of La Bottine Souriante. Éric's love of music also spurred a passion for entertaining, following the completion of a bachelor of arts in pop guitar and jazz, Éric began teaching traditional music at Joliette's CEGEP régional de Lanaudière in 2002.