Barrage Dazzles the Crowd at Wolf Trap

Barrage, The Barns at Wolf Trap, April 17

The fiddling sensation Barrage came to the Barns at Wolf Trap for two nights last week to dazzle audiences with their music and dance. Five violinists accompanied by a three-piece rhythm section played two full sets in support of their latest disc, High Strung.

The high-energy musical fusion the band plays is extraordinary. They covered an impressive array of genres: Celtic, Cajun, bluegrass, klezmer, pop, disco, swing, and traditional songs from France and Ukraine. The sold-out crowd could barely sit still through "Sing, Sing, Sing," and that’s fine because band members asked for the audience to let loose and many clapped and cheered.

From interpretations of Ravel’s "Bolero" to the Beatles "Elanor Rigby," the band showed off their original arrangements. The vocals were a bit muffled in the mix but the bulk of the show was instrumental and it never detracted from the show.

Band members came from Canada, Germany, and the United States. The band originated in Calgary, Canada and the cast rotates during the year based on an intensive competition. This configuration of Barrage thoroughly entertained.