The fact that Portland, Oregon-based quintet Black Prairie started as a side project for Nate Query and Chris Funk of indie rock darlings the Decemberists was enough to attract some initial buzz for the band.
Their distinctive sound, showcased on two albums on respected Americana indie Sugar Hill Records, maintained it.
Primarily instrumental and acoustic, the band calls itself a “progressive string band.” Its music is based in bluegrass, but its reach expands into klezmer and gypsy jazz influences via fellow Decemberist Jenny Conlee’s accordion and Annalisa Tomfelt’s violin (Tomfelt also contributes some vocals).
The band will perform at the Kent Stage.
Tickets are $24.