Acclaimed from coast to coast, Wild Asparagus is one of the most popular and sought after contradance bands in America! Clear concise teaching and calling will have you effortlessly dancing traditional as well as recently composed contras collected from around the country. Their creative high-energy music will suprise and delight dancers and listeners alike. Come join us for an exceptional evening of music and dance! Wild Asparagus features David Cantieni on flutes, oboe, and saxaphone; Ann Percival on piano, guitar, and vocals; George Marshall on concertina, bodhran, and calling; with Becky Tracy on fiddle.

Wild Asparagus In Concert

Wild Asparagus rocks with traditional tunes from the British Isles, France, Canada and New England. They employ every accoustic instrument imaginable, including saxophone and bombarde. Ani deFranco summed it up well when she said of Wild Asparagus, "you'se guys kick butt!"

Dance Music From New England

Wild Asparagus is a five person band from Western Massachusetts. Drawing upon music from New England, the British Isles, and Canada, as well as classical sources, Wild Asparagus takes an original approach to the traditional dance music of our folk heritage. Using their unique blend of instruments, creativity, and skills, they offer a sensitive and powerful performance. Since 1984, Wild Asparagus has been highly successful in bringing their music to dances and concerts throughout the United States.

Wild Asparagus is Ann Percival on piano, guitar, and vocals. Ann’s playing is highly inventive while still maintaining an irresistible rhythm. David Cantieni, a woodwind wizard, pours forth lively melodies and liquid harmonies on his flutes, tin-whistle, oboe, saxophone and bombard. George Marshall is an accomplished English concertina player and also provides driving rhythms on bodhran and bones. Becky Tracy’s masterful fiddling is that rare combination of energy and beauty. George also provides excellent instruction and calling for New England style contras. Wild Asparagus has appeared at numerous major festivals and dance events throughout the United States, Canada, and Alaska including: Pinewoods, Fiddle and Dance at Ashokan, The Swannanoa Gathering, City Stages, Lake Eden Arts Festival, Sierra Swing, John C. Campbell Folk School, Old Songs, Falcon Ridge and the Hudson River Revival. Wild Asparagus has released six recordings on its own label.

David Cantieni: Flutes, tin-whistle, bombard, and saxaphone. Member of Wild Asparagus and Swallowtail. Recordings on Rooster and Wild Asparagus labels.

Ann Percival: Piano, guitar, and vocals. Member of Wild Asparagus and O-Tones. Recordings on Rooster and Wild Asparagus labels.

George Marshall: New England contras, english concertina, bones, bodhran.  Caller/musician with Wild Asparagus and Swallowtail. Recorded on Rooster and Wild Asparagus labels.

Becky Tracy: Fiddle. Member of Wild Asparagus and Nightingale.