Fairport Convention is one of the great English musical institutions. Formed in 1967, the group revolutionized traditional British Isles songs, tunes, and ballads by fusing them to the dynamics and energy of rock music, exposing a whole generation to their musical heritage while at the same time creating an exciting new genre. While the ensuing decades have seen a number of personnel changes (past members have included Richard Thompson, Ian Matthews, and the late Sandy Denny, among many others), the band has continued to make great music, its top-notch musicianship and its link with England's rural traditions providing continuity through the decades. Fairport has also won any number of awards: last year their classic 1969 album, Liege & Lief, was voted Most Influential Folk Album of All Time in a ballot of the public run by the BBC.

In two memorable evenings at the Freight, Fairport's "acoustic trio" -- singer/guitarist (and founding member) Simon Nicol, multi-instrumentalist Chris Leslie, and violinist Ric Sanders -- perform Fairport songs old and new, including numbers from their recent live CD, Off The Desk. Between them the trio tackles everything from fiery fiddle duos to thoughtful self-penned ballads and traditional favorites like "Banks of the Sweet Primroses," all with the great humor and finesse of true folk veterans.