Folk quartet the Syncopaths will perform a CD release concert for their new album “Be Like the Sea,” 7-9 p.m. June 16 at Live Oak Unitarian Universalist, 820 N. Fairview Ave., Goleta.

Syncopaths quartet members sit together in grass with three birch trees behind them.
Syncopaths quartet creates a “chamber folk” sound. Credit: Courtesy photo

From dance floors to concert halls, the Syncopaths bring a contemporary spin to tunes and songs rooted in the Scottish, Irish, and American folk traditions.

Evolving through their contradance origins, the quartet is creating a “chamber folk” sound, characterized by the compelling rhythmic interplay of fiddle and mandolin, vocals, and the colors and rhythms of the piano and bodhrån.

Founded in 2002 as a backup band for bluegrass fiddler Richard Greene, the Syncopaths stepped out on their own shortly thereafter wit their improvisational and playful style.

At the heart of the band’s sound are the twin vibes of Ryan McKasson’s Scottish-based fiddling, and the picking of mandolinist Ashley Hoyer.

Jeffrey Spero provides inventive piano accompaniment, anchored by the power of Christa Burch’s bodhrán. Burch also lends her warm and expressive voice as lead singer to the band’s songs. Each band member is also an accomplished tunesmith, with recordings of original compositions on each of the band’s CDs.

“Make no mistake, the Syncopaths are nothing short of a Celtic supergroup,” the Irish Herald reports.

The new album will be their third CD, with more than 10 years since their last release. The concert in Goleta will feature selections from the new CD, as well as old favorites from past albums.

Tickets available at https://www.syncopaths.com/goleta/. Donation of $20 requested.

For more on the band, visit www.syncopaths.com.