The KCP Presents Performing Arts Series is thrilled to welcome Ruckus, the world’s only period instrument rock band, to St. Johnsbury Academy’s Fuller Hall, on February 24th, at 7:00. Combining rustic 18th century instruments with the energetic ferocity of a rock band, Ruckus brings a fresh, visceral approach to early music.
New York-based Ruckus aims to fuse the early-music movement’s questing, creative spirit with the grit, groove and jangle of American roots music, creating a unique sound of “rough-edged intensity” (New Yorker). Ruckus’ first album, an acclaimed collaboration with Emi Ferguson of Bach Sonatas and Preludes, debuted at #2 on the Billboard charts.
Like most early music groups, Ruckus features instruments like the harpsichord and the viola da gamba, but Ruckus also incorporates synthesizer, guitar, bassoon, bass, and Near Eastern frame drums for a surprisingly modern feel. At Fuller Hall, they will perform Strawberry Fields, a joyous feast of rustic dances from the 18th century, featuring Ignatius Sancho’s Twelve Country Dances for the Year 1779 and George Frideric Handel’s Op. 5 Trio Sonatas, all arranged with their signature groove. The program features Rachell Ellen Wong (violin) and Emi Ferguson (flute).
The band performs “with the spirit of a dance party,” raves the New York Times.
“Bold, swaggering, high energy and unapologetically modern,” adds the Berkshire Edge.
“A groovy, driving force of texture, rhythm and improvisation,” the Straw concurs.
Bringing big city talent to Vermont’s small towns, the KCP Presents Performing Arts Series has scheduled 11 professional touring acts through spring of 2026, including dance, circus, comedy, and music from around the world. Tickets for KCP Presents 2025-26 shows, including early bird discounts, are on sale now. Student admission is free to St. Johnsbury Academy and Lyndon Institute shows, including Ruckus on February 24th.
To buy tickets or learn more, visit www.catamountarts.org or www.kcppresents.org. Alternatively, call 802-748-2600 or visit the Catamount Arts box office at 115 Eastern Avenue, St. Johnsbury.
The KCP Presents Series is produced by Catamount Arts working in association with Kingdom County Productions and supported by generous local sponsors including The Autosaver Group, Community National Bank, Lyndon Institute, Northern Counties Healthcare, EastRise Credit Union, NVRH, Passumpsic Bank, St. Johnsbury Academy, Seven Days, The Point, NHPR, WYKR/Yankee Broadcasting, Green Mountain Broadcasters, Vermont Public, and Seven Days, with grant funding from the Vermont Arts Council.
