BEAUCOUP CHAPEAUX CONCERT #3 OF THE JCA WORLD MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025

Beaucoup Chapeaux, loosely translated from French as “many hats,” is a world-fusion acoustic quartet known for bringing a joyous, eclectic musical journey to each performance. The group has been captivating audiences across Northern California and the Pacific Northwest for over 15 years, with nearly 800 concerts under its belt.

Members:

• Maggie McKaig (leader): Accordionist, guitarist, vocalist, composer, and multilingual singer with a soulful presence

• Luke Wilson: Strings specialist (tenor guitar, plectrum banjo, dobro, vocals), former Capitol Records artist and accomplished luthier.

• Murray Campbell: Violinist and reed player (violin, oboe, cor anglais), equally at home in orchestral and improvisational settings.

• Randy McKean: Clarinetist and saxophonist known for avant‑garde compositional approaches, bringing experimental flair to the group.

Musical Style & Repertoire:

The quartet blends influences from French chansons and Italian café tunes, Balkan and Eastern European folk, Hot Club jazz, and original compositions inspired by global traditions. Their music often evokes café ambiance and Balkan dance rhythms while maintaining a fresh, inventive spirit.

Performance Highlights:

• Launched from intimate venues like the Classic Café in Nevada City, Beaucoup Chapeaux now performs at theaters, festivals, and community events—creating a sense of warmth and connection wherever they go.

• Their shows are frequently described as magical and communal experiences. As one reviewer put it, “So many fans showed up … the crowd felt like family, with cousins crowded around the table…”