The Franco-Americans, Rhode Island Contra Dance Band

Cousins Linette Charpentier and Colette Fournier are classically trained violinists. Their folks came from the Quebec region, however, and their strong, harmonized fiddle playing is the core of The Franco-Americans' sound. Although they play traditional New England chestnuts for contra dancing, they also add some French vocals. Colette's sister, Edith Fournier-Farias, sometimes joins in on keyboard.

Jim Chapin and Buster Silva play zingy string rhythms. Jim and wife, Colette, mix in a few duets as well. So it's a family affair.

Deck's people hail from Nova Scotia. His grandmother always walked around with a harmonica in her apron pocket, and his father continued to play the old Nova Scotian fiddle tunes after settling in West Warwick with his five brothers, not far from the Fournier's house.

The Franco-Americans also play traditional spoons and feet, to emphasize the beat. Deck handcrafts the beautiful wooden spoons, as well as fiddles, which he, Colette and Linette often play.