Rupa and the April Fishes at the North Shore Credit Union Centre for the Performing Arts

San Francisco’sRupa and the April Fishes have a magic cauldron in which they blend Balkan Gypsy fiddle, Argentine tango, Mexican ranchera, Parisian chanson, and U.S. folk-pop to create a West Coast world-music acoustic-cabaret sound. Their songs are emotionally rich and colourful but never sappy, and often have a keen social or political edge. Leader and songwriter Rupa Marya is also a practising doctor, so if you’re bleeding from your bandages or just looking to bust a gut at a gig on Halloween-party weekend, head for the NSCU Centre at Capilano University, North Vancouver, where Rupa and the April Fishes perform this Saturday (October 27).