Performing Arts Fort Worth Presents MASTERS OF THE FIDDLE TO BASS, 10/17

Performing Arts Fort Worth welcomes the eclectic music and dance ensemble Masters of the Fiddle to Bass Performance Hall on Monday, October 17, 2011, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets start at $16.50 and are on sale NOW! 

Masters of the Fiddle is a Celtic-inspired music and dance extravaganza led by Canadian husband-wife duo Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, two of the most celebrated fiddlers in contemporary music. MacMaster and Leahy have been married nearly a decade but maintain busy solo careers, making this tour a special event.

The two will be backed by dancers and a full band, including dual pianists, Mac Morin and Erin Leahy, one of Donnell's sisters. Along with traditional Celtic and Cape Breton fiddle music, the ensemble specializes in French, American bluegrass and Cajun music. 

MacMaster has a thriving solo career that has included tours with The Chieftains, Carlos Santana, Faith Hill and Alison Krauss; she has also recorded with famed cellist Yo-Yo Ma. MacMaster started playing fiddle at the age of 9. Just a few years later, at 16, she released her first album, Four on the Floor. Since then, she has released more than a dozen albums and taken home prestigious industry awards, such as a pair of Juno Awards and a "Fiddler of the Year" award from the Canadian Country Music Association.

Donnell Leahy leads a folk ensemble called Leahy, comprised of eight of his 11 siblings. The group, which has won three Juno Awards, has toured with fellow Canadian Shania Twain and released several albums.

To charge tickets by phone, call (817) 212-4280 in Fort Worth; 1-877-212-4280 (toll free) outside Fort Worth; or order online at www.basshall.com. Tickets are also available at the Bass Performance Hall ticket office at 525 Commerce Street. Ticket office hours: Monday through Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. and Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. For group sales, call 817-212-4318.