Fiddle Masters Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy Come To Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall 1/21/2010

Two of the world's most celebrated fiddlers--Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy-headline a lively evening of Celtic music, dance and song at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall on Thursday, Jan. 21 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30-$45 (with a limited number of "smart seats" priced
at $10).

Both artists, a married couple, are celebrated for their musicianship. Natalie MacMaster is an electrifying performer whose passionate proficiency on the four-string amplifies the traditional East Coast sound for contemporary times. Her Signature Sound has resonated with world audiences through 10 albums, numerous Juno and East Coast Music Awards and a reputation as one of Canada's most captivating performers. Her musical lineage includes a cadre of noted fiddlers including her uncle, fiddle prodigy Buddy MacMaster, her cousin Andrea Beaton and the late Canadian folk icon John Allan Cameron.

MacMaster forged her own sound, debuting her fiddling prowess at the age of nine at concert in Cape Breton. She delivered her first album, Four on the Floor, at the age of 16. "
You didn't have to know a jig from a reel or a strathspey from a waltz to enjoy Natalie McMaster's music," wrote one New York music critic after a recent concert. "Armed with world-class talent and small-town charm, McMaster has long mastered the intimate art of invitation, of taking audiences to the traditional music of mind and heart she carries with her."

Fiddle sensation Donnell Leahy wowed Van Wezel audiences last season with his family band Leahy, the Canadian powerhouse of eight musical Brothers and Sisters. The group has amassed Juno Awards for Best New Group, Best Country Group and Best Instrumental Album; and the Socan award for Folk/Jazz instrumentalists. The band's life story is so compelling that it became the subject of an Oscar winning documentary-The Leahys: Music Most of All. 

Sponsored by Wilde Lexus of Sarasota

For more information and to buy tickets, contact the Van Wezel Box Office at 941- 953-3368 or log onto www.vanwezel.org. Dinner is available prior to most shows by Michael's on East at the Van Wezel by calling (941) 366-0007 or logging onto www.bestfood.com.

Set along Sarasota's beautiful bayfront, the landmark Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall is celebrating its 40th anniversary of entertaining audiences with a variety of music, dance, theater, comedy and children's shows. Its mission is to present a broad spectrum of the world's finest performing artists in order to meet the diverse cultural needs of all of Southwest Florida's residents and visitors. The Van Wezel is also committed to bringing visiting artists into the community for meaningful education and outreach programs.

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