Canadian fiddlers to present an evening of singing, dancing and music

MORRISTOWN — Fiddler Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy bring the entire family as they present an evening of singing, dancing and world class music-making at Mayo Performing Arts Center on Friday, Feb. 27 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $29 to $59.

A "Natalie & Donnell" performance includes riveting original pieces, traditional Cape Breton tunes, step-dancing, story-telling, and a joie-de-vive.

Since marrying in 2002, two of Canada's stars have been captivating audiences all over North America with their exceptional musical skills and joy of playing together. Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy have received both industry-acclaim and a loyal following by combining their incredible individual talents, giving audiences a remarkable musical experience each and every night.

Natalie MacMaster
Both born into musical families, Natalie and Donnell entered into their musical careers naturally. Hailing from Cape Breton Island, Natalie received her first fiddle at the age of nine. Her first recording was released when she was only 16, launching a career that has lasted for more than 30 years. With amazing dedication to her craft, Natalie has received numerous awards in the US and Canada, recognizing both her musical talent and importance to Cape Breton's fiddling tradition and international profile. Natalie's performances leave her audiences hollering for more as she and her band wow them with stylistic diversity without losing the traditional Cape Breton groove. Although her stage presence is reason enough to see one of her shows, it's the elegance with the bow, the intricate technique with the fiddle, and the embrace of the Cape Breton tradition that floors her admirers at countless shows every year.

Donnell Leahy
Honing his talent since the age of three, Donnell has literally spent his entire life with a fiddle in his hand. His initial skills were learned at home from his parents — a fiddle-playing father from Ontario and a step-dancing mother from Cape Breton. With a well-trained ear it is no surprise that, as the musical leader and front-man of Leahy for more than 15 years, his own style emerged; some even say he even created a new genre of music known simply as "Leahy." Combined with his mesmerizingly strident, exultant, and high-energy performances, this style has become Donnell Leahy's musical signature.

Now, after more than 10 years of marriage and six children, Donnell and Natalie have turned their sights to combining their musical and home lives. By incorporating family into their performances and travel, they have found the perfect way to maintain a healthy work-life balance. Donnell and Natalie strive to bring up their children with the same home, faith, and musical heritage each of them received. Fiddling, step-dancing, and piano lessons find their place alongside hockey sticks, school books, and family events.

The Mayo Performing Arts Center is located at 100 South St. in Morristown. For more information contact the box office at 973-539-8008 or www.mayoarts.org.