The Celtic Fiddle Festival is comprised of three virtuoso Celtic fiddle players: Kevin Burke, Christian Lemaitre and Andre Brunet. The Washington Post describes them as "Three of the finest folk violinists anywhere. A mastery of regional fiddle styles with alternately soulful, dazzling and nuanced performances.” They’ve sold out tours and enjoyed standing ovations.

Originally conceived as a unique touring project in 1992, the band proved such a success that a live recording was released. Celtic Fiddle Festival received glowing critical reviews and racked up impressive sales. Three albums and innumerable international tours later, the ensemble is now one of the most popular on the Celtic circuit.

In concert, each artist plays a solo set, showcasing their individual musical styles and traditions, followed by a collaborative set featuring all three fiddlers. Together, they play with such relentless precision and fire that the tunes transcend all cultural and geographical barriers, leaving the audience with a memorable musical experience.

Celtic music lovers are excited about the coming concert. The Celtic community thrives in Central Oregon, with groups such as the High Desert Celtic Country Dancers of Central Oregon and the local music group, A Scottish Heart which plays traditional Scottish and Irish music. One local patron, while purchasing tickets to the Celtic Fiddle Festival remarked, “I wish you all had more Celtic music concerts. I usually have to go up to Portland for Celtic music.”

About The Artists:

KEVIN BURKE is a world-renowned Irish fiddle master, playing the fluid, highly ornamented style of County Sligo. His formidable career includes the seminal Irish supergroups, from The Tothy Band to the all-star Irish group Patrick Street, and HE has toured and recorded with countless artists including Kate Bush, Arlo Guthrie, Paul Brady and Christy Moore. Born in London, Kevin moved to Ireland in the 1970’s and now resides in Portland, Oregon. Kevin was awarded the National Heritage Award in 2002, America’s highest honor in the traditional arts. His most recent solo album is In Concert (Green Linnet), recorded live in Portland, Oregon

CHRISTIAN LEMAITRE is from Brittany, the Celtic region in Northwest France. A master of traditional music, Christian honed his playing at festou-noz (festive evening barn dances) throughout Brittany. One of the first to translate traditional Breton music to the fiddle, Lemaitre displays unerring control and propulsive energy on the hypnotically rhythmic Breton dance tunes. His style and repertoire shows influences from Southern and Eastern Europe as well. Christian is a member of the outstanding Breton groups Kornog and Pennnou Skoulin.

ANDRE BRUNET is a wonderful young fiddle player from the French-Canadian band La Bottine Souriante. He performs a unique blend of folk music originating from France, England, Ireland and Scotland, imbued over time with a color and rhythm particular to various regions of Quebec. Andre is a warm, dynamic performer and an excellent musician, with a vast repertoire of French-Canadian jigs and reels.

Guitarist GED FOLEY is well known in Celtic circles for his seminal work with Battlefield Band; his leadership of the House Band, and his recent membership in Patrick Street. A gifted singer, record producer and instrumentalist, Ged provides a strong and creative approach to rhythm guitar pushing the fiddlers to new heights of expression. Born and raised in England, Ged now makes his home in Germany.

Together, these remarkable musicians combine their talents, musical traditions and spontaneous humor for an evening of dazzling energy and subtle grace. In concert each artist plays a solo set, showcasing their individual musical styles and traditions, followed by a collaborative set featuring all three fiddlers and guitar. The combined effect is a true blending of styles and sounds.

Ticket Information

The show is Tuesday, March 11, 2008 at 7:00 PM. Tickets are $30 and $25 and are available on line at Celtic Tix at the Tower Theatre box office, phone number 541.317.0700, open Monday through Friday from 10:30 AM to 4:30 PM.  

The Encore Series

The Tower Theatre Foundation’s Encore Series presents quality live performances at the Tower Theatre. The Encore Series included the acclaimed International Guitar Night and the recently well attended popular comedy show, Defending the Caveman. The Encore series is sponsored by Bend Surgery, Mandala Agency, Bend Living, Clear 101.7fm and KOHD television.

The Tower Theatre Foundation

The Tower Theatre is operated by the Tower Theatre Foundation, a non-profit 501(c) 3. Donations and community support enable the Foundation to provide an affordable community facility to a broad range of local non-profits, diverse and high-quality entertainment and to allow for the continued care of Bend’s beautiful historic theatre.