Natalie McMaster Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, a married pair of Cape Bretton fiddlers are coming to the Chandler Music Hall in Randolph.

Aptly billed as “Masters of the Fiddle” they arrive at the Chandler on March 2 and 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Known for her flamboyant skill and trademark step dancing, Natalie MacMaster is the sweetheart superstar of the Cape Breton fiddle. Donnell Leahy is part of the band “Leahy”, the brilliant leader of the popular Canadian group. Together Natalie and Donnell are a whirlwind of fiddle driven music, dance, and song. The foot-tapping rave-ups, heart-wrenching ballads, and world-class step dancing of this collaboration leave onlookers breathless from the moment they hits the stage.

Natalie MacMaster is wife, mother of three, and virtuoso Cape Breton fiddler. She is known more as the latter than the former, an electrifying performer whose passionate proficiency on the fiddle amplifies the traditional East Coast sound for contemporary times.

Her signature sounds has resonated with world audiences through ten albums, multiple gold sales figures over the course of 27 years, numerous East Coast Music Awards, two honorary degrees and an honorary doctorate. She enjoys a reputation as one of Canada’s most captivating performers.

Ms. MacMaster has earned the respect and admiration of topnotch musicians: master violinist Mark O’Connor whose camp she frequents as a guest instructor; legendary cellist Yo- Yo Ma, who recently invited her to participate as a guest performer on his 2008 holiday album; banjo prodigy Bela Fleck, and fellow fiddling marvel Alison Krauss. But to Natalie MacMaster, her beloved family now shapes and informs her musicianship as much as the jigs, reels, waltzes, and strathspeys that feed her spiritual soul.

Donnell Leahy is an equal match for Ms. MacMaster’s skill and charisma. As leader of “Leahy”, the Lakefield, Ontariobased eight-piece family outfit that bears his surname, Donnell has helped “Leahy” pass the half million mark in combined worldwide sales of the band’s four acclaimed CDs. His dynamic presence and performance abilities have helped propel the band onto the global stage in a highly-praised run as the opening act for Shania Twain’s recent world tour. Under his leadership, the band has earned multiple Juno Awards, including Best New Group, Best Country Group and Best Instrumental Album.

With three young children of their own, devoting meaningful time to family is a high-priority. It’s a situation that can be complex when one spouse is on the road without the other. “Touring has always been a challenge, and with children there are always a lot of logistics to work out,” he explains. “But we want to be together as a family, and we want to play together. Although Natalie’s style is very different from mine, we love the combination. Everything makes sense for us to tour together.”

Together these two “Masters of the Fiddle” will present memorable performances. An amazing synergy is created when they perform together, tossing tunes back and forth, sharing melodies, or harmonizing with one another. Each will have ample opportunity for the spotlight.

Audience members will get a glimpse of the scope of work currently underway as part of Chandler’s ambitious renovation and expansion. The project will secure Chandler’s future as a fully-accessible facility wellequipped to serve performers, staff and community members safely, efficiently and comfortably for many years to come. The new restroom suite will be inaugurated at these performances!

Reserved tickets for these performances are $45 and $40 may be ordered online at www.chandler arts.org or by calling the Chandler box office at 802-728- 6464 between the hours of 3 and 6 PM weekdays. Chandler is wheelchair accessible. “Masters of the Fiddle” has sponsorship support from Dandelion Acres, DuBois & King, Country Animal Hospital, and Edward Jones with media sponsorship provided by The Point.