Irish Fiddler Kevin Burke
In Concert at Chandler May 6

Ireland’s traditional fiddling virtuoso makes a rare Vermont appearance Sunday, May 6 at 7:30 p.m. at the Chandler Music Hall in Randolph. From his groundbreaking days with the Bothy Band, to his inclusion with the influential Celtic ensembles Patrick Street and Open House, Kevin Burke has set the fiddler’s standard for many greats who have followed.

Burke was born in London, to Irish parents who came originally from Sligo, an area renowned for its traditional music, particularly that of the fiddle. As a teenager he played in clubs throughout England and Ireland, but in 1972 a chance meeting with Arlo Guthrie brought him to the U.S. to play on Arlo’s album, "Last of the Brooklyn Cowboys." He would eventually make this country his home.

At Christy Moore’s beckoning Burke moved for a period to Ireland to join what would become one of the most influential Irish groups of the 1970’s, the Bothy Band. After the band’s breakup, he recorded two classic duo albums and toured with Bothy Band guitarist Michael O’Domhnaill. He has also made his presence felt as a member of both The Celtic Fiddle Festival (with Johnny Cunningham and Christian Lemaitre) and the leader of the Irish-American outfit Open House.

As a founder of Patrick Street, Burke has given to the band’s sound and repertoire a highly ornamented Sligo fiddle style that is both "in the tradition" and full of multi-cultural surprises.

"My style is a definite composite," Burke says. "The old Sligo players provided the building blocks, but I’ve borrowed bits and pieces from all sorts of musicians along the way."

Tickets may be purchased though the Chandler Box Office at 728-9133 or in person at the King & I in Randolph and at the door prior to the performance.