Tuesday, March 05, 2013

Saint Mary’s Page Series hosts champion fiddler Eileen Ivers

WINONA, Minn. — Saint Mary’s University’s Page Series will welcome champion violinist Eileen Ivers Saturday, March 16.

Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul will perform at 7:30 p.m. in SMU’s Page Theatre.

Described by the New York Times as “The Jimi Hendrix of the Violin,” Ivers is a founding member of Cherish the Ladies, is an original musical star of Riverdance, and has appeared with London Symphony Orchestra, National Symphony at The Kennedy Center, and the Boston Pops, as well as The Chieftains, Sting, and Hall and Oates. A Grammy winner, her music has been heard on numerous movie soundtracks including “Gangs of New York,” and she has performed for presidents and royalty worldwide.

The daughter of Irish immigrants, Ivers grew up in the culturally diverse neighborhood of Bronx, New York. Rooted in traditional Irish music scene since the age of 8, she proceeded to win nine All-Ireland Fiddle Championships, as well as numerous other awards.

In 1999, she established Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul, a compelling mix of African and Latin percussion and bass, traditional Irish instruments and soulful American vocals. Ivers’ recording credits include over 80 contemporary and traditional recordings as well as numerous film scores.

Tickets are $22 for adults, $18 for seniors and students. Call the SMU Box Office at (507) 457-1715 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday or go online at www.pagetheatre.org.

In a related Page in History Event March 16, Ivers will discuss the Irish influence on popular music, using instruments to explain. The event will be held at 2 p.m. at the Winona County History Center.