Ivers will change the way you think about the violin

FAIRBANKS - The Boston Globe claims it’s nearly impossible to sit still at an Eileen Ivers concert.

They’ve called a performance by Ivers and her band Immigrant Soul an “invigorating and highly energetic evening,” and, thanks to the Fairbanks Concert Association, Ivers is making her way north this weekend. The internationally acclaimed Irish musician brings the rich and heart-pounding sounds from the green rolling hills of Ireland to the Hering Auditorium this Sunday for a special holiday concert “An Nollaig — An Irish Christmas.”

“If you feel like clapping along, feel free,” Ivers said she often tells her audience. “It’s absolutely that kind of music.”

Ivers has been wowing audiences worldwide since the age of 8, collecting more than 30 Irish fiddling championship medals and playing for royalty and Grammy winning performers for decades. She is one of the most decorated musicians in the history of fiddling competition. She’s been hailed as one of the great innovators and pioneers in the Celtic and world music genres.

Critics from The Irish Times have referred to Iver’s performance as “a superb, fast-paced and high-energy performance.”

Ivers takes a fresh spin on traditional Irish tunes, respectfully fusing the traditions of the Celtic fiddle while exploring the roots of American music. She’ll change the way audience members think about the violin as she bridges the gap between her Celtic roots and styles ranging from jazz, salsa, Caribbean and flamenco to funk and even electronic.

Billboard magazine has called Ivers a “sensation,” and the New York Times has called her “the Jimi Hendrix of the violin.”

The daughter of two Irish immigrants, Ivers was raised deep in the Bronx of New York City. While her parents kept her closely tied to her Irish heritage, Ivers was exposed to the melting pot of New York City, and that exposure has transferred well into her musical talents.

Ivers has played center stage with the London Symphony Orchestra and the Boston Pops.

She is also one of the original musicians of Riverdance. She has also played alongside music icons such as The Chieftans, Hall and Oates, Sting, Patti Smith and Paula Cole.

What: Fairbanks Concert Association presents Eileen Ivers

When: 4 p.m., Sunday

Where: Hering Auditorium

Tickets: Available at Grassroots Guitar or at www.alaskatix.com.

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