The Boston Globe described Hanneke Cassel's fiddle playing as "Exuberant and rhythmic, somehow both wild and innocent, delivered with captivating melodic clarity and an irresistible playfulness." Born in Oregon, Hanneke began studying classical violin at age eight, then mastered Texas-style and Scottish fiddle as well (she studied with renowned Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser and Cape Breton master Buddy MacMaster).

A bright new light on the traditional music scene, Hanneke has won a host of awards for her charismatic playing, including being named U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion in 1997. She also holds a Bachelor of Music in Violin Performance from Berklee College of Music. In addition to her solo outings, Hanneke performs with the Cathie Ryan Band, and has made guest appearances with Cherish the Ladies and Alasdair Fraser.

Tonight she spotlights music from her new CD, For Reasons Unseen, on which Hanneke displays the breadth of her evolving, groove-rich, uniquely American approach to Scottish traditional music. She's accompanied for the evening by Christopher Lewis on guitar and Ryan McKasson on viola.

Hanneke will be teaching a Scottish Fiddle workshop on Tuesday, February 16 at 7:00 pm.

Visit Hanneke's website

Listen to a track from Hanneke Cassel:

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