National fiddle champion performs at Nature Center

Jamie Laval
Jamie Laval

If you go

› What: Celebration of Scottish Music and Culture with Jamie Laval› Where: Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center, 400 Garden Road› When: 4:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 5› Admission: $20 general admission, $10 students› Information: www.BrownPaperTickets.com or 949-413-1394› Online: www.JamieLaval.comSchedule4:30 p.m. Workshop for instrumentalists6 p.m. Scottish reception7:30 p.m. Concert9:30 p.m. Jam session and party

Jamie Laval, a U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion who combines "music, amusing and informative stories, foot percussion and an innovative arrangement style to create a beautiful atmosphere of the Scottish Highland," will spend Saturday afternoon and evening, Aug. 5, at Reflection Riding Arboretum & Nature Center.

In addition to performing, he will lead a workshop for Celtic instrumentalists and participate in a reception and after-show jam session and party.

Laval is known for his passionate performances of traditional Celtic music, showcasing his virtuosity, contemporary flair and uncanny imitation of Highland bagpipes. He has been called "one of North America's finest practitioners of traditional Scottish music" by the San Jose Mercury News.

Laval got his training at the Victoria Conservatory of Music and was a member of the Northwest Chamber Orchestra, the Seattle Opera and the Victoria Symphony. He has performed on several movie and TV soundtracks, including the Emmy-nominated theme song for "Everwood."

photo Jamie Laval

He also played on Dave Matthew's "Some Devil" album and gave a private performance for Her Majesty the Queen. He won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship in 2002. His third album, "Murmurs and Drones," was voted Best World Traditional Album in the 2012 Independent Music Awards.

He teaches and leads workshops at St. Andrew's University in North Carolina, California State University and the Royal Conservatoire.

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