Champion fiddler, singer, step-dancer to entertain at Walker House Sept. 22

Champion fiddler, singer and step-dancer Kelli Trottier (above, and at right) will perform at the Walker House, Kincardine, this Thursday, Sept. 22 at 8 p.m.

Born and raised in the hotbed of musical tradition and innovation that is Ontario's Ottawa Valley, Trottier discovered her passion for entertaining, learned her craft, and developed her distinctive style while still right at home.

Now, her talent carries her to stages across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Far North, making fans and friends at every venue along the way.

Trottier's musical  odyssey of dance, fiddle and song began early in life as she studied and mastered the unique and flue style of step-dance that evolved with the loggers and woodsmen of the historic Ottawa River watershed. The fiddle was a natural extension of the dance, and who better to learn from than the senior masters of Celtic and Scottish traditional music.

With an amazing ear for music and a beautifully clear, natural voice, Trottier went on to learn the songs she loved from the artists she admired, and gives them wings with her own effortlessly-developing style. She is also a great songwriter in her own right.

Trottier is currently touring with "Bowfire" and has received glowing accolades from promoters, organizers and fans. Her soaring vocal pieces are, for many fans, a highlight of the "Bowfire" productions, often described as "the finest line-up of fiddle and violin virtuosi ever assembled on one stage."

In addition to her extensive performing experience, Trottier continues to be a highly-sought-after instructor and judge of fiddle and step-dance events across Canada and parts of the United States.

She has been nominated three times for Fiddle Player of the Year by the Canadian Country Music Association and is featured instrumentally and vocally on many studio recordings for other artists.

Her shows are "an exquisite blend of traditional Celtic, contemporary Country Folk. Bluegrass and Western Swing all synthesized with lush musical and vocal arrangements. An opportunity not to miss."

The Walker House show, "An Evening of Fiddle, Song and Dance," is Thursday, Sept. 22, with doors opening at 7:30 p.m., and the show starting at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 each; available at Jerome Flowers and Gifts in downtown Kincardine. For more information: ashleysteinhoff@hotmail.com or kellitrottier.com.