Canadian Shakin'

Music critics have dubbed Nova Scotia fiddler Natalie MacMaster as one of the foremost ambassadors of spirited Celtic tunes. She'll try to live up to the props tonight, when she takes the stage for the Cleveland Museum of Art's Viva! music series at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. "My hope is to transport everyone for a couple of hours into a happy place of feelings and emotions," says MacMaster, whose résumé boasts performances with pop singer Paul Simon and the late operatic tenor Luciano Pavarotti. "All of my fiddling is Cape Breton-style, which builds a deeper hope and peace." MacMaster credits her upbeat show to her five-piece band, including Shania Twain's drummer, J.D. Blair, and 13-year-old cellist Nathaniel Smith. "A lot of the night is not what you would expect," says MacMaster. "It all comes from an amazing band of musicians. They cross cultures and are quite tasty players." The fiddling begins at 7:30 tonight at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval. Tickets are $33 to $35. Call 216-421-7350 or visit www.clevelandart.org.
Fri., Jan. 25, 7:30 p.m., 2008