Acclaimed jazz violinist Lenny Solomon first conceived of Bowfire when he was asked to organize the entertainment for the 2000 World Expo in Hannover, Germany. The result was a spirited, genre-crossing performance that spotlighted a lineup of some of the finest fiddle and violin virtuosos in the world. Nearly eight years later, Solomon continues to direct and play with the Canada-based Bowfire, and he brings the group's modern fusion of string music to Clearwater this Monday evening. The group's sound reflects the diverse cultural backgrounds of the players and encompasses genres that range from Texas swing and bluegrass to classical, Celtic, rock and world music. Bowfire fiddlers are also well-versed in step- and tap-dancing, which adds a burst of theatrical percussion to spirited live programs featuring originals as well as the jazz standard "Caravan" and Led Zepplin's "Kashmir." Mon., Jan. 14, 8 p.m., Ruth Eckerd Hall, 1111 N. McMullen-Booth Road, Clearwater, $29.50-$49.50, 727-791-7400, rutheckerdhall.com.
This article appears in Jan 9-15, 2008.