Strung together

Lenny Solomon always wanted to throw his favourite violinists in a room, lock the door and see what came out.

He eventually got the chance to do just that and the result was Bowfire, a theatrical concert experience featuring some of the world’s best violin and fiddle players set to hit the Thunder Bay Community Auditorium stage March 24.

Bowfire is a Canadian-based ensemble of top quality string players ranging in different styles led by Solomon, creative and artistic director. Celtic, bluegrass, classical and rock are just some of the genres the group tackles; one of their most famous pieces, Fiddler in the Hood, combines Celtic melodies with hip-hop rhythms. Another popular performance is the group’s rendition of Led Zeppelin’s Kashmir.

The group’s first performance was at a Canada Day celebration in Hanover, Germany.

"At that time the group I put together was stationary; it was a concert performance and it was a resounding success," Solomon said, adding there were theatrical producers in the audience who encouraged him to make it a touring show.

After adding some choreography, lights, sets, costumes, step dancing and singing, Bowfire began touring in 2002.

The cast isn’t always the same on every tour, but with such a large group of talent, Solomon said they’re not dependent on one specific person being there.

"We have some people who have been with us faithfully over the course of the group and a few people that we love to have depending on availability," he said. "What comes across in Bowfire is the multi-stylistic, the fabulous virtuoso fiddle players and violinists in a myriad of styles."

Each cast member is featured in the show with a "show-stopping solo" and each band member – drums, bass, guitar, cello and piano – also have time in the spotlight to show off their skills.

Solomon said the show is also a great educational experience for children, exposing them to different instruments and styles of music they may not have seen or heard before.

"Kids come to our show and experience the fun you can have on the violin and (could be) really energized to go to the practice room," he said.