Cape Breton fiddler Mairi Rankin will perform at Skye Theater Feb. 15. SOUTH CARTHAGE — New England Celtic Arts will present Cape Breton fiddler Mairi Rankin with Don & Cindy Roy at Skye Theatre Performing Arts Center on Sunday Feb., 15 starting at 3 p.m. A pre-show jam will start at 2 p.m. Audience members are encouraged to bring their instruments and jam for a few minutes with the artists.

Born in Mabou, Nova Scotia, Rankin has been influenced by some of the best Cape Breton traditional musicians and instructors on the island. She has developed her own unique style by being immersed in such a rich musical culture. Rankin has been fortunate to tour nationally and internationally as a performer and educator in both fiddle and step dance.

Rankin has performed as a solo artist, and is a member of the Cape Breton Celtic super group Beolach. She has also performed with the Rankin Sisters, Unusual Suspects and Bruce Guthro to name a few.

Joining Rankin on stage will be Franco-American master fiddler Don Roy who has been called the dean of Franco-American fiddling in Maine. Roy also plays guitar, mandolin and banjo, and has been playing since age 6. Ethnomusicologist Bau Graves calls Roy the finest Franco fiddler in New England, whose playing, "exactly exemplifies what Franco American fiddling is all about. It is simultaneously precisely controlled and wildly danceable."

Pianist and step dancer Cindy Roy will accompany Rankin and Roy.

Skye Theatre is located three miles West of East Dixfield village at 2 Highland Drive off Winter Hill Rd. and US Rt. 2 in South Carthage. Ticket price is $10 at the door. Reservations are required for this show. Call New England Celtic Arts at 562-4445 for reservations and directions. More information at http://www.necelticarts. com.