Mari Black, photo © Glenn Black

(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Folk Music Society presents an evening of virtuosic violin music with multistyle violinist and champion fiddler Mari Black on Friday, January 17, 2025 at Christ Congregation Church. Mari's energetic playing, sparkling stage presence, and dynamic performances have made her a favorite with audiences across the country and around the world. Showtime is 8:00pm.

A master of diverse musical styles and winner of several major international competitions, Mari sweeps her audiences away on a spirited musical adventure featuring global dance music: Celtic, American, and Canadian fiddling; jazz, tango, and klezmer tunes; original works, and more. A guitarist and a bass player round out Mari Black’s trio.

Raised on a rich blend of traditional musical styles, Mari Black burst onto the international stage when she became: Scotland’s Glenfiddich Fiddle Champion; two-time U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion; and two-time Canadian Maritime Fiddle Champion, all within a three-year period. Ever since, she has been spreading her love for dance-based music, performing as a featured artist at performing arts centers, Celtic festivals, Scottish Highland Games, celebrated folk venues, world music concerts, and acclaimed classical venues.

Tickets are $25 ($20 members, $10 students) and available for purchase online or at the door. A livestream is also available. Doors open at 7:30pm. Christ Congregation Church is located at 50 Walnut Lane in Princeton, New Jersey. Ample free parking is available.

“The young musician not only has a gift for fiddling; she also has a gift of gab that borders on comedy. She held the audience in the palm of her hand the entire night as she talked about playing in Irish pubs and making her fiddle sound like a grouchy old man. She also has a playfulness about her that was in full evidence when she played a Brazilian piece and broke into the theme from Star Wars halfway through.” – The Wakefield Daily Item

“Mari's performances are dynamic, and her love of the history behind the music come out on stage. She brings her music to life with driving dance tunes. It's not unusual for the audience to be on their feet and dancing with Mari before her show ends.” – Susan Marquez, The Bluegrass Standard

“One of the brightest fiddlers around today.” – Brian O’Donovan, WGBH radio, A Celtic Sojourn

The Princeton Folk Music Society has encouraged the growth of folk music in central New Jersey for over 59 years. As they continue to explore new ways of presenting and promoting folk music while ensuring a Covid 19-safe environment for our audiences, their concerts this season will available for viewing by live streaming, as well as on-site in Princeton. They welcome everyone to join us, in person or virtually for their concerts.