Crossroads Cultural Connections proudly presents internationally acclaimed duo Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas on Tuesday, February 24th at Bishop Hill Creative Commons. Known for their cutting-edge explorations of Scottish and global music, Fraser and Haas have redefined what fiddle and cello can do together.

The evening begins at 6:00PM with an optional community potluck dinner (bring a dish to share if you’d like to join), followed by the concert at 7:00PM. This is an all-ages show, and a $20–30 donation is suggested.

Described by the Boston Globe as sounding “as urbane as a Manhattan midnight, and as wild as a Clackmannan winter,” Fraser and Haas create a musical experience that moves effortlessly between intimate chamber music and ecstatic dance energy. Their partnership, now spanning more than 25 years, has set the gold standard for fiddle and cello in traditional music.

Alasdair Fraser—often called “the Michael Jordan of Scottish fiddling”—is one of the most respected exponents of the Scots fiddle. With a career spanning more than three decades, he has been featured on major film soundtracks including The Last of the Mohicans and Titanic, and was inducted into the Scottish Traditional Music Hall of Fame in 2011.

Natalie Haas, a graduate of The Juilliard School, is one of the most sought-after cellists in traditional music. She has performed and recorded with luminaries including Mark O’Connor, Natalie MacMaster, Solas, Altan, Darol Anger, and many others. More than a cellist, Haas functions as a rhythm section unto herself, using percussive bowing and bass-like pizzicato to anchor and propel the music.

Together, they have revitalized the cello’s historic role at the rhythmic heart of Scottish dance music—something rarely heard in modern traditional settings. Their debut album Fire & Grace won the prestigious Scots Trad Music Album of the Year award, and five subsequent recordings have continued to push boundaries while honoring tradition.

Critics consistently highlight the duo’s near-telepathic interplay and spontaneity. As The Herald notes, their music-making remains strikingly responsive and alive, with moments that feel like “floodgates opening.”

Beyond the stage, Fraser and Haas have inspired generations of musicians through teaching at fiddle camps around the world, sharing their passion for tradition and innovation alike.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to experience two masters of their craft in the intimate setting of Bishop Hill Creative Commons. Bring a dish, bring a friend, and prepare for an unforgettable evening of soaring melodies, driving rhythms, and musical magic.

For tickets and more information please visit xroadscc.org.