YOUR AD HERE »

International Celtic fiddle player back in Steamboat Springs on Sunday

Audrey Dwyer
Known as a renowned Celtic fiddle player, Jessie Burns has traveled the world bringing her talent to a wide variety of audiences. This Saturday, she will be back in Steamboat Springs to present "A Celtic Christmas" at 7 p.m. at the Chief Theater.
Courtesy Photo

If You Go...

What: Jessie Burns and Common Ground


When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

Where: Chief Theater, 813 Lincoln Ave.

Tickets: $15

— Renowned fiddle player Jessie Burns’ love for Irish music runs deep.

From performing in local Steamboat groups such as the Irish band Shenanigans to her part in the American-Irish supergroup, Gaelic Storm, Burns has found a sense of community through music, no matter where she goes.

If You Go…

What: Jessie Burns and Common Ground




When: 7 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22

Where: Chief Theater, 813 Lincoln Ave.



Tickets: $15

“What I really carry with me — apart from being so grateful for having had that opportunity to be part of Gaelic Storm — is having witnessed the effects that Irish music has on so many people,” she said. “So many Americans have Irish family roots … the music just appeals to so many people, as though it’s in their bones and gives them a sense of identity with their family’s past.”

Spending time on the road touring internationally for more than 200 days per year, Burns’ six-year experience with Gaelic Storm was a whirlwind she remembers with a fond smile. Although her life has slowed a bit since, Burns still finds herself busy as a session musician.

At 7 p.m. Sunday at the Chief Theater, Burns will make her return to Steamboat Springs along with the local group, Common Ground. As Common Ground is comprised of players she remembers performing with during her time in Steamboat, Burns looks forward to being back and playing with old friends.

“She’s an amazing musician,” said Scott Parker, executive director of the Chief Theater. “She has such a neat talent and style of playing that incorporates so many other instruments that are so complimentary of each other. Anyone who knows her or has seen her play will go out of their way to see this show”

Burns was drawn to the fiddle at the age of 7, but it wasn’t until she was 19 that she began playing more Irish fiddle music.

“I always wanted to play the fiddle,” she said. “It fills my heart with joy just hearing it. I really connected with it early on.”

And the tunes she plays, often from memory, have the ability to connect audiences and generations.

“I love that I can move from country to country and still find immediate community because of the music and that I can pick up where I left off, in a sense,” Burns said. “The tunes are like old friends, in a way.”

When visiting Irish musician friends performed with her at various festivals in the U.S., she said many of them were blown away by the enthusiasm for “all-things Irish” here.

“Slowly, they would realize the important sense of connection to Ireland that so many Americans have, and that is one joyous thing to be part of as a performer,” Burns said.

Tickets for Sunday’s show are $15.

To reach Audrey Dwyer, call 970-871-4229, email adwyer@ExploreSteamboat.com or follow her on Twitter @Audrey_Dwyer1


Support Local Journalism

Support Local Journalism

Readers around Steamboat and Routt County make the Steamboat Pilot & Today’s work possible. Your financial contribution supports our efforts to deliver quality, locally relevant journalism.

Now more than ever, your support is critical to help us keep our community informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having locally. Every contribution, however large or small, will make a difference.

Each donation will be used exclusively for the development and creation of increased news coverage.