McCarter’s Signature Series continues with four exciting concert events in the next few weeks.
THE SILK ROAD ENSEMBLE—Yo-Yo Ma, Artistic Director
WHEN: TUESDAY, FEB. 24, 7:30 PM
WHERE: Matthews Stage, McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Pl., Princeton
TICKETS: $30.00 - $60.00
The Silk Road Ensemble returns following its sold-out 2012 concert. Its members hail from more than 20 countries along the routes of the ancient Silk Road, a series of land and sea trade routes crisscrossing Eurasia from Japan to the Mediterranean Sea. Most are musicians, but storytellers and visual artists also number among them, and their voices and instruments (kamancheh, gaita, shakuhachi, pipa, sheng and bawu) support their goal: to maintain the integrity of art rooted in authentic traditions while nourishing global connections.
This program is presented with support from the Princeton University Music Department. 
VUSI MAHLASELA (vocals) & HUGH MASEKELA (trumpet)
20 Years of Freedom
WHEN: WEDNESDAY, FEB. 25 – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Matthews Stage
TICKETS: $25.00 - $50.00
Two of South Africa’s true musical icons come together in an historic collaboration to honor the 20th anniversary of the end of Apartheid. Known as “The Voice” in his native land, Vusi Mahlasela became a singer-songwriter and poet-activist at an early age and was asked to perform at Mandela’s inauguration in 1994 and at the 2010 World Cup opening ceremonies in Soweto. Celebrating his 75th birthday this year, Hugh Masekela is a multi-talented man of all musical trades—flugelhornist, trumpeter, bandleader, composer, singer, and defiant political voice who remains deeply connected both at home and around the world. His solo career spans five decades and over 40 albums, including a Number One instrumental single on the American pop charts—Grazin' in the Grass (1968), which helped elevate him to the international stage. Twenty years later, his hit song Bring Home Nelson Mandela became an anthem for the Free Nelson Mandela movement.
NATALIE MacMASTER and DONNEL LEAHY
Visions from Cape Breton and Beyond – A Celtic Family Celebration
WHEN: SATURDAY, FEB. 28 – 8:00 PM
WHERE: Matthews Stage
TICKETS: $25.00 - $50.00
Cape Breton’s Natalie MacMaster is a fiddling, singing, and step-dancing fireball on stage, performing jigs and reels with unstoppable, foot-tapping energy. Her husband, Donnell Leahy, is no slouch either as fiddler and step-dancer, and together they have created a new show to bring their fans the next chapter in their musical and personal growth. Featuring their five children, as well as their Celtic band of dancers and singers from the traditions of their hometowns of Cape Breton and Lakefield, Ontario, their newly expanded show highlights the talents, influences and stories of North America’s first family of traditional Celtic fiddlers.
PADDY MOLONEY and THE CHIEFTAINS
WHEN: MONDAY, MAR. 2 – 7:30 PM
WHERE: Matthews Stage
TICKETS: $30.00 - $65.00
The Chieftains remain the embodiment of the spirit of Irish music, dance, and the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrate the wearing of the green with Ireland’s premier musical ambassadors for over 50 years. Led by Paddy Moloney, the master of the pipes and tin whistle, their nucleus includes Sean Keane (fiddle), Matt Molloy (flute), and Kevin Conneff (bodhran drum).
TICKET INFORMATION
tickets are available by phone at 609.258.787, online at www.mccarter.org, or in person at the McCarter Theatre Center Box Office at 91 University Place in Princeton, NJ.
