The Rooster's wife brings premier Celtic violinist Jamie Laval to Poplar Knight Spot, Sunday, Jan. 22, at 6:45 p.m.

This musical journey through the Scottish Highlands features Jamie Laval, U.S. National Scottish Fiddle champion, along with E.J. Jones, bagpipes and flute; and David Brown, baritone guitar.

Laval will present a two-hour program of traditional music from around the Celtic diaspora, including Scotland, Ireland, Brittany, Quebec and Appalachia, accompanied by foot percussion and interspersed with observations on the cultural significance of Celtic music along with amusing stories of life as a touring artist.

Laval's unique approach to traditional Celtic music blends the simplicity of an ancient art form with stunning virtuosity and contemporary flair that resonates with families, youth, seniors and devotees of ethnic, jazz and classical music.

Currently making his home in Asheville, Laval hails from the Pacific Northwest, where he received his musical training at the Victoria Conservatory of Music.

In 2002, Laval won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship and now concertizes throughout the U.S. and Scotland with more than 100 engagements per year.

His critically acclaimed debut CD, "Shades of Green," airs regularly on NPR radio, while "Zephyr In The Confetti Factory," his duo album with Ashley Broder, won Best World Traditional Song in the 2007 Independent Music Awards Vox Populi.

This year marks the release of Laval's long-awaited third album, "Murmurs and Drones" (www.jamielaval.com).

What sets Laval's music in a class by itself is the nuance, virtuosity and musical craftsmanship he brings to an ancient art form. Simple Celtic folk melodies are transformed into epic tonal narratives that take the listener on an emotional journey from quiet melancholy to wild jubilation.

The making of his trademark style began at the Victoria Conservatory of Music, where he studied classical violin. Later he pursued careers as a professional symphony musician, recording studio artist, improvising violinist and contra dance fiddler. But his passion for the haunting sounds of rural Irish and Scottish folk music eventually usurped all other preoccupations, and he has devoted himself exclusively to Celtic music ever since.

Laval serves on the faculty of The Swannanoa Gathering, a summer institute for traditional arts and music.

He has collaborated on numerous television, film and CD recordings, including Dave Matthews' "Some Devil," Warner Bros. Pictures' "Wild America" and the WB-TV series "Everwood."

Tickets are $12 to $15.

Poplar Knight Spot is located at 114 Knight St., Aberdeen. The doors open at 6 p.m. Picnics are welcome. For more information, visit www.theroosterswife.org or call (910) 585-1614.