Trad

With her tenure as musical star turn in Riverdance on ice for the time being, the stage is set for Bronx-born Eileen Ivers (right) to apply her maverick talents to her own career. Playing fiddle by the age of eight, Ivers studied with Limerick-born fiddler Martin Mulvihill, who gave her lessons at the Shamrock Club on Bronx's Decatur Avenue. She subsequently became the most awarded competitor ever in the All-Ireland Championships. Ivers' authentic grounding in traditional music and her ability to experiment (she's mixed it with Patti Smith and was a founding member of Cherish The Ladies) indicates a freewheeling spirit. She plays Limerick's Dolan's Warehouse today, Dublin's HQ tomorrow and the West Belfast Festival on Tuesday.