Down home and high cultures combine in the original songs of violinist Kathryn Claire.

Renowned for both her violin and voice at her musical core, Claire weaves melodies and storytelling, rooted in classical and traditional foundations, to form an energetic and electric sound.

Claire will be joined by musical maestros Don Henson and Sid Ditson at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Palindrome in Port Townsend.

Claire will be sharing the winter-inspired tunes along with lively fiddle tunes, heartfelt originals, and stirring harmonic compositions. She’s spent years cultivating her own style and approach to music as a violinist, guitar player, singer, and songwriter. Claire has toured, performed, and taught extensively in the United States, Japan, The Netherlands, India, Belgium, and France.

“I grew up playing classical music, but when I came back to the instrument of the violin and discovered fiddle music I really was drawn to more of that Celtic, Breton, all of that ancient music,” Claire said in an interview with The Leader.

“Sometimes people don’t quite grab the classical aspect, but I love the blend of the two,” she added.

Her current touring partners are also in sync with this stirring.

“I’ve been fortunate to work with a lot of musicians that come from both backgrounds, Sid [Ditson] especially,” Claire said.

Ditson joins on viola and violin, while Henson comes in on piano and percussion.

“This particular trio just came back together,” Claire said.

After the pandemic pause on live music, the trio is back to old stomping grounds on the Peninsula.

“It was so amazing just to be together again, but also to be in the audiences and to return to communities that we hadn’t been in for two, three years,” Claire said.

The three have performed and toured together for many years and recorded on Claire’s newest seasonal release, “Winter Songs,” which came out in December 2022. 

Henson has toured extensively with Claire in the Pacific Northwest and works frequently with Will West and Skip Vonkuske in Portland, Oregon. His band, Sneakin’ Out, has played various stages with Pink Martini, on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and had the honor of playing Carnegie Hall.  

Ditson has toured with Claire in Belgium and The Netherlands and has been an integral part of her music over the past decade. Ditson has been playing violin since childhood and loves to explore the sometimes-irreverent blend of fiddle and violin styles, and brings to the stage and studio a versatility with the instrument that is truly unique.

Classical, indie, bluegrass, Celtic, and improvisation are all a part of Ditson’s palette, along with an exquisite tone and depth of expression. Ditson is often caught grinning while playing, finding it impossible to hide the immense joy that music brings. 

Tickets are $20 apiece online at ticketstorm.com/e/27656/t or $25 at the door.

To learn more about Claire, visit kathrynclairemusic.com.