Violins galore at Bowfire

What is it? Bowfire brings together amazing violinists to play a whole range of music: jazz to bluegrass, classical to Celtic. Oh, and a little Led Zeppelin, too. In addition to instrumental work, the show promises some dancing - step and tap - and singing.

Then and now: The Canadian group, which plays the Garde Arts Center Saturday, was founded in 2000 by violinist and composer Lenny Solomon.

Bonded for life: Bowfire has a fan in Sean Connery. In fact, Connery's son brought the group down to the Bahamas to play a private concert for the star's 80th birthday. Could it be mere coincidence that Bowfire often performs their version of the James Bond theme in concert?

Now read this: If you think you see a lot of students at the Bowfire performance, you're right. Third-grade students in New London who completed the 2013 Passport to Literacy Project - meaning they read at least five books between Jan. 22 and Feb. 26 - earned up to three free passes to the show. (Three breaking down to passes for them and their parents or guardians.) This project, which aims to better prepare students for taking the CMT in March, is sponsored by the New London Public Schools, The Garde Arts Center and New London Youth Affairs.

- KRISTINA DORSEY

Bowfire, 8 p.m. Saturday, Garde Arts Center, 325 State St., New London; $36-$56; (860) 444-7373, gardearts.org.