Elana James is a fiddle/violin virtuoso who has embraced such diverse artists as jazz violinists Stephane Grappelli, Stuff Smith and Joe Venuit as well as country fiddlers, Johnny Gimble and Joe Holley.

She has toured with Willie Nelson and is the first woman to play in Bob Dylan's band in 30 years.

Now, the Kansas City native has her own band, Elana James and The Continental Two, coming to the Earlville Opera House on Friday.

After traveling to India, she spent time on a ranch in Colorado. It was here, as a horse wrangler, she started playing in a western swing band. After touring with a country western cover band, James and a friend formed the Hot Club of Cowtown, which eventually toured with Nelson.

Last fall, James stepped to the front of her own band, joined by guitarist Luke Hill and upright bassist Beau Sample. Their instrumental and vocal talents complement and augment her mixture of hot jazz, Western swing, hoedowns and gypsy music, which features James' original songs and standards.

For tickets, call EOH box office at 691-3550.