Jamie Laval, the Tryon-based violinist and producer of the annual “Jamie Laval’s Celtic Christmas,” has launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign to help fund the creation of a new album, titled “Music and Stories for the Deep Midwinter.”

“In days of old, whole communities would join together to dance, sing and celebrate,” Laval said. “In much the same way, I’m asking the community to participate in helping bring this project to life.”

Kickstarter is a secure online fundraising platform used around the world to help artists fund the creation of new works. Contributors will receive ‘thank you’ gifts, including a signed copy of the finished album, T-shirts and a special collector’s edition of rare sheet music.

“Unlike other support platforms, Kickstarter is an all-or-nothing campaign,” Laval said. “Pledges from backers must meet the target by Nov. 19, or we receive nothing and the project comes to a halt.”

The target budget for the album factors in recording studio costs, musician and engineering fees, licensing fees, post-production, pressing and distribution costs.

As of Nov. 7, 10 days from launch, 47 percent of the $10,000 has been pledged.

Laval’s violin playing ties the album together thematically.

In 2002, Laval won the U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship. He then went on to perform for the queen and appeared on the NBC Today show. He was one of the presenters for TEDx Tryon in 2016.

Laval’s recent album, “Murmurs and Drones,” won the popular vote for “Best World Traditional Album” in the 2012 Independent Music Awards.

“I’ve always been captivated by the hushed, mysterious atmosphere of the deep midwinter, particularly in the northern lands such as Ireland, Scotland, Orkney, Iceland and Brittany,” Laval said. “My aim is to explore the less-known or perhaps long-forgotten holiday music from these Celtic regions.”

For several years, Laval has staged a tour of live holiday performances in western North Carolina. This year marks the five-year anniversary of “Jamie Laval’s Celtic Christmas” performance in Tryon.

Supporters can visit JamieLaval.com for more info or visit Kickstarter.com directly.

– Submitted by Michelle Fleming