Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers at MBOTMA's Fall Jam.

Last Saturday, The Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers were invited to lead an Upper Midwest Tune Jam at the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association's Fall Jam Weekend.  It was great to have a bunch of new faces learning these tunes!  Some even said they might become regulars at our biweekly jam in Saint Paul, Mn! Click on the UMFF link to find or schedule.

Credit: MaryPat Kleven

Big Lake Dancers

Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers playing Ellingson's Schottische for the folks at the Big Lake Farmers Market last week.

Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers Play a Barn Raising

About 6 months ago I started a learners group called Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers.  To have a group that actively plays this music I have been archiving has long been part of the mission.  I don't want my projects to become boring archives that have no life to them.  Our group gets together twice a month in Saint Paul and plays Upper Midwest Tunes.  I doubt that many of these tunes have been played by a group in decades.

The Norwegians have groups like this called Spellmanslags. In general these groups have one keeper of the tunes and tradition and many players of all skill levels.  That is what we are trying to do here.  We are a welcoming group who seek out new-comers and provide tools for learning the tunes.

Our band for the barn raising ( minus me taking picture )

The evening was lovely.  Folks attentively listened to the tunes and some dance along.  I decided at one point to ask for questions for which their were many thoughtful ones.  The question and answer session was great.

Dancing to a waltz

I could not do any of this without all the work my others in the group have shared.  They not only learn the tunes, but correct my transcriptions and help with all the details to keep a group like this moving forward.  Such enthusiasm is not lost on me and has really given a great push to the next phase of this project. To see our schedule or for booking click here

Clawhammer Mike