50th Anniversary Celebration All-Day Party and Evening Concert
Celebrate the Fiddle's 50th Season! Join your community for a full day of concerts, jams, workshops, dancing and community singing! Sixteen afternoon events; one big evening concert. The $20 ticket is good for all day, including the concert; students FREE!
Yes, in 2025, the Ten Pound Fiddle turns 50 years old!
The Fiddle is hosting an all-day celebration on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the University Lutheran Church.
YOU ARE INVITED!
Noon – 4:45 pm:
Sixteen, one hour sessions of community singing, jams, instrument workshops, ukulele activities, dancing, demonstrations and conversation.
6:30 pm – 10 pm:
Performances from Ten Pound Fiddle favorites! Doors open at 6 pm.
Pre-concert: Pretty Shaky String Band (6-6:30)
— Set 1 —
The Dangling Participles
The Ukulele Kings
The Springtails
Deacon Earl and Roger Gentry
Super Secret Cult Band
— Intermission —
— Set 2 —
Kitty Donohoe
Mark Dvorak
Second Opinion (Betsy Clinton,
Sally Potter, Pat Madden)
Joel Mabus
Sally Rogers
Matt Watroba & Robert Jones
Full Schedule
Afternoon Workshops / Jams / Singing / Dancing
Session #1: Noon – 1 pm
Favorite Fiddle Moment (Library)
Fans of the Fiddle are encouraged to stop in and share their favorite Fiddle moment. Videographer will record.
Beginning Harmonica with Andy Wilson (Fireplace Room)
Harmonica basics, in the key of C.
Bring your harmonica or pick up a free harmonica at the workshop.
Spontaneous Folk Ensemble with Mark Dvorak (Fellowship Hall)
All levels, all instruments and voices.
This is the very popular workshop Mark has directed at previous Singing Festivals.
Community Sing featuring Rounds led by Sally Rogers with Wanda Degen (Sanctuary)
This has been a favorite workshop at past Singing Festivals, led by ‘The Queen of Rounds,’ Sally Rogers
Session #2: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
Favorite Fiddle Moment (Library)
Fans of the Fiddle are encouraged to stop in and share their favorite Fiddle moment. Videographer will record.
Beginning Mountain Dulcimer led by Wanda Degan with Sally Rogers (Fireplace Room)
Learn the basics of the mountain dulcimer. Bring yours or use one of the ‘loaners’ available.
Jam Session Tips with Joel Mabus (Fellowship Hall)
What to do in a jam session when they suddenly turn to you and say “take it!” Workshop for all levels, all instruments.
Community Sing with Matt Watroba (Sanctuary)
Come sing great songs with this very experienced Community Sing song leader. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Session #3: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
“The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie” with Mark Dvorak (Fireplace Room)
Mark’s one hour program includes readings from his Guthrie’s vast collection of essays and letters and of course, lots of great songs from America’s iconic folk ballad maker.
First Steps in Appalachian Clogging with Shiela Graziano (Fellowship Hall)
Music provided by John Suppnick and Sarah Tyriver
Ukulele Jam with Ben Hassenger (Sanctuary)
The Ukulele Kings will lead a fun set of classic and contemporary folk songs that for everyone to play and sing along as a group. Download the strum songbook.
Favorite Stories from Fiddle Concert and Dance Booking Managers Hosted by Bob Blackman (Library)
Come hear stories from past booking managers Bob Blackman, Kitty Donohoe, Arie Koelewyn, Sally Rogers, and more. Videographer will record.
Session #4: 3:45 – 4:45 PM
Beginning Ukulele with Ben Hassenger (Fireplace Room)
This is a fun way to share the aloha spirit of the ukulele together as an óhana (family in Hawaiian). You will learn a brief history of the instrument and all the basics you need to get started playing right away with easy, fun, songs. Workshop materials and a limited number of loaner ukuleles will be available.
Old Time Dance Fun with caller Julie Levy-Weston (Fellowship Hall)
Music provided by John Suppnick and Sarah Tyriver
Gospel Sing with Robert B. Jones (Sanctuary)
Join one of the best as he leads participants through gospel favorites.
The Very Early Days of The Ten Pound Fiddle. Hosted by Matt Watroba (Library)
Some of the early organizers and performers of Ten Pound Fiddle shows and dances will share their stories, including Bob Blackman, Sally Rogers, Joel Mabus and many more. Videographer will record.
Evening Concert
6:30 pm – 10 pm
Doors open at 6 pm
Pre-Concert: Pretty Shaky String Band (6-6:30)
Click artist names for their websites
The Dangling Participles
The Ukulele Kings
The Springtails
Deacon Earl and Roger Gentry
Super Secret Cult Band
– Intermission –
Kitty Donohoe
Mark Dvorak
Second Opinion (Betsy Clinton, Sally Potter and Pat Madden)
Joel Mabus
Sally Rogers
Matt Watroba and Robert Jones
Tickets & Location
$20 ticket is good for all afternoon and evening festivities (including the concert). You will receive a wristband at the gate for easy in and out access. Students are free. Drop in for all or part of this very special community celebration. Tickets available online until 11:59pm Friday, April 11, and at the door, starting when gates open at 11 am Saturday, April 12. Buy your tickets here.
All events take place at the University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison, East Lansing, MI. 200 FREE parking spaces, including 10 handicapped. Refreshments on site; many very nearby restaurants for meals.
Afternoon Activities
Location: Lobby
Ukulele Petting Zoo
Sponsored by Music is the Foundation. Here is your opportunity to pick up a ukulele and give it a try. Some of these ukes will be used as loaners for Ben’s Beginning Uke Workshop (2:30).
Dave’s Ukes
Mason’s own Dave Birney will display / sell his ukuleles.
Used CD/ LP Fund-Raiser for Fiddle Scouts
Folk, jazz and blues CDs/ LPs sell for $1/ disc, unless otherwise priced. Donations can be dropped off at any Ten Pound Fiddle concert through April 11. Learn more here.
Elderly Instruments
Elderly will sell basic items: beginner ukes, guitars, capos, instruction books, etc…
Performer Sales Table
Purchase new recordings and products offered by performers.
Click below to view the Celebration Flyer
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Yes, in 2025, the Ten Pound Fiddle turns 50 years old!
The Fiddle is hosting an all-day celebration on Saturday, April 12, 2025 at the University Lutheran Church.
YOU ARE INVITED!
Noon – 4:45 pm:
Sixteen, one hour sessions of community singing, jams, instrument workshops, ukulele activities, dancing, demonstrations and conversation.
6:30 pm – 10 pm:
Performances from Ten Pound Fiddle favorites! Doors open at 6 pm.
Pre-concert: Pretty Shaky String Band (6-6:30)
— Set 1 —
The Dangling Participles
The Ukulele Kings
The Springtails
Deacon Earl and Roger Gentry
Super Secret Cult Band
— Intermission —
— Set 2 —
Kitty Donohoe
Mark Dvorak
Second Opinion (Betsy Clinton,
Sally Potter, Pat Madden)
Joel Mabus
Sally Rogers
Matt Watroba & Robert Jones
Full Schedule
Afternoon Workshops / Jams / Singing / Dancing
Session #1: Noon – 1 pm
Favorite Fiddle Moment (Library)
Fans of the Fiddle are encouraged to stop in and share their favorite Fiddle moment. Videographer will record.
Beginning Harmonica with Andy Wilson (Fireplace Room)
Harmonica basics, in the key of C.
Bring your harmonica or pick up a free harmonica at the workshop.
Spontaneous Folk Ensemble with Mark Dvorak (Fellowship Hall)
All levels, all instruments and voices.
This is the very popular workshop Mark has directed at previous Singing Festivals.
Community Sing featuring Rounds led by Sally Rogers with Wanda Degen (Sanctuary)
This has been a favorite workshop at past Singing Festivals, led by ‘The Queen of Rounds,’ Sally Rogers
Session #2: 1:15 – 2:15 PM
Favorite Fiddle Moment (Library)
Fans of the Fiddle are encouraged to stop in and share their favorite Fiddle moment. Videographer will record.
Beginning Mountain Dulcimer led by Wanda Degan with Sally Rogers (Fireplace Room)
Learn the basics of the mountain dulcimer. Bring yours or use one of the ‘loaners’ available.
Jam Session Tips with Joel Mabus (Fellowship Hall)
What to do in a jam session when they suddenly turn to you and say “take it!” Workshop for all levels, all instruments.
Community Sing with Matt Watroba (Sanctuary)
Come sing great songs with this very experienced Community Sing song leader. All ages and skill levels welcome.
Session #3: 2:30 – 3:30 PM
“The Life and Songs of Woody Guthrie” with Mark Dvorak (Fireplace Room)
Mark’s one hour program includes readings from his Guthrie’s vast collection of essays and letters and of course, lots of great songs from America’s iconic folk ballad maker.
First Steps in Appalachian Clogging with Shiela Graziano (Fellowship Hall)
Music provided by John Suppnick and Sarah Tyriver
Ukulele Jam with Ben Hassenger (Sanctuary)
The Ukulele Kings will lead a fun set of classic and contemporary folk songs that for everyone to play and sing along as a group. Download the strum songbook.
Favorite Stories from Fiddle Concert and Dance Booking Managers Hosted by Bob Blackman (Library)
Come hear stories from past booking managers Bob Blackman, Kitty Donohoe, Arie Koelewyn, Sally Rogers, and more. Videographer will record.
Session #4: 3:45 – 4:45 PM
Beginning Ukulele with Ben Hassenger (Fireplace Room)
This is a fun way to share the aloha spirit of the ukulele together as an óhana (family in Hawaiian). You will learn a brief history of the instrument and all the basics you need to get started playing right away with easy, fun, songs. Workshop materials and a limited number of loaner ukuleles will be available.
Old Time Dance Fun with caller Julie Levy-Weston (Fellowship Hall)
Music provided by John Suppnick and Sarah Tyriver
Gospel Sing with Robert B. Jones (Sanctuary)
Join one of the best as he leads participants through gospel favorites.
The Very Early Days of The Ten Pound Fiddle. Hosted by Matt Watroba (Library)
Some of the early organizers and performers of Ten Pound Fiddle shows and dances will share their stories, including Bob Blackman, Sally Rogers, Joel Mabus and many more. Videographer will record.
Evening Concert
6:30 pm – 10 pm
Doors open at 6 pm
Pre-Concert: Pretty Shaky String Band (6-6:30)
Click artist names for their websites
The Dangling Participles
The Ukulele Kings
The Springtails
Deacon Earl and Roger Gentry
Super Secret Cult Band
– Intermission –
Kitty Donohoe
Mark Dvorak
Second Opinion (Betsy Clinton, Sally Potter and Pat Madden)
Joel Mabus
Sally Rogers
Matt Watroba and Robert Jones
Tickets & Location
$20 ticket is good for all afternoon and evening festivities (including the concert). You will receive a wristband at the gate for easy in and out access. Students are free. Drop in for all or part of this very special community celebration. Tickets available online until 11:59pm Friday, April 11, and at the door, starting when gates open at 11 am Saturday, April 12. Buy your tickets here.
All events take place at the University Lutheran Church, 1020 S. Harrison, East Lansing, MI. 200 FREE parking spaces, including 10 handicapped. Refreshments on site; many very nearby restaurants for meals.
Afternoon Activities
Location: Lobby
Ukulele Petting Zoo
Sponsored by Music is the Foundation. Here is your opportunity to pick up a ukulele and give it a try. Some of these ukes will be used as loaners for Ben’s Beginning Uke Workshop (2:30).
Dave’s Ukes
Mason’s own Dave Birney will display / sell his ukuleles.
Used CD/ LP Fund-Raiser for Fiddle Scouts
Folk, jazz and blues CDs/ LPs sell for $1/ disc, unless otherwise priced. Donations can be dropped off at any Ten Pound Fiddle concert through April 11. Learn more here.
Elderly Instruments
Elderly will sell basic items: beginner ukes, guitars, capos, instruction books, etc…
Performer Sales Table
Purchase new recordings and products offered by performers.
Click below to view the Celebration Flyer