
May 2020
Cancelled – Contra and Square Dance
Caller: TBA, Music: TBA. Sponsored by the Looking Glass Music and Arts Association.
Find out more »June 2020
Cancelled – Contra and Square Dance
Caller: Gaye Fifer, Music: Luke Panning & friends. Sponsored by the Looking Glass Music and Arts Association.
Find out more »August 2020
The Steel Wheels
Performances from January 25, 2013 and October 8, 2010. “Few groups have come as far in such a short period of time as The Steel Wheels…” – NPR’s Mountain Stage
Find out more »September 2020
Susan Werner
Feb. 15, 2013 performance. Susan Werner composes skillful songs that effortlessly slide between folk, jazz, and pop, all delivered with sassy wit and classic Midwestern charm.
Find out more »October 2020
Lost World String Band Reunion Concert, featuring Frank Youngman, Dave Ross, Gerald Ross and Paul Winder
Feb. 18, 2011 performance.
Find out more »Connie Kaldor
February 28, 2014 performance. "...quirky, often wickedly funny." -Regina Leader-Post
Find out more »November 2020
Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas
Feb. 10, 2012 performance
Find out more »Joel Mabus
Dec. 4, 2015 and Jan. 16, 2009 performances. "It's hard to imagine another artist on the folk scene who combines the same concise, deceptively understated, lyrical insight and sometimes devastating wit with such world-class instrumental prowess." -MUSICHOUND FOLK
Find out more »December 2020
Holiday Sing Highlights, hosted by Sally Potter
Highlights from the 2009 and 2011 Holiday Sings feature Sally Potter, Doug Berch, Kitty Donohoe, Wanda Degen, Linda Abar and poet Robert Rentchler.
Find out more »January 2021
Anne Hills and Michael Smith
September 27, 2013 performance.
Find out more »Liz Carroll with Jake Charron
Feb. 22, 2013 performance. "Brilliant...She does more than run through her fingertwisting reels and sustained slow airs. Carroll - and her listeners - continually rediscover each melody." The New York Times
Find out more »Mid-Winter Singing and Folk Festival Highlights
Various performances including Mark Dvorak, Pat Madden, Frank Youngman, and Joel Mabus. Also featured is Rachel Alexander and the All-Comers Festival Choir.
Find out more »February 2021
Rev. Robert B. Jones and Sister Bernice Jones
October 1, 2010 Performance
Find out more »Archie Fisher, Garnet Rogers, James Keelaghan, Jez Lowe
Archie Fisher (April 16, 2010); Jez Lowe and James Keelaghan (Oct. 4, 2013); Garnet Rogers and Archie Fisher (April 1, 2011)
Find out more »March 2021
The Outside Track – Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day
March 15, 2019 Performance. A Scots, Irish, and Cape Breton fusion of songs, tunes and step dance, The Outside Track is a young, tight, very talented, high-energy quintet which combines immense talent from three shores.
Find out more »Second Opinion Reunion Concert, featuring Betsy Clinton, Pat Madden, and Sally Potter
April 24, 2015 Performance
Find out more »April 2021
May 2021
Mother’s Day Concert with Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt; Claudia Schmidt; Claudia Schmidt with Dean Magraw
Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt (May 8, 2015; May 11, 2012); Claudia Schmidt (April 23, 2010; Sept. 28, 2008); Claudia Schmidt with Dean Magraw (Sept. 13, 1013) performances
Find out more »Bill Staines
Oct. 2, 2015 and April 5, 2013 performances. "Bill Staines has been my hero since 1977. He carries on where Woody left off-carrying on the tradition of stories and characters you wish you knew." - Nanci Griffith
Find out more »June 2021
July 2021
Madcat’s Midnight Blues Journey and Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole
Madcat’s Midnight Blues Journey (Nov. 6, 2015) and Dennis Stroughmatt et L’Esprit Creole (March 6, 2009; March 22, 2013) performances.
Find out more »Streaming from the Archives: Joshua Davis
February 1, 2019 performance. Joshua Davis was raised in the folk tradition: the music, the social movements, the land.
Find out more »August 2021
Streaming from the Archives: Ann Reed – In Concert including Sistrum and Singing Night with Ann Reed
Ann Reed in Concert, including Sistrum (Jan. 22, 2012) and Singing Night with Ann Reed (May 2, 2014) performances. Long-time Fiddle-favorite, Minneapolis-based singer / songwriter Ann Reed will share her beautiful songs, and hysterical stories with us.
Find out more »September 2021
Playful Songs with Lake Effect
Join us in play through song at this special outdoor concert geared for ages 3 and up.
Find out more »Streaming Audio: 9/14/ 2001 Benefit Concert for 9/11 Victims
Four michigan acts come together three days after the 9/11 attacks for a very moving night of contemplation and community to benefit relief organizations.
Find out more »POSTPONED From Scotland, Old Blind Dogs
"The Old Blind Dogs play with a compelling energy and intoxicating rhythm," says The Scotsman, “...as players and audience seem to share a wild ecstasy of emotion."
Find out more »Yellow Room Gang
When seven singer songwriters gather to swap real-life songs and stories, things could get a little intense, but Yellow Room Gang members Annie Capps, Kitty Donohoe, David Tamulevich, Jan Krist, David Barrett, Matt Watroba, and Jim Bizer keep it all light and lively.
Find out more »October 2021
Joshua Davis
Since his third place finish in The Voice, Joshua Davis has shared his poignant songs and smooth presentation with the nation. To Mid-Michigan, he is an old friend returning for what is now his annual Ten Pound Fiddle show.
Find out more »Ten Pound Fiddle 47th Birthday Party! Peter ´Madcat´ Ruth and C.A.R.Ma
Peter ´Madcat´ Ruth will introduce his new band, C.A.R.Ma, we'll have birthday cake, and set up a separate room full of recently donated used CDs for Fiddle Scouts fund-raising sale. Come see your friends, have some cake, check out the recordings, and enjoy the sounds of Madcat and CARMa.
Find out more »May Erlewine
Michigan's May Erlewine returns to the Fiddle to give a rare solo performance. Don't miss this opportunity to experience wonderful songs penned by this marvelous singer.
"May Erlewine has the sort of soul-baring voice that moves the Alan Lomaxes of the world to abandon the ivory tower for the back roads of rural America." - The Harvard Independent
Jake Blount and His Band – Thursday Show
“Jake Blount is a brilliant banjoist, fiddle player and singer... his fingering thrilling and pacy, his voice charismatic and limber.” - Jude Rogers, The Guardian
Jake Blount and His Band are playing a huge festival in Champaign, IL on Friday night. They will make a stop here on Thursday and share his authentic Old Time sound. In the same vein as Rhiannon Giddens and Amythyst Kiah, make sure to catch this rising star in an intimate venue.
Low Lily, featuring Lissa Schneckenburger
" an incredible knack for putting a little pop twist on a traditional folk/Americana sound... it’s a blend that works beautifully."-PopMatters
The Fiddle catches this Boston-based band on a rare Midwest tour. This trio does a marvelous job interpreting songs and tunes from all genres, with the help of fiddler extraordinaire, Lissa Schneckenburger.
Joel Mabus
"It's hard to imagine another artist on the folk scene who combines the same concise, deceptively understated, lyrical insight and sometimes devastating wit with such world-class instrumental prowess." -MUSICHOUND FOLK
Find out more »November 2021
John Gorka
“…the leading singer/songwriter of the New Folk movement” – Rolling Stone
John Gorka has been a mainstay in the folk music community for over 30 years. Every 3-4 years, he stops by the Fiddle to share some new pieces and help us remember his classics.
Richie and Rosie
“The air left the room when Richie and Rosie sang their first notes together...everyone had their breath taken away at once. ” — Jen Hughes, Bluegrass Today
Richie Sternes (banjo; The Horse Flies, Natalie Merchant) and Rosie Newton (fiddle and accordion; The Duhks) are a dynamic duo in the world of Old Time music, and beyond.
Reggie Harris, Alternative Holiday Sale Concert
A favorite of Singing Festival fans, peace and justice activist Reggie Harris will present the Friday night Ten Pound Fiddle concert within the annual two-day Alternative Holiday Gift Sale sponsored by the Peace Education Center at Edgewood Church, East Lansing.
Find out more »December 2021
POSTPONED: Sound an Echo: Sara Pajunen and Rachael Kilgour
POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022
Find out more »Holiday Sing with song leader Sally Potter, Doug Berch, Doug Austin and spoken word artist Ruelaine Stokes
For 17 years, song leader and banjoist Sally Potter has invited the community to sing holiday songs - together. With familiar faces Doug Austin on the grand piano and Doug Berch on hammered dulcimer, Potter and special guests lead familiar selections surrounding winter, Solstice, peace, Christmas, and beyond. Lyric sheets provided.
Find out more »Cancelled – New Years Eve Contra and Square Dance
New Years Eve Dance with Gaye Fifer and The John’s.
Come to celebrate Christy and John English’s anniversary!
January 2022
POSTPONED: The Chenille Sisters, wsg The Royal Garden Trio
POSTPONED UNTIL FRIDAY MAY 20, 2022.
Find out more »POSTPONED: Frank Youngman and Seth Bernard
New Date: May 14, 2022. Singing Festival favorite and Lost World String Band founder, Frank Youngman teams up with Earthworks Music founder, songwriter and environmental activist Seth Bernard for a night of these two great friends sharing music, stories and fun.
Find out more »POSTPONED: Sweet Water Warblers: Rachael Davis, May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou
New Date SATURDAY, May 7 (one show only). Michigan's favorite songbirds Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou, and May Erlewine, return to the Fiddle for TWO NIGHTS (Thursday & Friday) of the organic vocal harmonies and seamlessly interwoven instrumentation that leaves listeners breathless.
Find out more »Streaming from the Archives: April Verch
April Verch in concert at the Ten Pound Fiddle, April 15, 2016.
Find out more »POSTPONED: Sweet Water Warblers: Rachael Davis, May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou
New Date: SATURDAY, May 7 (one show only). Michigan's favorite songbirds Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou, and May Erlewine, return to the Fiddle for TWO NIGHTS (Thursday & Friday) of the organic vocal harmonies and seamlessly interwoven instrumentation that leaves listeners breathless.
Find out more »February 2022
Cancelled: 19th Mid-Winter Singing Festival Community Sing
On Friday night, singer, song leader and Baltimore native Lea Gilmore will join Singing Festival favorites Mark Dvorak and Joel Mabus for one night of high energy community singing. Lyric booklets provided.
Find out more »Cancelled: 19th MWSF Saturday Workshops and Afternoon Community Sing
The MWSF Saturday events provide another opportunity for our community to sing and play music - together!
Find out more »Streaming from the Archives: Jake Blount
Jake Blount in concert at the Ten Pound Fiddle
October 21, 2021
Postponed: Vance Gilbert
New Date TBA. “If Joni Mitchell and Richie Havens had a love child, with Rodney Dangerfield as the midwife, the results might have been something close to the great Vance Gilbert.” It has been too long since Gilbert has given a Fiddle show. We welcome him back!
Find out more »Postponed: Katie Dahl and Kitty Donohoe: Twin Bill
New Date: October 14, 2022. “Katie Dahl’s songs aren’t just melodies and words, they’re journeys that are firmly grounded in a sense of place—beautiful, real landscapes that help you feel places that you may have never been before. That’s the very best kind of songwriting. - Dar Williams ‘Kitty is making a name for herself in Irish America and you can see why from the high quality of the work here.‘ Irish Music Magazine.
Find out more »Streaming from the Archives: James Keelaghan
James Keelaghan in concert at the Ten Pound Fiddle
January 17, 2020
Postponed: Stella! and The Lesser Halves
New Date: Friday, Oct. 21.
Find out more »March 2022
Cancelled: Heidi Swedberg and Daniel Ward, Michigan Ukulele Extravaganza
The beloved ukulele duo of Heidi Swedberg and Daniel Ward will be the Friday night Ten Pound Fiddle concert as part of the weekend Michigan Ukulele Extravaganza, produced by Ben Hassenger and Music is the Foundation. Saturday activities will consist of workshops, strums and a children's concert.
Find out more »Laura’s Celebration – English, Contra and Square Dance
Special 2-Dance Celebration of Life in honor of Laura Stein! Caller: Gaye Fifer; Band: Karen Axelrod and Daron Douglas
Find out more »Irish Quartet, Téada
Just in time for St. Patrick's Day week, this veteran Irish band presents both fine instrumentals and outstanding vocal performances. Do you love Celtic music? Do not miss this show!
Find out more »Ray Kamalay and His Red Hot Peppers + Annual Membership Meeting
In the early 1930’s America enjoyed a heyday of small band jazz... hot jazz, laced with exciting improvisation, ballads - blue and melancholy, and stories of joy and tragedy. Ray Kamalay and his Red Hot Peppers are reminiscent of this peculiar era. With some of the finest players in the United States, they play this music with all the excitement and sentiment typical of the period.
Annual Ten Pound Fiddle Membership Meeting, 6 pm – 7 pm. All are welcome. (Only) Fiddle members vote on any issues. Meet the Fiddle Board of Directors. Held at the UUMC before the concert.
Find out more »CANCELLED – Crys Matthews and Heather Mae
Award-winning songwriter, Crys Matthews teams up with energetic Heather Mae to present a night of rich material, smooth harmonies, a few sing-alongs and a lot of fun.
Find out more »April 2022
Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt
A favorite of Ten Pound Fiddle audiences, Sally and Claudia have shared their talent both as solo artists and as a duo. Claudia Schmidt and Sally Rogers have been weaving their voices, dulcimers, and guitars together for decades, creating an atmosphere of joy and musical lushness that audiences find so irresistible, they frequently join right in.
Find out more »Contra and Square Dance
Special Dance in Celebration of Renee and Steve Johnson’s 50th Anniversary! Caller Darlene Underwood with the Latter Day Lizards!
Find out more »Susan Werner – Cancelled
The Ten Pound Fiddle has just been informed that Susan Werner has Covid-19 and is not able to perform in East Lansing tomorrow evening. So, sadly, the Fiddle concert for tomorrow (Friday, April 8) is cancelled. We wish Susan well and look forward to rescheduling with her for our 2022-23 season.
Advance ticket sales for the Susan Werner concert will be automatically refunded; no action is required on the part of purchasers.
As audiences will testify, Werner’s been knocking it out of the park – or concert hall – all around the U.S. for twenty years. Renowned as a charismatic performer, she’s known above all for challenging herself to conquer new styles, almost like mountaintops, every few years. Every 3-4 seasons, Werner returns to the Fiddle to share where her musical travels have taken her.
Find out more »Showman and Coole
Clawhammer banjo picking songwriter Chris Coole and his long-time musical collaborator, fiddler extraordinaire, John Showman.
“John Showman has made his mark as “one of the very best and most influential fiddle players in Canada” -Steve Pritchard, CIUT 89.5 FM
“Chris’ clawhammer banjo playing is, frankly, incomparable” -Mitch Podolak, Penguin Eggs Magazine
Find out more »Emma´s Revolution: Pat Humphries and Sandy O.
Emma's Revolution is the dynamic, award-winning activist duo of Pat Humphries & Sandy O, whose songs have been sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by Pete Seeger, and covered by Holly Near. With beautiful harmonies and genre-defying eclecticism, Emma’s Revolution delivers an uprising of truth and hope for these tumultuous times.
Find out more »May 2022
Postponed – Lynn Miles
Postponed until Spring, 2023. Please check back for new date.
Co-produced with The Robin Theatre, in Lansing´s REO Town. Her 2018 Fiddle show at the Robin Theatre was magical; everyone in the room felt lucky to be there.
“If it is possible to be addicted in one single hearing, that's how hard I fell for Miles' music and voice.” — Arthur Wood, Maverick Magazine
Contra and Square Dance
Caller: Laurie Pietravaile; Band: Big Fun.
Find out more »SOLD OUT! Sweet Water Warblers: Rachael Davis, May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou
Michigan's favorite songbirds Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou, and May Erlewine, return to the Fiddle for a SATURDAY evening with the organic vocal harmonies and seamlessly interwoven instrumentation that leaves listeners breathless.
Find out more »SOLD OUT! Allison de Groot and Tatiana Hargreaves – Wednesday Show
Co-produced with The Robin Theatre, in Lansing's REO Town. Already leaders in the young generation of roots musicians, de Groot has become known for her intricate clawhammer banjo work with Molsky’s Mountain Drifters, while Hargreaves has brought her powerhouse fiddling to the stage with Gillian Welch and Laurie Lewis. Together they create a sound that is adventurous, masterful, and original, as they expand on the eccentricities of these old songs, while never losing sight of what makes them endure.
Find out more »Cancelled: Frank Youngman and Seth Bernard: FAMILY SHOW
The Frank Youngman and Seth Bernard Family Show scheduled for Sat., May 14 at 5pm has been cancelled. Their 7:30pm show that evening will go on as planned. We look forward to bringing you a robust Fiddle Scouts program in our 2022-23 season.
Find out more »Frank Youngman and Seth Bernard
Singing Festival favorite and Lost World String Band founder, Frank Youngman teams up with Earthworks Music founder, songwriter and environmental activist Seth Bernard for a night of these two great friends sharing music, stories and fun.
Find out more »SOLD OUT! The Chenille Sisters, wsg The Royal Garden Trio
From Ann Arbor, the Chenille Sisters return to the same building where they played their first Ten Pound Fiddle performance 30 years ago. Word was out. That night, the Copper Chimney Lounge was packed to the brim. For this show, we'll be in the much larger sanctuary. The night will begin with a shorter set by the incredibly talented, Michigan-based Royal Garden Trio.
Find out more »Sound an Echo: Sara Pajunen and Rachael Kilgour – Wednesday Show
In Sound an Echo, Rachael Kilgour and Sara Pajunen bridge their distinct yet complementary musical histories within traditional music from their European heritages. What happens when a Finnish fiddler extraordinaire teams up with a veteran singer songwriter? Magic. These Minnesota natives match energy, speed and intonation and deliver an evening of solid sound and song.
Find out more »