“This bluegrass band has the right formula: heavenly harmonies on top of furious fingerpicking, trucking down the highway at 200 mph” – Time Out, Chicago
Badass Women Band+ Fiddle’s Annual Membership Meeting
Over the last three years, Annie Capps has collected some of the Michigan’s finest acoustic musicians and created a Super Group: The Badass Women Band. Fresh from a summer of festivals and a fall full of concerts, their top notch show includes 3-4 selections originating from each band member: Annie Capps, Annie Bacon, Sara Gibson, Anne Heaton, Carolyn Koebel, Cori Somers and Julianna Wilson.
Annual Ten Pound Fiddle Membership Meeting, 7-7:15pm. All are welcome.
Jake Blount and Nic Gareiss and Simon Chrisman
Lansing’s Nic Gareiss travels the world both performing and teaching dance. Each season, Nic gathers very talented friends and plans a Michigan tour, making a Friday night stop at The Ten Pound Fiddle. This year, Nic and Old Time musician Jake Blount and hammered dulcimer player Simon Chrisman will combine their sound and talent to present a night of exceptional performance pieces.
Dom Flemons
The Fiddle is very excited to host ‘The American Songster,’ Dom Flemons, multi-instrumentalist, singer, historian and storyteller of all things acoustic folk music. Flemons won a Grammy as a member of the Carolina Chocolate Drops, and has received a Grammy nomination for one of his solo recordings. Now based in Chicago, Flemons has performed in countless venues all over the world. We are delighted he will make the trip around the lake to share his music and adventures with the Fiddle.
Kitty Donohoe – Sunday Afternoon Show
2024 Michigan Heritage Award winner Kitty Donohoe returns to the Fiddle for a special 3 pm Sunday afternoon show. Children’s book author, songwriter, singer, guitarist, pianist, storyteller and Ireland tour leader (Inishfree Tours), Kitty is a modern-day renaissance woman. Did you know that when she raised her two kids in East Lansing, Kitty was the booking manager for the Ten Pound Fiddle? Kitty has deep roots in Greater Lansing and the Ten Pound Fiddle community. In a sense, this show is a ‘Welcome Home.’
Amythyst Kiah – Wednesday Show
Fresh from touring with Our Native Daughters (Rhiannon Giddens, Allison Russell, and Leyla McCalla), opening for Brandi Carlile, playing The Grand Ole Opery, and receiving a Grammy nomination (“Black Myself”), Amythyst Kiah returns to Lansing for one very intimate solo show. Over the last six years, Fiddle audiences have twice experienced her immense musical talent. Don’t miss this opportunity to hear this rising star in an intimate setting. (Tickets will go quickly.)
Joy Clark, Women in the Arts Festival
Co-produced with the Women in the Arts Festival. Who is crashing the Americana music charts with her New Orleans-based brand of soulful, real music?
Joy Clark’s songcraft, paired with sophisticated progressions, and themes of freedom, love and self-acceptance gained her notice on the national folk and Americana scenes just a few years ago with appearances at Americanafest. She caught the attention of Grammy-winner Allison Russell and was offered a regular spot in her backing band The Rainbow Coalition, earning her the chance to jam with superstars Brandi Carlile and the Indigo Girls. Talking to The Tennessean, Russell described Joy as a “a brilliant artist, writer and singer.”
The Schrock Brothers Band feat. Peter Madcat Ruth and Andy & Joe Wilson
What happens when some of the finest singers and musicians in West Michigan gather with two of Michigan’s beloved harmonica virtuosos? Come see for yourself! Winners of the 2024 WYCE Jammie Award for ‘Best Blues & Soul Album’ for Faith in Love, The Schrock Brothers – Jasen, Andrew, and Papa Mark bring together Peter Madcat Ruth and Andy Wilson on harmonicas, well-known percussionist Mike Shimmin and dobro master Joe Wilson for a night of high-energy original and traditional blues, soul, and Americana tunes.
Claudia Schmidt and Rachael Davis
Two performers with deep Michigan roots combine to share songs and stories, and to celebrate the Ten Pound Fiddle’s 50th season! Claudia has given over twenty Fiddle shows, as a soloist, with Sally Rogers for over ten Mother’s Day weekend concerts, and as a song leader at the Mid-Winter Singing Festival. Rachael is right behind, either performing solo, as one third of the Sweet Water Warblers, or as part of the Mid-Winter Singing Festival. The Fiddle is billing this show: Two Voices: One Terrific Night of Music
Tom Paxton and the DonJuans
“Last Thing On My MInd,” “Marvelous Toy,” “Rambling Boy,” “Whose Garden Is This?,” “Home To Me (Is Anywhere You Are), “Peace Will Come,” “Can’t Help But Wonder Where I’m Bound,” “Bottle of Wine,” are only a fraction of Tom Paxton’s countless additions to the Great American Songbook. Traveling with Tom are the DonJuans, providing musical back-up and a few great songs of their own.
May Erlewine – Solo
Each year, as May Erlewine travels farther and wider, sharing her poetic music with the world, she has not forgotten her Michigan roots. Now an annual event, May’s solo show at the Ten Pound Fiddle is more of a Fall Homecoming when May shares new songs and stories with her many friends and fans.
SOLD OUT: Wilson Thicket
Co-produced with the Robin Theatre. A Michigan-based supergroup of bluegrass virtuosos featuring Jason Dennie, Scott Kendall, Keith Billik, and Aaron Markovitz.
The Very Last Not-So-Annual Fiddle Scouts Used CD and LP Fundraiser
Your last opportunity to sift through thousands of classic folk, blues and Americana CDs and LPs, most for $1 each. All proceeds go to fund Fiddle Scouts, a program where musicians play music with children.
Anne Hills wsg Matt Watroba
Old friends Anne Hills and Matt Watroba will join together to share a night of new songs and old favorites.
Miko Marks
This Flint native leans into life through her exquisite songs and stories. A veteran of the country / Americana music scene, The Fiddle is excited to finally host Miko Marks!
May Erlewine
May Erlewine returns to her roots to present a rare, solo acoustic performance. Now an annual Fiddle event, May presents masterful songs describing real people living real lives in today’s world.
Violet Bell at the Robin Theatre
“In a crowded field of Americana artists who claim influence from disparate genres…. Violet Bell truly pushes against the limitations and expectations of genres and genders.. Ross’s soulful vocal gymnastics sound downright wild… defying stylistic bounds.” -Indyweek
The Don Julin Trio
In his return to the Fiddle, Michigan’s mandolin guru Don Julin and friends Joe Wilson and Kevin Gills team up to present a night of musical magic.
Seth Bernard and Jordan Hamilton
UPDATE: The Ten Pound Fiddle has just learned that Seth Bernard has COVID and cannot be part of tonight’s show. That means that tonight’s audience will be treated to a full night of music from the multi-talented, delightful, Earthwork Music Collective member, Jordan Hamilton. See you there!
The Wilson Brothers feat. Elden Kelly
The Fiddle is thrilled not only to present Michigan’s own Wilson brothers, but the addition of Elden Kelly makes this a ‘can’t miss’ night for acoustic music lovers.
Postponed: Violet Bell
“In a crowded field of Americana artists who claim influence from disparate genres…. Violet Bell truly pushes against the limitations and expectations of genres and genders.. Ross’s soulful vocal gymnastics sound downright wild… defying stylistic bounds.” Indyweek
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
Stella! and The Lesser Halves
Stella! is the Michigan-based, singer-songwriting trio of Jo Serrapere, Jen Sygit, and Julianna Wilson. From comic relief to heartbreaking ballads, they accompany their three-part harmonies with guitar, banjo, upright bass, and percussion. For this special event, each member of Stella! will also perform with their respective lesser half: John Divine, Geoff Lewis, and Andy Wilson.
Postponed: Stella! and The Lesser Halves
New Date: Friday, Oct. 21.
Low Lily, featuring Lissa Schneckenburger
“[Low Lily has] 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.
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.
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
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
Cancelled – Joshua Davis
JOSHUA DAVIS WAS RAISED IN THE FOLK TRADITION: THE MUSIC, THE SOCIAL MOVEMENTS, THE LAND.
Cancelled – The Steel Wheels
“Few groups have come as far in such a short period of time as The Steel Wheels…” – NPR’s Mountain Stage
Kyshona
Kyshona was named one of NPR’s Indie Discoveries of 2017. With a combination of poignant songwriting and one of the most powerful Roots/soul voices in the industry, Kyshona’s star is on the rise!
Scott Cook (Thursday)
“He sings his heart and soul, and in doing so lets light flood into your own… He has a good eye for imagery, a gentle human touch, a wry sense of humour, a whole lot of integrity, a warm, rugged voice and a bunch of memorable lines… Truly one of Woody Guthrie’s children.” -RnR Magazine
SOLD OUT! Sweet Water Warblers: Rachael Davis, May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou
Michigan songbirds, Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou and May Erlewine have each carved out successful careers on the American Roots Music circuit and have grown to respect each other’s work. When they finally gelled into a potent musical force, it was natural – three singing sirens and multi-instrumentalists whose repertoire swings from gospel and bluegrass to soul and even joyful interpretations of pop. Their three-part vocal harmonies are sublime, and they trade instruments including mountain fiddle and banjo, uke, guitar and double bass.
Amythyst Kiah (Wednesday)
“Amythyst Kiah is one of roots music’s most exciting emerging talents, blending a deep knowledge of old time music with sensibilities spanning classic country to contemporary R&B.”— ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE
May Erlewine – CD Release
“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
John Gorka
“There are few contemporary songwriters that come anywhere close to the talent of John Gorka. His songs have a way of working on you long after you thought you had it all figured out. I will listen to a song that I know all the words to and can sing a long with and then one day sitting at a traffic light I realize that there was a whole other layer of meaning that I had missed.” – Ben Wakeman, “Take Me to the Bridge”
Strangers in the Night: The Bands of Elderly Instruments
Come enjoy a night of music from folks who sell instruments by day, and then play them after hours. “Strangers in the Night,” is just one of the evening’s five bands which features employees and friends of Lansing’s world-renowned music store, Elderly Instruments.
CANCELLED The Fretless – Sunday Concert
“People ask us how to make a living in an instrumental folk band,” says second fiddle and viola player, Karrnnel Sawitsky. “My answer is simply put: ‘creatively.’” Sawitsky continues, “When our four voices meet at the center of agreement is when our music echoes most effectively. It’s not the sum of our parts. It’s the individual sum of the band.”
2017 Juno Award Winners: Instrumental Album of the Year
The Matchsellers & Red Tail Ring: Old Time Duos
Based in Old-Time music, two incredibly talented and charming duos will share the stage in this exciting twin bill.
The Matchsellers: “The first song I listened to was the one about the Pigeon and the Dove and I said “you’re hired.” -Larry Groce, NPR’s Mountain Stage
Red Tail Ring: “The very best of the 21st century’s minimalist and highly original folk music . . . a peerless duo.” – American Roots UK.
Don Julin Quartet – Thursday Concert
Hear one of the world’s best on mandolin, backed by familiar, stellar Michigan musicians, in the intimate Robin Theater for this very special Thursday night show with Don Julin on mandolin, Joe Wilson on dobro, Kevin Gills on bass and David Collini on cajon.
May Erlewine
“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
Jen Sygit – CD release
Jen’s fourth studio album “It’s About Time,” is produced by long time friend and collaborator Dominic John Davis (bassist for Jack White, Buddy Miller, North Mississippi Allstars, Joshua Davis). This new collection of original songs is an eclectic sonic journey drawing influence from a cross section of middle America, from the Gulf Shore sands to the Great Lakes basin. “It’s About Time” was engineered at La Luna Recording & Sound in Kalamazoo by Ian Gorman and features a talented ensemble of players including Davis, Drew Howard, Mike Lynch, Geoff Lewis and Ross Huff.
Mustard’s Retreat – CD Release
“However, the group actually started out as a trio … and for a new album and current concerts, original member Libby Glover has rejoined David Tamulevich and Michael Hough. Her presence brings a whole new dimension to the Mustard’s Retreat sound, yet the transition sounds just like it feels … perfectly natural.” – Bob Needham, Pulp, Ann Arbor
“…music to cure what ails you.” – Michigan Times
MWSFF Concert with Joshua Davis
Joshua Davis was raised in the folk tradition: the music, the social movements, the land. For the 17th Annual MWSFF, he will present an evening of songs, joined by special guests Jen Sygit and Laura Bates.
SOLD OUT – The Sweet Water Warblers: Rachael Davis, May Erlewine, Lindsay Lou
Michigan songbirds, Rachael Davis, Lindsay Lou and May Erlewine have each carved out successful careers on the American Roots Music circuit and have grown to respect each other’s work. When they finally gelled into a potent musical force, it was natural – three singing sirens and multi-instrumentalists whose repertoire swings from gospel and bluegrass to soul and even joyful interpretations of pop. Their three-part vocal harmonies are sublime, and they trade instruments including mountain fiddle and banjo, uke, guitar and double bass.
Reggie Harris and Ken Whiteley – In Celebration of Pete Seeger!
Ken and Reggie will help the Fiddle celebrate Pete Seeger’s 99th birthday (a day late). Come listen, and sing the songs we know, the songs Pete taught us. Together.
Tim Eriksen
Tim Eriksen is acclaimed for transforming American tradition with his startling interpretations of old ballads, love songs, shape-note gospel and dance tunes from New England and Southern Appalachia.
The Bills – Quintet from Western Canada
“Their sound is panoramic, mischievous, fiercely unpretentious – and musically splendid” – Boston Globe
The Steel Wheels
“Few groups have come as far in such a short period of time as The Steel Wheels” – NPR’s Mountain Stage
Joshua Davis
Joshua Davis was raised in the folk tradition: the music, the social movements, the land.
The Ragbirds – In Concert
“It’s rare to hear something new and exciting in the realm of folk/roots music, but the careful alchemists of The Ragbirds have given us just that!” -Bryan Rodgers, Homegrown Music Network
Run Boy Run – In Concert
A dynamic Americana quintet from Arizona.
May Erlewine – In Concert
“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
Jay Ungar and Molly Mason; The Sweet Water Warblers; James Keelaghan – Mid-Winter Singing and Folk Festival
The 15th Annual Mid-Winter Singing and Folk Festival – Concert featuring 6 incredible songwriters.
Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys – In Concert
They have spent the last few years barnstorming the country, and Europe, honing their craft. Now, in high demand, Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys have set aside time to visit friends and share their music in their native Michigan.