Le Vent du Nord was last here seven years ago, a last minute, mid-week booking held at the Robin Theatre. The night proved to be incredibly memorable for those in the quickly sold out house.
Emma’s Revolution
Pat Humphries lived in Lansing in the late 80s, a period when she penned many folk music community favorites. Since then, Pat and Sandy O. have been musical leaders in the peace and justice movement. “If I can’t dance to it, it’s not my revolution.” – Emma Goldman
John Gorka
Fourty years ago, John won the prestigious New Folk Award at the Kerrville Folk Festival, and the rest is history. A part of the NYC New Folk Movement, John has been a fan favorite for years. The Fiddle welcomes John back to town.
James Keelaghan
Every 2-3 seasons, James stops by the Fiddle to share both new material and old classics. Yes, bassist extraordinaire David Woodhead will be along, too. On this Good Friday, the show will be at the Robin Theatre, Lansing.
A Night with Lucy Kaplansky
Old Town’s UrbanBeat will give Lucy Kaplansky fans an opportunity to be up close and personal with one of folk music’s favorite singer songwriters. Food and beverage service available. Only 120 tickets are available.
Joy Clark and Kate Peterson: Twin Bill
Joy Clark dazzled folk music promoters at last October’s FARM (Folk Alliance Region Midwest) conference. Then, she stole hearts at last November’s Women in the Arts Festival. Now, she will team up with our own Kate Peterson to present a night full of skillful songs filled with deep sentiment.
Jerron Paxton and Dennis Lichtman
Local fans may remember Jerron from his visits to East Lansing’s Great Lakes Folk Festival. He returns with fellow NYC all-around musician Dennis Lichtman to brilliantly present tunes and songs from the 1920s and beyond.
Katie Dahl, RJ Cowdery, Hope Dunbar: Triple Bill
While Katie visited the Fiddle two years seasons ago, RJ and Hope are making their Fiddle debut. This show is a great opportunity to catch these three talented songwriters on their weekend tour of the Great Lakes states.
22nd Mid-Winter Singing and Folk Festival Community Sing, Led by Dan Chouinard
Is there a better song leader than Dan Chouinard? After a beautiful evening of community singing at the 2025 Singing Festival, the Fiddle invited Dan back to share his magic once again.
Garnet Rogers
Garnet has been a fixture on the Fiddle schedule for long time. Billed as his ‘Last US Tour,’ be sure not to miss this chance to hear from one of Canada’s finest performers.
VERY LAST and ABSOLUTE FINAL Used CD and LP Fiddle Scout Fund-Raiser
From 11 am – 9 pm, it will be 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.
Annual Holiday Sing
Seasonal Songs led by Sally Potter with Special guests: Doug Austin, Doug Berch, Ruelaine Stokes. Every year, Potter sculpts two sets of seasonal and holiday selections, inviting everyone to sing along. Lyric booklet are provided.
Windborne Presents: Music of Midwinter
Windborne has taken traditional singing to a whole new level, combining four part a cappella with unique arrangements to present a dynamic range of material – from classic labor songs to haunting 17th century ballads. This is their fourth visit to the Fiddle.
Chris Walz
Co-Production with Peace Education Center’s Annual Alternative Holiday Sale. Fiddle fans may recognize Chris Walz when Weavermania led songs at a Mid-Winter Singing Festival, or when the Fiddle featured the Chicago-based bluegrass quartet Special Consensus. Since then, his recent solo album has topped the folk music charts. It is time for the Fiddle to feature the talent of Chris Walz.
The Debutants
Co-Produced with the Robin Theatre. A high-energy string band with eclectic influences. Dancing between songs and styles of old and new, this fun-loving collective dazzles with impressive musicianship & writing.
The Rebel Eves, Women in the Arts Festival
Co-produced with and celebrating the 40th Anniversary of the East Lansing Women in the Arts Festival! The Rebel Eves are a powerhouse trio of award-winning Michigan songwriters known for stunning three-part harmonies, magnetic stage presence, and emotionally charged performances. Blending folk, Americana, and soul, they create inclusive, uplifting shows that engage connection, authenticity, and joy.
Mama’s Broke – Elderly – 6 pm Show!
The next generation of Old-Time Music is safe in the very capable hands of Amy Lou Keeler and Lisa Maria from Halifax, NS. Winners of the Canadian Folk Music Award for Ensemble of the Year, Mama’s Broke will be hosted by Elderly Instruments for a special mid-week Ten Pound Fiddle production.
May Erlewine – Solo
Every fall, May travels downstate to share her warmth and songs with Fiddle audiences. This annual homecoming fills the packed house with community, connection and love.
Paul McKenna
The Paul McKenna Band is a staple of Scottish folk music. This show is mid-week stop on a rare solo tour by one of Scotland’s biggest voices. Think Martin Sexton, or Stan Rogers. Great songs sung by a clear, strong, engaging voice. This is Paul McKenna.
Joel Mabus
In January, 1975, Joel gave the Fiddle’s second show, held in Old College Hall at the MSU Union. This will be Joel’s 45th solo concert in the Fiddle’s 51 seasons of producing shows. Each year, Joel shares his newly penned pieces along with old favorites.
Aleksi Campagne
Fiddle fans may remember that tall, dynamic fiddler in Connie Kaldor’s family band. Now out on his own, Alekis is taking the folk music world by storm, winning several newcomer awards from Canadian and US music organizations.
Jen Sygit and Mike Ward
Co-Produced with the Robin Theatre. This twin bill is a way to feature both Lansing’s Jen Sygit and Detroit-based Mike Ward, together in an intimate concert at the gorgeous Robin Theatre, Lansing.
SOLD OUT Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy – Tuesday 8PM Show
Co-produced with the Robin Theatre, join folk legends Martin Carthy and Eliza Carthy, visiting from England, for an enchanting evening of timeless melodies and spellbinding storytelling. Don’t miss this rare chance to experience the iconic father-daughter duo live on stage during their special U.S. tour!
The Paxton/Spangler Band @ UrbanBeat
The Fiddle will wrap up its 50th year with a party at Old Town Lansing’s UrbanBeat with classic blues, swing and world jazz…from Detroit. The Paxton/Spangler Band will make its way through the Great American Songbook, highlighting songs and tunes from Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, George Gershwin, Burt Bacharach, Carole King and many more… UrbanBeat offers food and beverage service.
From Ireland – The Jeremiahs – Sunday Afternoon Show
One of the premier acoustic bands of Ireland, The Jeremiahs are just as adapt singing a classic Irish ballad as reving up with room with jigs and reels.
“Great songs, poignant, emotional vocals, masterful guitar and fiddle/flute conversations that work like fine embroidery, no wonder critics love them. You will too!” – Larry Groce, host of NPR Music’s “Mountain Stage.”
Guy Davis
Guy Davis is a two-time, back-to-back Grammy nominee for Best Traditional Blues, a musician, actor, author, and songwriter. Guy uses a blend of Roots, Blues, Folk, Rock, Rap, Spoken Word, and World Music to comment on, and address the frustrations of social injustice, touching on historical events, and common life struggles. His storytelling is sometimes painful, deep, and real, an earthy contrast to modern-day commercial music, meant to create thought, underlined by gentle tones from his guitar or banjo fingerpicking.
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.’
Annual Holiday Sing – Sally Potter, wsg Doug Austin, Doug Berch, and Ruelaine Stokes
Do you love to sing holiday music? Would it be too much fun to sing along with terrific pianist Doug Austin as he rolls the keys on a huge grand piano? Have you ever experienced an expert play gorgeous holiday music on the hammered dulcimer (Doug Berch)? During a few singing breaks, Greater Lansing Poet Laureate Ruelaine Stokes will recite a few spoken word pieces. You are invited to join song leader Sally Potter and sing wonderful songs with your community, all evening long. Lyric sheets provided.
Robin and Linda Williams
Robin and Linda Williams return to the Fiddle after a (too) long absence. A powerhouse acoustic duo for decades, they became household names as frequent guests on A Prairie Home Companion. Now, they spend time at home in Virginia, writing music, and touring 1-2 long weekends a month.
Reggie Harris, Peace Education Center’s Alternative Holiday Sale
Co-Production with Peace Education Center’s Annual Alternative Holiday Sale. A veteran song leader at the Ten Pound Fiddle’s annual Mid-Winter Singing Festival, Reggie Harris has devoted his life to teaching, singing and sharing the songs of freedom and acceptance. HIs solo concerts are filled with haunting melodies, poignant stories, and familiar songs where everyone can join in.
“Reggie Harris is part of the solution. His marvelous music, his hard-earned wisdom, and his loving presence lift up any room he enters. Reggie reaches across all boundaries and makes strangers into friends. Give yourself and your community the gift of a transformative visit with Reggie Harris. ,Rabbi Jonathan Kligler, Teacher, Leader, Musician, Lev Shalem Institute, Woodstock, NY
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.
Joel Mabus – CD Release
“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
Zoe Mulford
Transatlantic Singer-Songwriter from Manchester, UK and the writer of “The President Sang Amazing Grace.”
RUNA
RUNA breathes fresh life into traditional Celtic music by digging into the songs and tunes to find the universal thread that binds past to present.
Sam Robbins
Co-produced with the Robin Theatre. Often described as an old soul singer songwriter, “what Sam Robbins does looks effortless. He’s self-motivated, genuine and has a quiet confidence that simply grabs your attention any time he is on stage.” — Patty Duffey, Music On and Up
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.
Twin Bill: Katie Stanley and Kate Peterson
Two singer-songwriters bring uniquely overlapping styles for a magical night of authentic, soulful folk.
MWSF Children’s Concert – Lake Effect Family Band
Northern Michigan family roots band with tight harmonies, hilarious original songs and traditional music, featuring
Tiyi Schippers, David Bunce, Rachael Davis, and more.
The Very, Very Last and FINAL Used CD and LP Fund-Raiser for Fiddle Scouts
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!
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
Annie Capps and a Band of Badass Women
Featuring Annie Bacon, Fay Burns, Emily Slomovits, Sara Gibson, and Julianna Wilson… what does Annie Capps have in store?
A Duo of Duos: The Dangling Participles and Dave Boutette and Kristi Lynn Davis
Two of Michigan’s finest acoustic duos team up for a night of original songs, old favorites, and a lot of laughs.
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
True Blues: Cedric Watson and Corey Harris
Two masters of the blues together for one very special evening!
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!
SOLD OUT Jake Shulman-Ment and Laurel Premo at The Robin Theatre
What happens when the finest Klezmer fiddler of his generation teams up with a friend, a marvelous multi-instrumentalist? Come find out!
The Springtails CD Release Concert
The Springtails – led by Julianna and Andy Wilson – are a Michigan-based band known for their swing-era style vocals and eclectic instrumentation. Joining forces with the incomparable Joe Wilson, this special show will celebrate the release of their new recording AND their new line-up.
From Nova Scotia, Cassie & Maggie
“With songs ranging from heartbreakingly beautiful and soft to loud and boisterous, Cassie and Maggie’s sisterly voices blend in such a way that you automatically know it is genetic… theirs are voices that wrap themselves around each other more than others.” -No Depression
Jake Blount, Nic Gareiss & Laurel Premo + Fiddle’s Annual Membership Meeting
Jake Blount, Nic Gareiss and Laurel Premo, award-winning folk performers, have joined forces in a bewitchment of rich tones, deft movements and stories long untold. Through traditional songs familiar and arcane, this new trio celebrates the deep rhythms and subtle harmonies of America’s eldest musics.
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.
SOLD OUT – James Keelaghan – In Concert at The Robin Theater
James Keelaghan returns to the Fiddle in support of his CD release for ‘Second Hand.’
MOVED TO SUNDAY, 3PM: Matt Watroba and Claudia Schmidt
Fiddle favorites Matt Watroba and Claudia Schmidt return for a heartwarming evening of song and story.
Deidre McCalla
Singer-songwriter Deidre McCalla, the “dreadlocked troubadour” celebrates the power and diversity of the human spirit.
Damn Tall Buildings Â
“Damn tall buildings is a damn fine trio, mixing bluegrass, swing, and foot-stomping old-time music you wouldn’t think possible from a band from Brooklyn.” — No Depression
From Scotland, Tannahill WeaversÂ
“An especially eloquent mixture of the old and the new.” – New York Times
Full Cord
Their infectious stage show and breadth of material pushed Full Cord through to a win of the 2022 Telluride Bluegrass Festival Band Competition in June and a nomination as the Momentum Band of the year at the upcoming International Bluegrass Music Awards. With two shows never the same, their followers in Michigan and beyond try to catch every show, never knowing what teaser or new song will be in the set list.
Nervous but Excited – Women in the Arts Festival
It’s a 10-year Reunion show! Co-produced with the East Lansing Women in the Arts Festival, the Fiddle is excited to welcome back Kate Peterson and Sarah Cleaver of Nervous but Excited for a very special evening at Edgewood United Church.
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
Vance Gilbert
“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!Â
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
Evie Ladin & Keith Terry
Innovative musicians/dancers with a quirky neo-trad soul, Oakland, California-based Evie Ladin & Keith Terry throw down original folk songs and deep interpretations of old songs, with the kinetic thrill of percussive dance.
Streaming from the Archives: James Keelaghan
James Keelaghan in concert at the Ten Pound Fiddle
January 17, 2020
Streaming from the Archives: April Verch
April Verch in concert at the Ten Pound Fiddle, April 15, 2016.
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.
Kitty Donohoe
‘Kitty Donohoe is a true treasure – a rare songwriter with tremendous range, a beautiful voice and an ability to write haunting, melodic and literate songs.’ – All Music Guide