“[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
Joshua Davis
JOSHUA DAVIS WAS RAISED IN THE FOLK TRADITION: THE MUSIC, THE SOCIAL MOVEMENTS, THE LAND.
Lynn Miles
The music of Lynn Miles is truly one of a kind. Not only is she one of Canada’s best singer-songwriters, she’s one of the best, period.
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
Cheryl Wheeler
Brilliant, hysterical performances and beautifully crafted songs. Cheryl Wheeler is a “Rare artist…strong poetry, complex melodies, clever wit.” -SingOut!
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.
Tim Grimm and Ben Bedford
Tim Grimm and Ben Bedford- two highly acclaimed Midwestern songwriters, will make for a brilliant evening at the Fiddle.
James Keeleghan
Called Canada’s finest singer-songwriter by one of the most respected and lauded music journalists of the last 50 years, James Keelaghan is an artist who has proven to be a man for all seasons.
Connie Kaldor and Garnet Rogers
Following two nights at the venerable Hugh’s Room in Toronto, these two highly acclaimed veterans of Canadian folk music will stop by The Fiddle as part of a rare, short Midwest tour. The Fiddle has hosted each of them several times before. Now, both on one night! Do not miss this!
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
Natalia Zukerman’s musical presentation of “The Women Who Rode Away”
“…this is simply one of the most compelling and riveting events we have ever hosted on The Extended Play Sessions. It speaks of empowerment, struggle, tolerance, perseverance and history and the timeliness of this project could not be more poignant. A woman, seated alone on a stage, paying tribute to women…with beauty, style, grace and a boatload of talent!”
– Bill Hurley – Producer, The Extended Play Sessions
Pete Seeger – 100th Birthday Celebration, hosted by Mark Dvorak, with special guest Roger Brown
Join Chicago song leader extraordinaire Mark Dvorak and special guest Roger Brown for a full night of songs, community singing and stories surrounding the life of folk music icon, Pete Seeger (1919 – 2014). Lyric sheets provided. Come early for a special warm-up with Mark Dvorak from 6-7 pm.
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.
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
Crys Matthews
Presenting songs of our times, “Crys Matthews is a necessary voice. Her depth coupled with her openness and approachability is unmatched. She has a spark that is contagious and shares music that unites us and makes us think.” Viviana Benitez, Associate Producer at Lincoln Center and 2017 NewSong judge
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.
The Seamus Egan Project
Seamus Egan (Solas, Shanachie Records) teams up with composer and guitarist Kyle Sanna, and multi-instrumentalist Owen Marshall (The Press Gang, Haas, Walsh and Marshall) to present an incredible evening of world-class music, steeped in the Celtic tradition.
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”
SOLD OUT – Matthew Byrne – Sunday Concert
From Newfoundland, Matthew Byrne is a stellar interpreter of traditional songs. One of this younger generation’s superstars, Byrne fit this special Sunday night show into his very crowded tour schedule. The Fiddle is delighted to present this ‘old soul’ in a very intimate Robin Theater show.
MWSFF Children’s Concert with Sally Rogers
Sally Rogers has won numerous awards for writing and performing children’s music. It is a real treat to have such an accomplished artist present this year’s MWSFF Children’s Concert, co-produced with the City of East Lansing.
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.
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
Sam Gleaves
Sam Gleaves is a leader in the next generation of exquisite folk singers. “Courageous as hell and country to the bone — Amazingly talented Sam Gleaves, the best young songwriter around, heads into new territory with his brilliant album AIN’T WE BROTHERS, joined by a group of world-class musicians and singers. Varied, intelligent, moving – these songs stay with you.” -Lee Smith, Appalachian author
Co-produced with the Peace Education Center and held in conjunction with its Alternative Holiday Sale
Laura Love, Women in the Arts Festival
“(LAURA LOVE) will shake the world. The clincher is her live show…She’s that rare artist who can slip from sensitive folk to hip-hop without skipping a beat. -Utne Reader
Laura Love is an award winning “folk-funk” singer/songwriter/bassist who has been touring the world since the early 1990s.
Christine Lavin
GROUP KNITTING CIRCLE WITH CHRISTINE AT 6:30! Click event to learn more… “Christine Lavin is an incredibly witty songwriter and storyteller, with a flair for the creative, the dramatic, and the humorous. It is precisely her take on the ordinary that makes her work so extraordinary.” -Village Voice
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
SOLD OUT – Le Vent du Nord
SPECIAL WEDNESDAY SHOW! “If you’ve seen them before, you already know. And if you’ve never seen them, words won’t do them justice. Le Vent du Nord is one of the best bands touring today, no matter your musical taste” – SYRACUSE NEWS TIME
Diana Jones
“There is no place to hide on a stage when you play solo or with just one other musician and the award-winning Jones has it down to a fine art.” –Joe Giltrap, Irish Post
Michigan Songwriters II: Roger Brown, Monte Pride and Sam Corbin
SPECIAL THURSDAY SHOW! The Fiddle features three fine Michigan-based singer songwriters in a round robin format at Lansing’s Robin Theatre, REO Town.
Sound an Echo – Sara Pajunen and Rachael Kilgore
Rachael Kilgour and Sara Pajunen bridge their distinct yet complimentary musical histories within traditional music.
MWSFF Concert with Tom Paxton, with Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer and Bruce Molsky’s Mountain Drifters
Tom Paxton headlines the 16th Annual Mid-Winter Singing and Folk Festival on Friday, Feb. 2, 2018. Joining him will be Cathy Fink and Marcy Marxer. Bruce Molsky and his Mountain Drifters will begin the show.
Michigan Songwriters I: Siusan O’Rourke, Jamie-Sue Seal, Jen Sygit, Taylor Taylor
Join the Ten Pound Fiddle community as “The Fiddle” welcomes four talented Michigan songwriters for an evening of songs and stories.
Joshua Davis
Joshua Davis was raised in the folk tradition: the music, the social movements, the land.
The Bills – Quintet from Western Canada
“Their sound is panoramic, mischievous, fiercely unpretentious – and musically splendid” – Boston Globe
Women In The Arts Festival presents We’re Not Dead Yet, featuring Jamie Anderson, Dianne Davidson, and Deidre McCalla
Dianne Davidson, Deidre McCalla, and Jamie Anderson perform in-the-round for an evening of humor and grace running the gamut from gut-wrenching blues to heartbreakingly tender ballads.
Joel Mabus
“Joel Mabus is one of contemporary folk music’s most eclectic performers. A skilled guitar, fiddle, banjo, and mandolin player and melodic songwriter, Mabus has played everything from traditional folk tunes to bluegrass, blues, and original songs.” -Craig Harris at AllMusic.com
From Scotland – Archie Fisher
“One of Britain’s finest song interpreters” – SING OUT!
Joe Crookston
“At every festival I hope to find the gift of one artist whose songwriting and performance stand out. Joe Crookston was that gift for me this year at the Philadelphia Folk Festival. Stunning performance, great songs, and not a word wasted! I LOVE That!” David Francey – Songwriter Ontario
Scott Ainslie
“Ten Pound Fiddle is where I’ll be spending my 65th birthday, playing for the community of listeners and celebrating a half century of guitar playing and live performing.”
Rev. Robert B. Jones – in place of Luke Winslow-King – with opener The Dangling Participles
A last minute change brings the Reverend Robert B Jones to the fiddle stage. Reverend Robert Jones, Sr. is an inspirational singer, songwriter, storyteller and self-taught award-winning multi-instrumentalist. Lansing’s The Dangling Participles open.
Cancelled – Melissa Ferrick
Due to unforeseen circumstances, Melissa Ferrick has cancelled her Friday, April 7 concert. See event for a letter from Melissa.
Ann Reed – In Concert
Long-time Fiddle-favorite, Minneapolis-based singer / songwriter Ann Reed will share her beautiful songs, and hysterical stories with us.
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
The Times They Are a Changin’ : Celebrating the Songs of Bob Dylan
Join in an evening of songs celebrating the songwriter who has influenced popular music and culture for more than five decades. Performers include Jen Sygit, Roger Brown, The Dangling Participles – Tamiko Rothhorn, Austin Kaufmann, Larry Zwier, The Springtails – Andy Wilson and Julianna Wilson, and hosts Jim Hall and Cindy Morgan.
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
James Hill and Anne Janelle
If you are a fan, or a participant in the most recent Ukulele wave, you need to experience James Hill! FREE pre-show strum for ticket holders!
John McCutcheon – In Concert
John McCutcheon, folk music’s renaissance man — master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author.
Sally Rogers and Claudia Schmidt – CD Release
Come enjoy a delightful, musical evening, and spend Inauguration Day coming together as a community to welcome their CD, “We Are Welcomed.”
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.
Dar Williams – SOLD OUT
A solo performance by “one of America’s very best singer-songwriters.” -The New Yorker Co-produced with the East Lansing Women in the Arts Festival.
Pat Donohue – In Concert
You have enjoyed hearing him play with The Guy’s All-Star Shoe Band on Prairie Home Companion. Now, hear the exquisite musicianship of Pat Donohue.
Kitty Donohoe and Friends – “The Irishman’s Daughter” CD Release
Before settling in Ann Arbor, Kitty spent time in East Lansing, raising two kids and taking a turn booking Ten Pound Fiddle concerts! Then, she began to tour, and has not looked back. The Ten Pound Fiddle is delighted to help Kitty celebrate the release of her latest CD, “The Irishman’s Daughter.”
The Joe Hill Road Show, featuring Magpie (Greg Artzner and Terry Leonino), Charlie King, and George Mann
The Joe Hill Roadshow is a national concert tour to celebrate the music, life, and legacy of martyred WWI labor songwriter Joe Hill on the 100th anniversary of his death.
Susan Werner – In Concert
Susan Werner composes skillful songs that effortlessly slide between folk, jazz, and pop, all delivered with sassy wit and classic Midwestern charm.