The Fiddle welcomes a world-class duo of virtuosic fiddle, dance, banjo & song from the Ottawa Valley to the Hills of Appalachia.
Lady of the Lake – Karrie Potter Richards, Pooh Stevenson, and Wanda Degen and many special guests
A forty-year anniversary celebration with special guests Doug Berch, Kay Rinker-O’Neil, Dave Langdon, John Mikelsavage, and Mike Ross
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
Ruby John and John Warstler
Ruby John has been captivating audiences with her driving fiddle style. She with John Warstler will present a night full of a variety of fiddle tunes, sing some songs, and tell stories of Ruby’s life in her journey to blend her fiddling with her Native heritage.
David Roth at THE ROBIN THEATRE. Special Engagement: Limited Seating
Co-produced with The Robin Theatre, in Lansing´s REO Town.
John McCutcheon
The Smoke Rise, GA-based musician, whom Johnny Cash once referred to as “the most impressive instrumentalist I’ve ever heard” is greatly looking forward to sharing his new music as well as beloved favorites with the Ten Pound Fiddle audience.
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.
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.
POSTPONED: Sound an Echo: Sara Pajunen and Rachael Kilgour
POSTPONED UNTIL WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2022
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.
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.
Tom Paxton
Tom Paxton April 19, 2013 performance.
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)
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.
Anne Hills and Michael Smith
September 27, 2013 performance.
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.
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
Alasdair Fraser and Natalie Haas
Feb. 10, 2012 performance
Connie Kaldor
February 28, 2014 performance. “…quirky, often wickedly funny.” -Regina Leader-Post
Cancelled – Emma’s Revolution, with 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.
Cancelled – Low Lily, including fiddler 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
Cancelled – Joshua Davis
JOSHUA DAVIS WAS RAISED IN THE FOLK TRADITION: THE MUSIC, THE SOCIAL MOVEMENTS, THE LAND.
Cancelled – 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.
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters (Sunday)
Molsky’s Mountain Drifters – a laser-tight trio with an ear for lovely, lilting traditional melodies. The grace and wisdom of Grammy nominated fiddler Bruce Molsky, Berklee College of Music’s Visiting Scholar melds with the electricity of guitarist Stash Wyslouch and banjoist Allison de Groot’s to bring new ideas to traditional music.
The Fabulous Heftones and Friends
Playing the tunes and ditties of the 1920’s and more.
MWSFF Community Sing with Songleader Dan Chouinard
With lyrics supplied, Chouinard lets fly with inventive, often playful, accompaniments, rarely glancing at the keyboard — a feat that one regular considers magic. “It’s kind of his calling,” said the man who’s attended these singalongs for ten years. “I mean, you know he could be playing with anyone, but here he is with us.”
MWSFF Afternoon Workshops
A highlight of the festival, 8 afternoon workshops provide another opportunity for our community to sing and play music – together. One $10 wristband is good for the all of the sessions. Students are free!
MWSFF Concert: House of Hamill, and Liz Carroll with Nic Gareiss and harpist Maeve Gilchrist
Chicago’s premier Irish fiddler Liz Carroll is joined by harpist Maeve Gilchrist, and Lansing’s own dance phenom Nic Gareiss. Opening the night will be intricate, unpredictable arrangements of traditional songs and fiddle tunes; compelling and catchy original songs and completely unexpected covers, by Philadelphia’s House of Hamill.
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!
Windborne
Co-produced with the Peace Education Center in conjunction with it’s Alternative Holiday sale. Internationally acclaimed vocal group Windborne is known for the power and innovation of their arrangements, as well as their unrivaled mastery of polyphonic music from around the world. Currently Windborne is touring a project called Song on the Times, songs of social struggle from movements over the past 400 years.
Asaran Earth Trio
“They perform their spectacular harmonies and scatting with percussive rhythm accompaniment. (…) When they sing traditional songs these women demonstrate their real vocal prowess.” – Songlines
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.
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.
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.
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 Community Sing with Sally Rogers, Claudia Schmidt, Joel Mabus
Saturday night’s Community Sing will be a Michigan reunion of three long-time friends. Sally Rogers, Claudia Schmidt and Joel Mabus are each expert song leaders. Together it would be hard to name a more talented trio to guide a theatre full of people in an evening of singing.
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.
Matt Watroba and Robert Jones – The American Experience: From Roots to Rap, A Musical Celebration of History and Diversity
Long-time musical partners, Watroba and Jones will present music that reflects history, social change, migration, hopes and dreams. This is music that is rich and diverse, direct and powerful. This is a musical seminar – not to be missed!
Heartland Klezmorim – The American Experience: The Musical Journey From The Shtetl
The septet Heartland Klezmorim will take listeners on a narrated musical journey, starting in Eastern Europe, through world historical events, including emigration to the United States. You are invited to bear witness to this very special presentation tracing the road of Jewish migration through music.
Annual Holiday Sing, hosted by Sally Potter wsg Jamie-Sue Seal, Siusan O’Rourke, Doug Berch, poet Ruelaine Stokes and Doug Austin on piano
For the annual Holiday Sing, host Sally Potter selects seasonal and secular songs, and a few hymns to create a magical night of musical community. Lyric sheets provided. Special guests Jamie-Sue Seal and Susan O’Rourke, Doug Berch, poet Ruelaine Stokes and pianist extraordinaire Doug Austin add vocals and accompaniment to this heartwarming, participatory evening.
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
Lonesome Ace Stringband – featuring banjo virtuoso Chris Coole
This is old-time music for today’s old soul.
Chris Coole on banjo, John Showman on fiddle and Max Heineman on bass bring a deep respect for the roots of the music, a keen sense of innovation to the performance and material, and a passion for the sound that transcends both.
“Three of the most accomplished Old-Time musicians on the planet, the Lonesome Ace Stringband does a masterful job melding their talents”-Brad Kolodner (WAMU Washington, DC)
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.
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
Music From the World Over with San (of Gemini) and Emily Slomovits
Come join folk enthusiasts ages 3-13 and their family for fun with folk music.
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.
The Alt, with John Doyle, Eamon O’Leary & Cathy Jordan
Each player in The Alt is a leading light of today’s folk scene and though this could be easily called a supergroup. At its heart, The Alt is really a celebration of friendship and song.
“Precious Memories” performed by Sue Massek
Written by Si Kahn, and performed by Sue Massek, this one woman musical is about the life of labor organizer and musician, Sarah Ogan Gunning.
The Next Generation, from Wales – Calan
In tune with the St. Pat’s Day season, the Fiddle features a young, spirited, energetic quintet from Wales.
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.
MWSFF Pre-Concert Old Time Music Jam with Molsky’s Mountain Drifters
Join Bruce Molsky, Allison de Groot, and Stash Wyslouch for an Old Time Music Jam, from 5:30 – 6:30 pm, prior to the Friday night concert at the 16th Annual Mid-Winter Singing Festival.
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.
Michigan Fiddle Styles: Molly McBride; Ruby John; Judy Raber
Join your friends at the Ten Pound Fiddle Concert Series when “The Fiddle” welcomes three of Michigan’s favorite Old Time fiddlers for a night of tunes, songs and the stories behind the music.
Windborne – An A Cappella Quartet
Co-produced with the Peace Education Center in conjunction with it’s Alternative Holiday sale. “The singers of Windborne have a deep understanding, both musically and culturally, of the traditions from which they draw much of their repertoire. Their singing is a feast of a cappella harmony.” -Peter Amidon
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 Toronto – The Fitzgeralds
“The Fitzgeralds are standout musicians in our Canadian music industry…The caliber of musicianship is very high- I think together they are beautiful blend of gorgeous fiddle music, and top rate, absolutely exhilarating dance routines.” -Natalie MacMaster, Cape Breton Fiddling Sensation
May Erlewine – CD Release
Join May Erlewine for a heart opening, poignant journey as she releases her new record, Mother Lion. This hand picked and soulful band has crafted a very special evening of song meant to move you.
From Scotland – Archie Fisher
“One of Britain’s finest song interpreters” – SING OUT!
Emma’s Revolution, featuring Pat Humphries and Sandy O.
With beautiful harmonies and genre-defying eclecticism, Emma’s Revolution delivers the energy and strength of their convictions, in an uprising of truth and hope for these tumultuous times.
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.”
Jayme Stone’s Lomax Project
Focusing on songs collected by folklorist and field recording pioneer Alan Lomax, this collaboratory brings together some of North America’s most distinctive and creative roots musicians to revive, recycle, and reimagine traditional music. Join the Fiddle for this very, very special mid-week concert, to be held at Urban Beat, a new, intimate performance space on the first block of Turner Street, in Lansing’s Old Town.
Run Boy Run – In Concert
A dynamic Americana quintet from Arizona.
Ten Strings and a Goat Skin
“A seamless, polished, barrel-drum-tight, rhythmically innovative and wildly entertaining traditional music powerhouse.” -The Guardian
John McCutcheon – In Concert
John McCutcheon, folk music’s renaissance man — master instrumentalist, powerful singer-songwriter, storyteller, activist, and author.
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.
Cathie Ryan – “A Winter’s Heart: An Irish American Christmas”
The acclaimed Irish singer Cathie Ryan and her award-winning band celebrate a traditional Irish American Christmas with The Winter’s Heart®.
Sparky and Rhonda Rucker
Sparky and Rhonda Rucker perform throughout the U.S. as well as overseas, singing songs and telling stories from the American folk tradition.
Irish Singer Andy Irvine – Opening Night Party at The AMP
Andy Irvine is the lead singer from the infamous Irish band, Planxty, among many other configurations. The Ten Pound Fiddle kicks off its 42nd season with Andy Irvine, a fine Irish singer of traditional Irish songs. We’ll gather at The Allen Market Place, catch up with friends, and enjoy Irish desserts, and drink fresh, craft stout and wheat beer from a local establishment.