Co-produced with the Robin Theatre, don’t miss an engaging evening with John Depew, the 2022 Kansas Mandolin Champion, as he brings his masterful picking and heartfelt melodies to the stage. Experience the magic of bluegrass, folk, and beyond from one of the Midwest's most celebrated mandolin virtuosos!
Join the Ten Pound Fiddle in celebrating COAST, a new record by this trio of extraordinary instrumentalists hosted by The Robin Theatre.
If you remember hearing sacred harp singing in the films "Cold Mountain" or "Behold the Earth," or the distinct sound of the lead vocalist of Cordelia's Dad, that is 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. He combines hair-raising vocals with inventive accompaniment on banjo, fiddle, guitar and bajo sexto - a twelve string Mexican acoustic bass - creating a distinctive hardcore Americana sound.
Sara Pajunen was one half of a Finnish duo that stole people's musical hearts at a past East Lansing Great Lakes Folk Festival. Now based in Minneapolis, Sara has only enhanced her concert repertoire adding songs and commentary to her stunning Finnish fiddle pieces. Sara will share the stage with special guest and fellow Minnesotan, fiddler / pianist Frances Olson.
You are invited to spend actual St. Patrick's Day in a gorgeous room, Sleepwalker beverage in hand, singing Irish songs with song leaders Michael McConeghy, Abbey Hoffman, and Sally Potter. Lyric sheets provided.
What happens when a Venezuelan harpist starts playing music with an award-winning bluegrass artist? Absolute magic! Come hear one of the hottest new acts on the folk music circuit. (Yes, there is a circuit, with a several hundred venues.)
"The headline for this duo is the odd couple pairing of two master musicians. On one hand, you have GRAMMY nominated artist Joe Troop, a brilliant musician and songwriter, staunch political activist, and one of the first openly queer voices in bluegrass. On the other hand, you have Venezuelan harpist Larry Bellorín, an asylum seeker and former construction worker whose rough hands fly impossibly delicately across the strings of his harp. But what's really astounding with this duo is the precision and boldness of their craft. Working with jazz guitarist Charlie Hunter, they took two very different worlds, bluegrass and Venezuelan llanera music, and built a new musical language to unite them. Their virtuosity is jaw dropping live; they were easily the best music I saw at the Folk Alliance International conference earlier this year. But more than that, they both take great, transcendent joy in making this music together, and that kind of joy is contagious." - Folk Alley
On his way to the Great Lakes Music Camp (greatlakesmusic.org), Bruce makes a stop at Lansing's Robin Theatre for an intimate night of songs and tunes on the banjo, guitar and fiddle. An instructor at Boston's Berklee College of Music, Bruce travels all around the world almost every day school is not in session. This Fiddle production is an opportunity to hear from one of Old Time Music's finest working musicians.
The Fiddle starts off its 50th concert season with a mid-week, Robin Theatre co-production of legendary acoustic blues artist Roy Book Binder.
"Book Binder is a very good singer and player, but his greatest strength is as a performer and raconteur, using his music to frame his stories and the stories to give background to the music." - SingOut! Magazine
Co-produced with the Robin Theatre. Two phenomenal trios, bringing stellar examples of American and Swedish string music traditions, one one bill!
What happens when the finest Klezmer fiddler of his generation teams up with a friend, a marvelous multi-instrumentalist? Come find out!
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
Co-produced with the Robin Theatre. A Michigan-based supergroup of bluegrass virtuosos featuring Jason Dennie, Scott Kendall, Keith Billik, and Aaron Markovitz.
“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
Co-presented with the Robin Theatre. This trio of virtuoso multi-instrumentalists are immensely fun. Performing expertly curated songs from bygone eras, in antiquated styles, they deliver delightful and memorable shows every time.
Co-presented with the Robin Theatre. Lone Piñon is a New Mexican string band, or “orquesta típica”, whose music celebrates the integrity and diversity of their region's cultural roots.
James Keelaghan returns to the Fiddle in support of his CD release for 'Second Hand.'
You are invited to spend an evening exploring elements that make up a top notch artistic presentation.
Co-produced with The Robin Theatre, in Lansing´s REO Town.
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.
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 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
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.
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!
"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
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.
Playing the tunes and ditties of the 1920's and more.
Tim Grimm and Ben Bedford- two highly acclaimed Midwestern songwriters, will make for a brilliant evening at the Fiddle.
“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
Led by dynamic, multi-instrumentalist front-woman Erin Zindle, The Ragbirds create music that is equally danceable, intelligent and vulnerable. They incorporate indie-pop melodies, global-infused beats, rock guitar riffs and folk sensibilities in a high-energy live show which leaves every listener in a higher place than when it began.
Mother Jones In Heaven - a musical by Si Kahn starring Vivian Nesbitt as “Mother” Jones, with musical accompaniment by John Dillon. Legendary labor organizer “Mother”Jones looks back over her life in story and song. Kahn's musical reveals profound insights, interwoven with hilarious tales of a hellion in her prime.
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.
“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
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
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.
1 - 3 pm: 1960s Rock Music Overview; 4 - 6 pm: The Rise and Influence of Motown. Dick Rosemont will present an entertaining and incisive look at the music environment of the 1960s. It was a significant period for changes in all aspects of culture and the music business. Hear some of the significant songs of the era and recordings that influenced future artists and styles. The first session provides a general overview of 1960s rock as it evolved musically, culturally, and commercially: from pre-Beatles pop to later-decade "acid rock." The second session looks at Motown and its influences, tracing the rise and success of the largest black-owned company in the country, and its impact on music culture.
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.
Renowned primarily for his extraordinary prowess on Uilleann pipes and whistles, Henderson is fast emerging as an equally gifted vocalist. (Similar to last season's Le Vent Du Nord show) this very special Sunday concert is one of those extraordinary events you will not want to miss!
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
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.
SPECIAL THURSDAY SHOW! The Fiddle features three fine Michigan-based singer songwriters in a round robin format at Lansing's Robin Theatre, REO Town.
