Genesee Country Village & Museum is hosting the Fiddlers’ Fair August 17 and 18, an eclectic weekend of music for everyone from professional players to students and music enthusiasts. Over two days, more than 100 musicians from across New York State will take to the six stages set up around the museum grounds, entertaining visitors with music representing a broad range of American traditions. To encourage an atmosphere of learning and participation, students and amateurs of all ages and skill levels who arrive with instrument in hand not only can sign up for stage time, but get free admission to the museum for the day.
The musical line-up will range from bluegrass and folk to traditional Irish ensembles, and of course, lots of fiddlers. In line with the fair’s mission to encourage and teach the next generation of musicians, several student groups will also be performing, and workshops are scheduled throughout the day on a wide variety of musical topics, including “trick” fiddling, hammered dulcimer, Irish fiddling, and much more. Impromptu performances pop up throughout the weekend, particularly at the Jam Tent and Freight House Pub which takes on the feel of a traditional Irish jam session.
The highlight of Saturday’s revelries will be an after-hours concert (included with admission) by award-winning duo Koehler & Kelly, known for weaving together the traditional sounds of reels and jigs with jazz and dance rhythms. Those who would like a taste of the limelight have the opportunity to participate in an afternoon rehearsal with fiddler Gretchen Koehler followed by an opportunity to then join Koehler & Kelly onstage during the concert.
To further support the mission of encouraging student musicians, GCV&M has partnered with ROCmusic to hold a string and accessory drive. Donations of new or gently used strings, bridges, chin rests, pegs, shoulder rests, and rosin will be accepted. ROCmusic offers tuition-free, high-quality music instruction and instrument lessons to students in grades one through 12 who reside in the city of Rochester, affecting social change through a love of music.
All weekend, guests can set up lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy the non-stop music, along with food and drinks, including the museum’s specialty craft beer. Pre-sale tickets are available at gcv.org at a $2 discount each.
The Museum is open Tuesday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the regular season. Special event pricing may vary, visit the museum website at www.gcv.org or call 538-6822 for details.
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Kids fiddling workshop. Photo by Ruby Foote
