Fiddle Tunes at Centrum

Listen to Fiddle Tunes Performers Wednesday on KEXP

Join KEXP's Greg Vandy in the Roadhouse this Wednesday night (6-9pm) for an in-studio performance from Caleb Klauder's Country Band, with very special guests Jesse Lege and Joel Savoy. KEXP invited Caleb into the studio to share some of the songs off his brand-new album, Western Country. Backed by a full country band (including Sammy Lind, also on Fiddle Tunes Faculty) Caleb played "Worn Out Shoes" and "Hole In My Heart", two greats songs off the album. He also talked with host Greg Vandy about his influences growing up in the Northwest music scene.

Joining Caleb as special guests, Jesse Lége brought his powerhouse Cajun singing and deep knowledge of traditional Cajun French. Along with fiddler Joel Savoy, and with Caleb's full country band, the two Cajun musicians brought the house down. Greg also had a fascinating interview with Joel about the current state of Louisiana's folk music and folk culture.

Tune in online at www.kexp.org.  The Roadhouse lasts from 6-9, and they'll be on around 6:30 or so.

Of course, Jesse and Joel will be part of this Friday's big Cajun and Creole Dance Party on Friday - so this is a great opportunity to check them out before buying tickets to the Friday show. Tickets are available online, or by calling 800-746-1982.

Friday July 9
La Fête de la Louisiane: A Cajun & Creole Dance Party
Littlefield Green | 7:30 pm | $15

• Creole La La: Nolton Simien and David Greely and Friends
• Little Band of Silver: (Cajun Superstar jam with Steve Riley, Sam Broussard, Jesse Lége, Joel Savoy, Dirk and Christine Powell.)

Permission to Mess with the Melody

Tom Braman talks to Fiddle Tunes veteran Jack Link about the early days of the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, and his legacy of encouraging players to play outside their comfort zone. Recorded at the 2009 Festival in Port Townsend.

Fiddlers, Don't Forget .....

Suzy Thompson will be teaching blues fiddle at Centrum's Acoustic Blues Week (July 26 - August 2), and the thing is, she's just about the finest practitioner of blues fiddle who is active today.

Can you name another? Great teacher, loves to jam - don't take this for granted, people!

We're Jammin' At Fiddle Tunes

It's Monday at the 2009 Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, and here's a great jamming scene from the porch of Building 204 at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend. If you're part of this fine bunch of participants, let us know in the comments!

If you like what you're hearing, then don't forget our Friday evening Cajun Dance, and Saturday afternoon and evening concerts in McCurdy Pavilion. Tickets are available 24/7 online or by calling 800-838-3006.

Cajuns at Fiddle Tunes this year

There'll be many interesting people from Louisiana in Port Townsend this summer. Here's some of the things they'll be doing during the workshop:

morning classes
    Joel Savoy and Linzay Young - the twin fiddle music of Courville and McGee. 
        (hear Dennis: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WOwNFPC3ens)
    Jesse Lege, the Cajun's Cajun - accordion
    Kevin Wimmer - swing fiddle
    Chas Justus - swing guitar

afternoons
    Traditional Cajun band lab - Jesse Lege and Joel Savoy
    Swing band lab - Kevin Wimmer and Chas Justus
    Cooking - Linzay Young             (http://www.almenapictures.com/cooking_volume1.html)
    Tutorials - accordion with Dave Lang, and fiddle with Kelli Jones.

Glenn Fields (drums) and Eric Frey (bass) of the Red Stick Ramblers will also be here, helping as needed with band labs, dances, eating, and enforcing dress codes.

Cool, huh?

Taste of Fiddle Tunes

Hello there. My name is Kristina and I spent the afternoon walking around to the various Fiddle Tunes workshops, taking in all the sights and sounds.  This is my fifth year coming to Fiddle Tunes and what always impresses me is that there are people of all ages here - truly a family friendly festival.  This afternoon was a series of workshops called Band Labs where participants have the opportunity to learn and perform group pieces. Below are a few of the photos from this afternoon.   Hope to see you at the concerts this weekend!