You Can be a FiddleStar

I post things about fiddling. And how we can all be better at it.

<p>This is the best new musical on Broadway. And yes, I realize the Tonys already said that so it seems like I’m being a Johnny-come-lately, but whatever. I’m right and Mur agrees so it’s decided. If you can’t see it here, at least listen to the soundtrack. #thebandsvisit #nyc2019 #motherdaughterroadtrip  (at Barrymore Theatre)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsS-jFYleOc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gliz6i83b1ep">https://www.instagram.com/p/BsS-jFYleOc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gliz6i83b1ep</a></p>

This is the best new musical on Broadway. And yes, I realize the Tonys already said that so it seems like I’m being a Johnny-come-lately, but whatever. I’m right and Mur agrees so it’s decided. If you can’t see it here, at least listen to the soundtrack. #thebandsvisit #nyc2019 #motherdaughterroadtrip (at Barrymore Theatre)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsS-jFYleOc/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1gliz6i83b1ep

Posted 272 weeks ago
<p>Completely unexpected foray into the APAP conference, courtesy of our dear friend Tom Bailey and the lovely and kind Ken Waldman. We didn’t intend to run into @lonesomeacestringband or @cfinkbanjo or @janerothfield or @jennamoynihan or all the other delightful people, but we did and it was the perfect way to end an already excellent day. #unexpectedoldtime #apap #nyc2019 #motherdaugtherroadtrip  (at Don’t Tell Mama NYC)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ1gMflo0z/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u14uepp65tz">https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ1gMflo0z/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u14uepp65tz</a></p>

Completely unexpected foray into the APAP conference, courtesy of our dear friend Tom Bailey and the lovely and kind Ken Waldman. We didn’t intend to run into @lonesomeacestringband or @cfinkbanjo or @janerothfield or @jennamoynihan or all the other delightful people, but we did and it was the perfect way to end an already excellent day. #unexpectedoldtime #apap #nyc2019 #motherdaugtherroadtrip (at Don’t Tell Mama NYC)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsQ1gMflo0z/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1u14uepp65tz

Posted 272 weeks ago
<p>I told you. Marquee selfies and this one is legendary. We saw @bryancranston in Network tonight and it was unbelievable. I saw @tatianamaslany on @thedailyshow the other night and she talked about how relevant this play is, right here, right now and she couldn’t be more correct. I was absolutely rapt the entire time. Have you seen the movie? If you can’t make it here to see this incredible production, you owe it to yourself to at least watch the original movie and take in the message. #immadashellandimnotgonnatakeitanymore #network  (at Belasco Theatre)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsPib2IFx8G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19hv620zd2xxu">https://www.instagram.com/p/BsPib2IFx8G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19hv620zd2xxu</a></p>

I told you. Marquee selfies and this one is legendary. We saw @bryancranston in Network tonight and it was unbelievable. I saw @tatianamaslany on @thedailyshow the other night and she talked about how relevant this play is, right here, right now and she couldn’t be more correct. I was absolutely rapt the entire time. Have you seen the movie? If you can’t make it here to see this incredible production, you owe it to yourself to at least watch the original movie and take in the message. #immadashellandimnotgonnatakeitanymore #network (at Belasco Theatre)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsPib2IFx8G/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=19hv620zd2xxu

Posted 272 weeks ago
<p>First night in New York and it’s a winner. Many years ago, when I was still in high school, one of my first fiddle teaching experiences was working with a beautiful family from Redding, CA, my hometown. I taught three of the Mancasola kids and loved every minute of it. They were all so talented and bright and special. And tonight, I got to see Sydney Mancasola (the second oldest and the one who always struck me as the daydreamy one) sing Pamina in The Magic Flute at THE MET. No big deal. Just the Metropolitan Opera. She was effortless and sparkling and her dynamics were on point. Her musicianship shone so bright and I remembered all the wonderful fiddling she used to do, it’s just that now all those beautiful notes come through her voice. Brava, Sydney, brava. #themet #opera #pamina #sydneymancasola #motherdaughterroadtrip #nyc2019  (at The Metropolitan Opera)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsM5XlFFYu_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1x3z8422ahjav">https://www.instagram.com/p/BsM5XlFFYu_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1x3z8422ahjav</a></p>

First night in New York and it’s a winner. Many years ago, when I was still in high school, one of my first fiddle teaching experiences was working with a beautiful family from Redding, CA, my hometown. I taught three of the Mancasola kids and loved every minute of it. They were all so talented and bright and special. And tonight, I got to see Sydney Mancasola (the second oldest and the one who always struck me as the daydreamy one) sing Pamina in The Magic Flute at THE MET. No big deal. Just the Metropolitan Opera. She was effortless and sparkling and her dynamics were on point. Her musicianship shone so bright and I remembered all the wonderful fiddling she used to do, it’s just that now all those beautiful notes come through her voice. Brava, Sydney, brava. #themet #opera #pamina #sydneymancasola #motherdaughterroadtrip #nyc2019 (at The Metropolitan Opera)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsM5XlFFYu_/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1x3z8422ahjav

Posted 273 weeks ago
<p>Boy do we have news for you… #springfieldremodel #readytorent  (at Springfield, Tennessee)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/BsCMQ7KFmy8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16rplspmfdd2i">https://www.instagram.com/p/BsCMQ7KFmy8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16rplspmfdd2i</a></p>

Boy do we have news for you… #springfieldremodel #readytorent (at Springfield, Tennessee)
https://www.instagram.com/p/BsCMQ7KFmy8/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=16rplspmfdd2i

Posted 273 weeks ago
<p>Happy #caturday everyone! Adam built the kids a new house. They won’t actually go in it yet, but I bet they will once the temperature heads south again. It even has a self-warming pad in it. I want a self-warming pad. #catland (at Fiddlestar)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_tvDjFCtN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1h9el0355nvup">https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_tvDjFCtN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1h9el0355nvup</a></p>

Happy #caturday everyone! Adam built the kids a new house. They won’t actually go in it yet, but I bet they will once the temperature heads south again. It even has a self-warming pad in it. I want a self-warming pad. #catland (at Fiddlestar)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br_tvDjFCtN/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=1h9el0355nvup

Posted 273 weeks ago
<p>The last few days have been full of amazing food, but I have to give a special shoutout to two recent meals I shared with @ashbyfrank. The first picture is of the paneer fig kofta and several other dishes at @chaatable and the 2nd is of the bo la lot at #kiengiangnashville. Both of these meals were so memorable as to be overwhelming that they happened in the same week. I love “elevated southern cuisine” as much as the next girl, but whilst in Nashville, make sure to spend some time eating with our incredible immigrant community. Also, as an important reminder, @maneetchauhan is still a badass. #betelleaves #westnashville  (at Kien Giang)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br31LMmlBOH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gvbfyime1wbx">https://www.instagram.com/p/Br31LMmlBOH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gvbfyime1wbx</a></p>

The last few days have been full of amazing food, but I have to give a special shoutout to two recent meals I shared with @ashbyfrank. The first picture is of the paneer fig kofta and several other dishes at @chaatable and the 2nd is of the bo la lot at #kiengiangnashville. Both of these meals were so memorable as to be overwhelming that they happened in the same week. I love “elevated southern cuisine” as much as the next girl, but whilst in Nashville, make sure to spend some time eating with our incredible immigrant community. Also, as an important reminder, @maneetchauhan is still a badass. #betelleaves #westnashville (at Kien Giang)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br31LMmlBOH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=gvbfyime1wbx

Posted 274 weeks ago
<p>And our family Christmas color remains John Deere green. I love these people with my whole heart. I married into a fine bunch. I surely did. #johndeerechristmas #colerandall #howmanytractorsistoomany  (at Ridgetop, Tennessee)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br1uEr4F1wH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=180jbuut6xybs">https://www.instagram.com/p/Br1uEr4F1wH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=180jbuut6xybs</a></p>

And our family Christmas color remains John Deere green. I love these people with my whole heart. I married into a fine bunch. I surely did. #johndeerechristmas #colerandall #howmanytractorsistoomany (at Ridgetop, Tennessee)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br1uEr4F1wH/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=180jbuut6xybs

Posted 274 weeks ago
<p>@mandolin2842 and I made 1) Mary Berry’s chicken and bacon pie 2) Paul Hollywood’s boeuf bourguignon pie 3) Ina Garten’s peas with pancetta 4) Ina’s goat cheese mashed potatoes 5) Cook’s Illustrated macaroni and cheese 6) Cook’s American dinner rolls 7) GBBO apple toffee sticky pudding 8) Food 52’s mini caramel cakes with caramel icing   11/10 for all - would make again but would allow more time for lattice (cameo by the pie bird with my name on it which was a gift from a dear family friend) #wereexhausted #werealsoratherfull #itwasntalljustforus #thereweresevenfordinner #notpicturedtheentirefamily (at Fiddlestar)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br1q3KHFjRu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12rtuy339q66o">https://www.instagram.com/p/Br1q3KHFjRu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12rtuy339q66o</a></p>

@mandolin2842 and I made 1) Mary Berry’s chicken and bacon pie 2) Paul Hollywood’s boeuf bourguignon pie 3) Ina Garten’s peas with pancetta 4) Ina’s goat cheese mashed potatoes 5) Cook’s Illustrated macaroni and cheese 6) Cook’s American dinner rolls 7) GBBO apple toffee sticky pudding 8) Food 52’s mini caramel cakes with caramel icing 11/10 for all - would make again but would allow more time for lattice (cameo by the pie bird with my name on it which was a gift from a dear family friend) #wereexhausted #werealsoratherfull #itwasntalljustforus #thereweresevenfordinner #notpicturedtheentirefamily (at Fiddlestar)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br1q3KHFjRu/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=12rtuy339q66o

Posted 274 weeks ago
<p>Got my cat Christmas (Catmas?) apron on. Thanks to my mother-in-law for the cooking inspiration. Mary Berry savoury pies coming now. Let’s see about some lattice work. 🎅 ❤️ (at Fiddlestar)<br/>
<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Br0evOflO_m/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=muwbh9l7bjmn">https://www.instagram.com/p/Br0evOflO_m/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=muwbh9l7bjmn</a></p>

Got my cat Christmas (Catmas?) apron on. Thanks to my mother-in-law for the cooking inspiration. Mary Berry savoury pies coming now. Let’s see about some lattice work. 🎅 ❤️ (at Fiddlestar)
https://www.instagram.com/p/Br0evOflO_m/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=muwbh9l7bjmn

Posted 274 weeks ago

 1/25/13
I am excited to embark on a new chapter of my working life - I recently gave my notice to the Pam Tillis organization and will no longer be touring with her or Lorrie Morgan (on their awesome Grits and Glamour Tour). I must admit, I'm sad to be leaving. It's been an incredible four years and I have learned so much. Thanks to Pam, her amazing husband/manager Matt Spicher, and my bandmates, especially the lovely and talented Mary Sue Englund, with whom I spent more time over the last few years than I did with my husband. And I wouldn't trade a minute of it...