FiddleStar

Fiddlers and falafel.

One of the best parts of this year was consciously connecting with the fiddle community in a more proactive way. I’ve lived here almost 17 years and people always ask me if it’s cutthroat and intense - all the fiddlers trying to get the gigs and competing with one another. And while my career is now almost entirely focused on education and event organizing, I did tour and perform for a long time and I can safely say that no, it’s not like that and I never experienced anything but support, camaraderie, and a whole lot of laughs amongst my fellow fiddlers. Last night I hung out with some fiddle friends and we broke pita bread together and told some old stories and caught up on all the latest news and I really look forward to even more of that in 2022. Thank you to this fiddle community that has always been the first to lift me up and help me move forward. I hope to continually do the same for you.

#fiddle #fiddlestar #nashvillefiddlers #onesanfranciscofiddler (at Hendersonville, Tennessee)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CX1NMX5rBJt/?utm_medium=tumblr

I’m starting to think Lester and I are the only ones who wrap presents anymore. Do you wrap presents or are you team #giftbag? No shade. I’m starting to see your point.

#shihtzu #prettypaper (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXuUOmMLFTv/?utm_medium=tumblr

Thank you to @marysueenglund and @prone2violets for the loveliest of birthday dinners. Going to @tansuonash with these kind and beautiful friends never disappoints and it’s become one of my favorite annual traditions. (And thanks to Heather, our server for being extra fun and cool.)

Mary Sue and I look forward to seeing the holiday lights @cheekwood every year. And sometimes you get to see a sweet girl get so excited about the train and for a few minutes things just seem ok in the world. Thanks, friends. I love you. (at Nashville, Tennessee)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXq_eDaLsDj/?utm_medium=tumblr

Waltz Wednesday - Ruthy

Hello friends! How are you all feeling today? I’m well, although I am rather annoyed at the 70 degree December weather. But there are also some great things going on. I’ve really been enjoying all of my lessons lately and I’m excited about some upcoming travels and the camps we have in January. I can’t tell you what it means to have a job you love. If you are in the same boat, I’m super happy for you.

Today for #waltzwednesday I’m playing a Jay Ungar original that just really struck me. It’s giving me all the holiday tune vibes, you know? It’s called Ruthy, for his daughter, and it might be my new favorite of his. He has such a knack for that little trick of repeating a phrase melodically but then changing the chords underneath it the second time. I love that. It reminds me to remind you that just learning the melodies of tunes is not enough. The chords bring those melodies to life and they deserve our attention. I hope you’re enjoying playing the fiddle, or knitting, or climbing stuff, or making rough puff pastry or whatever it is you’re into right now. I’m thinking of you in any case.

#fiddle #fiddlestar #waltz #ruthy #jayungar #roughpuff (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/tv/CXhil5kA2RV/?utm_medium=tumblr

The poster is here! The poster is here! Have you marked your calendars? Registration for FiddleStar Camp 2022 opens January 1, 2022 at 9am Central. www.nashvilleacousticcamps.com for the full scoop. (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXg9NpIPOfY/?utm_medium=tumblr

2022 FiddleStar Camp looks like this and I am so excited! Registration opens January 1st, 2022 at 9am Central. Mark your calendars to register because this one will sell out fast. More info at www.nashvilleacousticcamps.com or ask me questions right here.

#fiddle #fiddlestar #fiddlestarcamp #bluegrass #oldtime #westernswing

@darolangerfiddler @tylerandal @mrfiddler1 @thefiddlemercantile @fiddlestar (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXcQJ12rbkJ/?utm_medium=tumblr

Lester and I were lucky enough to have a good day today. We got to teach a bunch of fiddle and make some memories with people we love and I’m always so grateful for that. But last night was incredibly devastating for so many. We’ll be donating money and supplies to areas around us that need it and I don’t know, I guess I just wanted to say hi and that we love you. (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXXcow_svNN/?utm_medium=tumblr

This Saturday! It’s Zoom Fiddle Workshops! The beginners are learning Greensleeves and the Int/Adv Class is learning how to cross tune and play Breaking Up Christmas. Both classes will also work on how to create a customized practice plan that will serve you throughout your fiddle journey in 2022. So much fun and helpful info! Go to www.FiddleStar.com and click on the bluegrass skill builder page. (Even though these workshops aren’t really bluegrass. 😬) Don’t forget, the workshops are recorded so even if you can’t attend live, you’ll get the same experience plus all the supplemental materials like handouts and extra videos. Come hang out with me and Lester!

#fiddle #fiddlestar #crosstuning #oldtime #greensleeves #reallyreallyoldtime #fiddleworkshop (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXRN7vDFvYM/?utm_medium=tumblr

There are many benefits to hosting all of these camps. One of them is getting to spend some time with people you really like.

#nashvillejamcamp #fiddlechicksandmandolinboys #bluegrass #fullyvaccinatedcamp (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXJmNCUr4Kq/?utm_medium=tumblr

Scenes from Saturday…

#nashvillejamcamp #jamcamp #bluegrass #everyoneplaysthebass #fullyvaccinatedcamp (at Fiddlestar Camps)
https://www.instagram.com/p/CXHOYAOvG1e/?utm_medium=tumblr