•• FIDDLING WITH TRADITIONS ••
HOW IT BEGAN: In 2022, with support from the New York State Council on the Arts, fiddler and tunesmith Gretchen Koehler immersed herself in "North Country" folk arts. She interviewed various artists, studied their techniques, and adapted these ideas to her family's music tradition. This resulted in an exciting new fiddle suite, "Fiddling With Traditions."
HOW IT’S GOING: The “Fiddling With Traditions” initiative had a vibrant 2022-2023. Successful “LIVE show” tours, the airing of the music video collection on WPBS, a series of blog articles, and a gallery exhibit at The TAUNY Folk Center showcased traditional artists' work. In 2024, the launch of a “Fiddling With Traditions” school program promises to inspire the next generation.
WHAT’S NEXT: We recorded the “FIDDLING WITH TRADITIONS” album! Released in November 2024. Follow this link to see more about it!
Watch highlights of "Fiddling With Traditions" in school!
FwT Concert Highlights (Courtesy of Edwards Opera House.)
•• LIVE IN CONCERT ••
Fiddling With Traditions is a fun, imaginative, muti-media concert that features fiddler/tunesmith Gretchen Koehler & pianist Daniel Kelly sharing fiddle tunes that evoke everything from sweeping paint strokes, to intricate stitching, to the fiery forging of American folk traditions. From heart pumping musical arrangements to peaceful panoramas, their expressive soundscapes capture the spirit of rug braiding, blacksmithing, ice harvesting, quilting, silversmithing, paper making, knitting, baking, painting, maple sugaring, beekeeping and wood working. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this captivating musical adventure enhanced by a backdrop of gorgeous film and photography.
The North Country Premiere of “Fiddling With Traditions” at the historic Pickens Hall, Heuvelton, New York. (Photo credit: Gus Geraci)
••School Programs••
During the show, you will hear Gretchen Koehler and Daniel Kelly make their fiddle and piano sound like the clanging of a blacksmith’s hammer, the sweet honey of a million bees, and a colorful sunset enjoyed from a wooden rowboat. The duo will play their musical soundscapes in front of a screen with films of spinning wheels, red hot metal under a jewelry maker’s torch, and much more. Click here for more info about bringing Fiddling With Traditions to a school near you!
•• on air••
WPBS-TV’s “Inside the Stories” featured Gretchen Koehler’s 8 part series, “Fiddling With Traditions” throughout their 2023 & 2024 season. Click to see WPBS-TV’s interviews featuring: Silversmithing, Rug Braiding, Paper Making, Painting, Quilting, Spinning Wool, Boat Building.
••praise••
“Extraordinary! There aren’t words to describe this superb multimedia, many-faceted arts experience!”
“Astonishing. What this duo has put together is exquisite. I am blown away by the sheer creativity.”
“Gretchen & Daniel are absolute powerhouses.”
“With artistry, skill and magic they captured each artist with sensitivity and understanding. I am overwhelmed!"
“I am so impressed by the quality, variety, and beauty of these compositions.”
“This music is an amazing work of art.”
“The people laughed, they sighed, they swooned, and even cried. It is a magnificent show!”
••MUSIC VIDEO COLLECTION••
In addition to a LIVE performance, Gretchen Koehler filmed, edited & produced a series of music videos. Through the evocative music of the fiddle & piano, viewers are introduced to talented artists who keep American folk traditions alive.
MUSIC VIDEO: Travel back in time with a reel that knits together Quebec, Cajun, Acadian and African American fiddle traditions.
MUSIC VIDEO: Watch the sparks fly as the fiddle & piano shape hot metal into a dance tune!
MUSIC VIDEO: Enjoy a relaxing row around Sagamore Lake with a fiddle & piano as your guide.
•• THE FIDDLING WITH TRADITIONS ALBUM••
To purchase a copy of the album or digital download, click HERE!
