Take hold of the bow
May 19, 2020
One of the hardest things about playing fiddle is mastering the bow. Finding the notes is the easy part, making them sound good is what makes it music. … More Take hold of the bow
Making the most of social distancing
April 12, 2020
It’s been a little over a month now since we’ve officially shut ourselves off from the rest of the world. Social distancing is probably one of the hardest things we’ve ever had to do as musicians. Not only because most musicians make their money playing for crowds, but because the music we play is designed … More Making the most of social distancing
When all else fails, we still have music
March 17, 2020
Before we began social distancing, I was getting in shape through spinning at this awesome spinning studio in Stowe, called Ride. Aside from getting a killer workout, the music is great and the instructors are inspiring. For each class I went to, the instructor would share one tidbit of encouraging words. Maybe it was a … More When all else fails, we still have music
The end of an era and the beginning of a new one
March 9, 2020
UPDATE: The Session at Bagitos has been cancelled in hopes to keep people safe from Covid-19. Stay healthy everyone! This weekend, we will not only be celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, but we’ll also be celebrating the end of era – the Saturday session at Bagitos in Montpelier. Saturday, March 14 from 2-5pm will be the … More The end of an era and the beginning of a new one
Music builds community
March 2, 2020
Traditional music is community music and dancing is a huge part of it. Yesterday we played for a community Ceilidh to not only help kick off St. Patrick’s Day and celebrate Irish tradition, but to introduce newcomers to the joys of Ceilidh dancing. The Garret School of Irish Dance was on hand to walk people … More Music builds community
Winter Cape Breton Fiddle and Dance Camp
January 23, 2020
I’ve always loved Cape Breton music and have visited the fiddle haven more than a few times. Not only are the people there one of the most hospitable people, but Cape Breton is like a fiddler’s Disneyland – everybody plays the fiddle and everybody dances. Who can blame them? The music is driving and when … More Winter Cape Breton Fiddle and Dance Camp
Get up and dance
January 14, 2020
Music and dancing have always been a part of my life. As a child, I took ballet lessons and tap dancing, and loved them both. I loved ballet because the dance was so graceful and the music so passionate. I loved tap dancing because I loved the rhythmic sound when the taps hit the floor. … More Get up and dance
Nollaig na mBan – Women’s Christmas
January 6, 2020
Today is January 6, the final day of the 12 days Christmas. In Ireland, this day is known as Nollaig na mBan or women’s Chrismas. The day was intended to be a reward, a day off from all the housework the women did during the Christmas season. Traditionally men were supposed to take over the … More Nollaig na mBan – Women’s Christmas
House concert and fiddle workshop
November 14, 2019
In Vermont, we’re so lucky to have some amazing musicians that reside here. We’re even luckier sometimes because their amazing musician friends visit them and offer concerts and workshops. This weekend is one of those times. On Sunday, November 17, Cape Breton’s, Andrea Beaton, and Quebec’s, Véronique Plasse will be in town giving a workshop … More House concert and fiddle workshop
New Session in Calais
November 7, 2019
As the days get shorter and winter begins to blanket the mountains in white, it’s always so tempting to play and practice in the warmth of your own home. The thing is its so much more fun to play with others and there are plenty of opportunities to get out to a session. And next … More New Session in Calais
Session Obsession 