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Colonial Fiddle 
As part of their introduction, Tripp and Toddy explain why Scottish fiddling was so popular in the colonies at the time of the revolution. Jefferson played Scottish tunes, Washington requested them, and Franklin wrote a whole essay about why 'a plain old Scottish Tune gave manifest and general delight.'

While Tobias and Abijah are unable to give a proper rendition of the fine art (due to dueling scars and smallpox lesions), they periodically invite 'the Real McCoy' over from Scotland  to play that east coast fiddling style that our founding fathers loved so well. 

The most famous of 18th century fiddler  was Niel Gow and his unique style was passed down through students that then became teachers.  Sadly there are only two performers presently that are still alive to continue that long chain. Fortunately, we have had several house concerts for Douglas Lawrence and Gregor Borland.  

Paul Anderson and Calum Pasqua were the next victim for some colonial dressup!

Just as they are 'rosining up their fiddle stix', we point to the fine print in their contract that states, "you shall don a tricorned hat and colonial coat and prickly wooly stockings!"

Paul refused the take off the kilt but combined the tartan and frock coat to great effect! 

 

2010 fiddler was Bruce McGregor from Blazin' Fiddles. Great concert from a great fiddler who makes his own breakfast! Bruce was over for a week planning to bring Blazin' Fiddles to Boston! Stay tuned!
... and as the audience can get a discount if they come along dressed, you never know who is going to turn up!  Kimball Tarr and Eric Chetwin started the concert with a drinking song, and then 'Worms the Pirate' and his son Shite scared the children!  They have a Glee Club that meets at the Bull Run Tavern. See Sons of Cacophony.
 

 

Yes and there is Sandy backing the pirate up and I try to sell his CD (hand holding CD on bottom right)!
Go back to Colonial Music   ... quickly while there is still time!!

 

LEARNING THE SCOTTISH FIDDLE 

In an attempt to keep this style of colonial music alive, we also host fiddle retreats for students to learn the fiddling skills. Here is the hilarious  Hanneke Cassel  teaching a class in the ballroom. 

And it usually ends up in a manic session in the front room.

And sometimes end up outside!

And we love Fiddles at Hogmanay!

We also have fiddlers at our Burn's Night Dinner

 
However, it sometimes gets out of hand! For example, the tradition in Scotland in the 18th century of dressing in drag and gate-crashing concerts!
 
 
Haunecce pulled one of her shocked faces!!  Just wait until she has to handle Sandy at camp!!! 

And here is what she got when she invited him to play with her at Passims 'the Legendary Harvard Square club that helped launch the careers of Bob Dylan, Joan Baez and Suzanne Vega.' Well they ain't never seen nothin' like this before!!!

yes, the Big Yin stripped down after Gregor said it was a bit warm on stage - well it suddenly got HOT!!!! I have more crazy pics of Sandy on my comedy CD site.
 

I used to play in a band with Sandy called 'Ceilidh Minogue and the Fierce Bad Rabbits! That's Gave Marwick on the fiddle, and I am wearing the same kilt I had as a wee boy!
 
 

And I have known Haunecce since she was a baby - so proud that she has a goat named after her!!

We also have fiddlers at our Burn's Night Dinner

More pictures from Fiddle Camps and concerts.

Fiddles at Hogmanay