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Seattle natives Riley Calcagno, Leo Shannon, and Sami Braman, who began playing fiddle as children, grew up attending Centrum’s Fiddle Tunes Festival. The trio’s early passion for traditional music led them to form The Onlies, an old-time stringband, with Vivian Leva later joining as a guitarist and singer. Over the years, The Onlies evolved from wide-eyed festival participants to professional musicians, performing internationally and releasing acclaimed albums. In 2024, their journey comes full circle as they step into their new role as Fiddle Tunes’ artistic directors.

Having been mentored by Fiddle Tunes faculty for years, The Onlies are now guiding the next generation of fiddlers while bringing their youthful energy and deep-rooted connection to tradition. Their story is a testament to the power of community, mentorship, and music, as they honor the legacy of the festival that shaped them while ushering it into the future.

Fiddle Tunes, founded in 1977, remains a vibrant celebration of fiddle traditions from around the world, attracting musicians of all ages to Port Townsend, Washington, for workshops, concerts, and community-building. With The Onlies at the helm, the festival continues to nurture creativity and tradition for generations to come.