One of the terrific Festival of American Fiddle Tunes faculty members joining us in 2012 is Elmer Rich. Elmer was born in West Virginia in 1919, and as a youngster, he played mandolin in a band that included his father, fiddler Harry “Pap” Rich; and Elmer’s uncle, fiddler Sanford Rich.

We are beyond thrilled to report that fellow faculty member Kim Johnson turned up an amazing old RKO Pathe newsreel that features the Rich family playing for a 1940 square dance attended by First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt. You’ll see Elmer playing mandolin, his father on fiddle, and two of his brothers on banjo and guitar (plus a family friend on guitar).

We are very excited to have Elmer and Kim at Fiddle Tunes in 2012.