The public performances of the 2014 Festival of American Fiddle Tunes kick off on our nation’s birthday with a rousing afternoon show in Fort Worden’s converted WWI-era balloon hangar. We’ll celebrate the rich tapestry of culture that imbues the American Spirit.

Fiddles on the Fourth
1:30 p.m. – McCurdy Pavilion – Fort Worden State Park
Tickets: $28 and $23
Purchase tickets

Cape Breton – Dwayne Cote and Barbara MacDonald Magone

Dwayne Cote is described by John Allan Cameron as “the best kept secret in Celtic Music.” But the secret is evolving and satisfying more and more audiences, leaving them both energized and in awe of his talent. He’ll be joined by the amazing Barbara Magone.

Old Time – Tom Sauber, Brad Leftwich, and Alice Gerrard

Tom Sauber does it all, and you won’t hear anyone do it better. He’s a master musician in a variety of styles, a multi-instrumentalist (banjo, fiddle, guitar, and mandolin) and singer, well grounded in tradition, with a comprehensive grasp of style and an exceptional ability to teach.  Brad Leftwitch has won the fiddle contest at the prestigious Appalachian String Band Music Festival in Clifftop, West Virginia, and his fiddling has been acclaimed by critics in magazines as diverse as Billboard and Bluegrass Unlimited. He tours internationally and has performed at venues from Merlefest to the White House.  Simply put, Alice Gerrard is a talent of legendary status. In a career spanning some 40-plus years, she has known, learned from, and performed with many of the old-time and bluegrass greats and has in turn earned worldwide respect for her own important contributions to the music.

Bob McQuillen Tribute with the Rhythm Rollers – Cathie Whitesides, WB Reid, Laurie Andres

Bob McQuillen passed away this past February at the age of 90. He has made a significant impact on the Fiddle Tunes community, having first been on staff 30 years ago. He was one of the most beloved New England contra dance musicians. “Mac” played to the delight of countless dancers continuously for more than 60 years since his start in 1947 with the “Ralph Page Orchestra.” Cathie, Laurie and WB were all first captivated by Bob’s playing on the seminal recordings of the “Canterbury Country Dance Orchestra” in the 1970s. So much so, in fact, that they formed a band with him – The Rhythm Rollers.

Scottish – Alasdair Fraser

Master Scottish fiddler Alasdair Fraser is a consummate performer. His dynamic fiddling, engaging stage presence, and deep understanding of Scotland’s music have created a constant and international demand for his solo appearances and concerts with a variety of ensembles. Alasdair has been a major force behind the resurgence of traditional Scottish fiddling in his homeland and the U.S., inspiring legions of listeners and learners.

Old Time – Walt Koken and Clare Milliner

From the Busted Toe Mudthumpers to the Fat City String Band to the wickedly influential HighwoodsStringband, Walt Koken’s banjo and fiddle playing have guided several generations of old time players. Together with his musical and spiritual partner, Clare Milliner, Walt has a recording called “Just Tunes,” a collection of banjo-fiddle duets. They’ve also recorded with the string band the “Orpheus Supertones.”

Step Dance – Nic Gareiss

Michigan-born dancer, musician, and dance researcher Nic Gareiss is a dance sponge. He’s studied a broad variety of percussive movement forms from around the world, including Appalachian clogging and flat-footing, Irish step dance, Québécois step dance, improvisation and composition – all with the leading internationally recognized exponents of these genres.