Biographical Info

New York State
with Jeff Claus, guitar and banjo uke

From Ithaca, NY, land of lakes, gorges, waterfalls and colleges, Judy is a co-founding member of the alt-trad band, The Horse Flies, who toured extensively throughout the U.S., Canada, and Europe (including appearances on eTown, Prairie Home Companion, All Things Considered, World Café, and Mountain Stage), and recorded many albums, including releases on MCA and Rounder Records.

Judy has a deep love of traditional Appalachian fiddle music and has taught at music camps and programs throughout the U.S. over many decades.  Featured twice in Fiddler Magazine, she was also included in their 20th and 25th anniversary celebrations, first in 2014 as one of 20 master fiddlers in their “Fiddlers 20” booklet/cd set, and again in 2019 when she was commissioned to write an original waltz. She also played with the remarkable Natalie Merchant’s band on several albums and tours, including appearances on Good Morning America and Late Night with Letterman.  She also composes music for film and television, was featured in Electronic Musician Magazine for her film music, and won an Emmy Award. She is delighted to be coming to Fiddle Tunes!!

She’ll be accompanied by Jeff Claus on guitar and banjo uke. Jeff was one of the founding members and main songwriters of the The Horse Flies, about whom the New York Times said: “The Horse Flies have figured out how to hold a hoedown in a physics lab.” And Rolling Stone wrote, “The Horse Flies churn out swirling, addictive songs, blending tradition with invention.” Jeff has toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, and Europe; recorded on Rounder and MCA; appeared on Prairie Home Companion, All Things Considered, Mountain Stage, eTown, and MTV; and played numerous festivals and concert series such as  Central Park Summerstage in NYC, Telluride Bluegrass, Vancouver Folk, Winnipeg Folk, and more. He’s also taught at many festivals, camps, and schools throughout the U.S. Canada, and Europe, and he’s had songs and music used by film director Oliver Stone (in Any Given Sunday), Natalie Merchant, and MTV’s Rock the Vote. He’s also co-composed, performed, and/or mixed music for over 25 feature and documentary films, mostly with his partner and best friend, Judy Hyman. Jeff has a deep and abiding love of Southern traditional fiddle music, having been immersed in it for over 45 years. He’s an especially committed fan of rhythm, groove, and drone, and loves working with diverse people interested in developing their skills for providing solid, rhythmic backup on guitar and banjo ukulele. And, he’s ecstatic to be returning to Fiddle Tunes after many years!