Come “Sit By The Fire” with fiddler Gretchen Koehler & pianist Daniel Kelly as they share new music inspired by Northern New York poets on December 1 at 7:00 p.m. at the Potsdam Public Library. This event is free and open to the public. Suggested donation $10. All proceeds go to the Potsdam Public Library.

Gretchen Koehler composed and curated music to capture the spirit of the works of St. Lawrence County authors Kimberley Bouchard, Kiley Frank, Dale Hobson, Jan Hutslar, Neal Burdick, Stephanie Coyne DeGhett, and the late Max Coots. The guest poets will read their work, followed by a musical response by Koehler and Kelly. The beautiful music and vibrant spoken passages will reflect themes of life in the North Country ranging from New York’s natural beauty, technological conundrums, plunging winter temperatures, to snuggling with little ones while reading bedtime stories. 

Genre busting duo Koehler & Kelly blend the raw energy of traditional fiddling with the nuanced lyricism of jazz piano. The fiddle and piano weave in and out of jigs and reels with a delivery that ranges from elegant to fierce, searing to sensitive, as they bring the energy of trad music into new settings. Their approach has caught the attention of the folk music establishment, most notably NPR's Thistle & Shamrock showcasing "Best New Sounds" from rising artists. Together they spark an innovative musical conversation that reaches beyond musical boundaries. www.gretchenkoehlermusic.com

This project is made possible with funds from the Statewide Community Regrants Program, a regrant program of the New York State Council on the Arts, with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature, and administered by the St. Lawrence County Arts Council.