•• FIDDLING WITH TRADITIONS ••
In 2022, with the support of a grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, fiddler and tunesmith Gretchen Koehler immersed herself in "North Country" folk arts. She interviewed a variety of artists to learn about their traditions, study their hands, soak up the aesthetic of being in their creative environment and then adapted these ideas to her family's music tradition. From these sessions came a brilliant new fiddle suite, "Fiddling With Traditions."
•• LIVE IN CONCERT ••
Fiddling With Traditions is a fun, imaginative, muti-media concert that features fiddler/tunesmith Gretchen Koehler & pianist Daniel Kelly sharing fiddle tunes that evoke everything from sweeping paint strokes, to intricate stitching, to the fiery forging of American folk traditions. From heart pumping musical arrangements to peaceful panoramas, their expressive soundscapes capture the spirit of rug braiding, blacksmithing, ice harvesting, quilting, silversmithing, paper making, knitting, baking, painting, maple sugaring, beekeeping and wood working. Audiences of all ages will enjoy this captivating musical adventure enhanced by a backdrop of gorgeous film and photography.
The North Country Premiere of “Fiddling With Traditions” at the historic Pickens Hall, Heuvelton, New York. (Photo credit: Gus Geraci)
••praise••
“Extraordinary! There aren’t words to describe this superb multimedia, many-faceted arts experience!”
“Astonishing. What this duo has put together is exquisite. I am blown away by the sheer creativity.”
“Gretchen & Daniel are absolute powerhouses.”
“With artistry, skill and magic they captured each artist with sensitivity and understanding. I am overwhelmed!"
“I am so impressed by the quality, variety, and beauty of these compositions.”
•• on air••
WPBS-TV’s “Inside the Stories” featured Gretchen Koehler’s 8 part series, “Fiddling With Traditions” throughout their 2023 season.
••MUSIC VIDEO COLLECTION••
In addition to a LIVE performance, Gretchen Koehler produced a series of music videos. Through the evocative music of the fiddle & piano, viewers are introduced to talented artists who keep American folk traditions alive.
MUSIC VIDEO: Travel back in time with a reel that knits together Quebec, Cajun, Acadian and African American fiddle traditions.
MUSIC VIDEO: Watch the sparks fly as the fiddle & piano shape hot metal into a dance tune!
MUSIC VIDEO: Step into the world of rug braiding with the interwoven sounds of the fiddle & piano.
MUSIC VIDEO: Imagine the “sounds” of silver as the fiddler shapes, bends and polishes metal into fine jewelry.
MUSIC VIDEO: Experience the natural beauty of New York State through the paint strokes of an artist & the bow strokes of a fiddler.
MUSIC VIDEO: Enter the enchanting world of paper making through the bow of a fiddler.
MUSIC VIDEO: Enjoy a relaxing row around Sagamore Lake with a fiddle & piano as your guide.
MUSIC VIDEO: Embark on an epic quilting adventure with a fiddler to lead the way.
