Fiddlin' Arkansas

Nationally renowned guitarist to visit Conway

2012-01-21T15:08:00.001-06:00

Nationally renowned musician, Jonathan Trawick will be in Conway, Arkansas February 5-6 offering private guitar and mandolin lessons. Jonathan currently tours the country conducting workshops and performing acoustic roots music. He works with the finest musicians in the country including 7 time World Champion Fiddler, Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor, 6 time National Champion, Megan Lynch, Canadian fiddling icon, Calvin Vollrath, legendary Missouri fiddler, Junior Marriott, 3 time Grand Master Fiddle Champion, Matthew Hartz and the Texas fiddling legend, Dale Morris, Jr. to name a few. Musicians of all levels welcome.

Teachers: I am offering you a kick-back for any students who sign up and take a lesson during my stay. Simply register your students by email, or have them communicate who referred them when they register and I will give you $5 for every 30 minutes your student spends with me. This is an opportunity for you to enhance your students' musical education. I have no interest in "stealing" or demeaning anything you are already doing with them, I hope to augment your work with them and welcome any comments or suggestions you have concerning your students' progress and what I may be able to offer them. Please email me at trawickjtt@gmail.com or call 501.730.5138 with your questions, concerns and registration inquiries.

Here is an example of a Texas style breakdown being played by Dale Morris, Jr. and myself. I hope you enjoy it and I look forward to hearing from you.

Thanks for your support.

Jonathan Trawick

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Fiddlin Arkansas wishes you a Holly Jolly Christmas!

2011-12-25T12:42:00.001-06:00

Have a Holly Jolly Christmas and plenty of tunes!!

Jonathan Trawick

www.fiddlinarkansas.com

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Fiddlin Arkansas Calendar now includes local jams

2011-12-06T14:27:00.001-06:00

If you have a local jam that is fiddle-friendly, feel free to send the information and I would be happy to add it to the Fiddlin Arkansas Calendar. Please include a contact email or phone number for the jam. You may also include the link to the Fiddlin Arkansas Calendar to your site, or share the link wherever you like to get the word out about your jam. The direct link is www.fiddlinarkansas.com/calendar. I have recently added weekly and monthly jams in Conway, Little Rock and Fayetteville. If you are in the area stop in and play a tune, maybe I'll see you there!

Thanks to Freddie Hare, David Evans, Reed Doke and Matt Cartier for sharing the information about the local jams. Email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com to include your jam today.

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The Dale Morris Jr. Birthday Bash and Free Guitar Lessons

2011-11-19T13:26:00.001-06:00

Happy Thanksgiving!

What a treat it was to host the legendary, Dale Morris Jr.! One would be hard-pressed to find more talent in a kinder man. I still get jitters thinking about the power with which he plays and the feel he exerts through the violin. Below, I've attached a couple snapshots from the Master Fiddler Series last weekend with Dale. The header photo was from the Sunday matinee performance, a.k.a. The Dale Jr. Birthday Bash!! Thank you to Heather DeWeber for the photos and videos.

Parking lot jam after the show Sunday night

Dale in action at the Hot Springs workshop

Hot Springs Workshop attendees with Dale

Follow the link here for a clip of the performance at Wildwood Park in Little Rock. Dale performed a variety of music from swing to Cajun to jazz as well as some straight ahead Texas style fiddling like you saw in the clip. Did I mention, it was Dale's birthday!? Did you get some of the cake? It was delicious!!

Happy 21st Birthday, Dale Morris Jr - from Fiddlin Arkansas (note the pink camoflauge icing...)

Thank you to Paul DeWeber (and family), Bill Carter of B. C.'s Fiddles and Bows, Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts and Scott Aycock of House Concerts Unlimited for their hard work and support. None of this would happen without you!

Thank you also to Tim and Steve Trawick, Bill Nesbitt, Paul DeWeber and Rockin' Acoustic Circus for the music and jamming! It's such an honor to play with such talented musicians!

To date, the Master Fiddler Series has hosted some of the world's finest violinists including Matthew Hartz, Megan Lynch, Junior Marriott and of course, Dale Morris Jr. I would like to hear from you. Who would you like to see be the feature of an upcoming Master Fiddler Series? Who are your fiddle heroes? I would absolutely love to hear your opinion.

Who loves free stuff!? Well, I am offering an opportunity for you to claim a FREE guitar lesson!! That's right, FREE!! For those of you who don't know, I teach guitar and mandolin lessons both in person and online. I am Skype and iChat(AIM) equipped as well, so we don't even need to be in the same place! Send an email to jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com for complete details on how to claim your free lesson.

Do you know of any fiddle friendly jams? Please let me know the information as to where, when and a contact. I would love to post the information on the Fiddlin Arkansas Calendar where anyone and everyone can visit and find out where they can play. Send me your information.

Finally, thank you, thank you, thank you!! I want to thank each and every one of you for your support and passion for fiddle music and the joy it brings you. Together, we are providing a positive environment that will grow and shape our community for years to come. Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving! I look forward to seeing you soon!

-Jonathan Trawick
CEO Fiddlin Arkansas

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Cornbread Raffle Winners and World Champion Fiddling

2011-11-07T15:28:00.001-06:00

Hello again!

It's a cold, rainy day up here in northwest Arkansas. I don't know about you, but I LOVE the fall!! It's my favorite time of year. There is just nothing like a campfire and fiddle tunes all night long.

World Champion Fiddler, Dale Morris, Jr.

will be visiting Arkansas and Oklahoma this weekend. Locations include Tulsa, Oklahoma, Hot Springs, Arkansas and Little Rock, Arkansas. Dale Jr. will be available for private lessons, between his scheduled workshops and performances. Email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com to reserve your private lesson. Special thanks to Scott Aycock and Paul DeWeber for their passion and assistance in setting up this next installment in the Master Fiddler Series. Click here to hear Dale, Jr. in action!

Friday, November 11

Private lessons (daytime) - email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com
Performance with the Rockin Acoustic Circus
at The Garden Deva in Tulsa, OK - 6:30 PM
Click here for more information and tickets

Saturday, November 12
Fiddle Workshop/Demonstration
Antioch Baptist Church in Royal, AR (Hot Springs area)
9 AM - 12 PM
Private Lessons available in the afternoon/evening email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com
Call Paul DeWeber at 501.520.7359 for tickets
Click here for more information

Sunday, November 13
Fiddle Workshop - 1 PM - 2:30 PM
"A Touch of Texas featuring the music of Dale Morris, Jr." Opening the show will be Arkansas music icons Steve and Tim Trawick. This is a rare opportunity to hear the Trawick Brothers in a public setting.
3 PM - 5 PM at Wildwood Park in Little Rock, AR
Click here for more information/registration/tickets

Who is Dale Morris, Jr.? Dale Morris, Jr. hails from the legendary Morris family from Texas. His Uncle, Terry Morris is hailed by many as the greatest Texas fiddler ever. Successful violinist, Mark O'Connor has listed Terry Morris as one of his fiddle heroes. Dale, Jr.'s Dad, Dale Morris is also a legendary fiddler. Dale Morris still teaches fiddle and performs regularly. Dale Morris, Jr. has played and recorded with the likes of Ray Price, Willie Nelson, Marty Stuart, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, John Mayall and Billy Bob Thornton to name a few.

CONGRATULATIONS!!! to all the winners of the raffle drawings at the Cornbread Festival last Saturday. If you were not present to claim your prize, please email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com or call 501.730.5138 and I will make sure you get it. And the winners are...

1 hr Guitar Lesson with nationally renowned musician, Jonathan Trawick (value $60) - Tammy Warren

1 hr Mandolin Lesson with nationally renowned musician, Jonathan Trawick (value $60) - Steve Tailor

Full sized fiddle with a case and bow (value - $200) - The Tucker Family

2 tickets to "A Touch of Texas featuring the music of World Champion Fiddler, Dale Morris, Jr." at Wildwood Park in Little Rock on Sunday, November 13, 3 PM (value $40) - Sarah Dixon

Do you want to keep up to date on what's going on in the Arkansas fiddle world? Feel free to sign up for the email list and stay in touch! Click here for our email signup page. I look forward to hearing from you!

- Jonathan Trawick
CEO Fiddlin Arkansas

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Cornbread Festival, Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Champions and more...

2011-11-02T15:45:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween!! Well, Happy After Day After anyway....

Below, you will find updates on upcoming fiddlin events including the Cornbread Festival, another raffle opportunity, guitar and mandolin workshops and the next Master Fiddler Series. Also, winners from the Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Championships have been posted. Congratulations to everyone who participated. Check it out!

Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Championships

Congratulations to all the winners and participants at the Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Championships! Winners have been posted, click here to see the complete listing of winners.

I've attached a video clip Casey Penn was able to capture on her phone of the judges performing. Here is a direct link if the video does not appear below.

Special thanks to Casey, Flap Jones, Jody Pearson, Jeanne Trawick, Sherry Tinerella, our wonderful judges: Tim Crouch, Junior Marriott and Katrina Nicolayeff, the staff at Wildwood including: Cliff Baker, Kristen Vandaveer, Leslie Golden and thank YOU for coming out in support! This event (or any, for that matter) would not be possible without you for participating in the contests, showing up just to jam, or just showing up for moral support or to heckle your favorite banjo player!! Thanks for making this year a success! - Jonathan Trawick, C.E.O/Founder

Fiddlin Arkansas

If you're interested in getting more involved, shoot an email to jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com. Did you know that the fiddle is the Arkansas State Instrument?

Cornbread Festival

Saturday, November 5 stop by the first annual Cornbread Festival. At the Fiddlin Arkansas booth, there will be music and jamming all day long! Ozark fiddling expert, Martin Martin will be demonstrating true Ozark fiddling in the morning and discussing some of the Ozark fiddlers and their music. The Davanzo Family Band, Bill Nesbitt, Darwin Fontenot, River Lee, Julie Russell and more will be at the booth performing and jamming. Bring your instruments for a free jam open to the public in the afternoon! Raffle items will include a private music lesson with Jonathan Trawick, a full size fiddle, and two tickets to the next Master Fiddler Series Concert in Little Rock. Also appearing will be Shannon Wurst, Jonathan Trawick and others. Visit www.arcornbreadfestival.com for more details and directions to the event.

Guitar and Mandolin Workshops in Conway

Sunday, November 6 at Conway Institute of Music, nationally renowned musician, Jonathan Trawick will be hosting workshops focusing on guitar and mandolin.

The guitar workshop will be tailored toward beginning/intermediate guitarists. Topics will include basic strumming techniques and the chords used in most every song! Learn just how simple it really is to play your favorite song. More advanced players will learn ideas behind chord substitutions and how to improve your playing both in the strumming hand and in the fretting hand. This workshop is limited to the first 10 registrants so register today to secure your spot! It will be from 1 PM - 2:30 PM at Conway Institute of Music behind Taco Bell on Prince St. in Conway. For more information, email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com. Register today!

Bring your mandolin and come hang out with nationally renowned musician, Jonathan Trawick. Topics will include everything from basic ideas such as how to hold your pick to jam etiquette to the mandolins' place in a band to how fiddle tunes will improve your playing and improvisation ideas for the more advanced. All are welcome! Don't miss your chance, this event is limited to the first 10 registrants. The workshop will be from 3 PM - 4:30 PM at Conway Institute of Music behind Taco Bell on Prince St. in Conway. Register by emailing jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com.

Master Fiddler Series

Dale Morris, Jr. is one of the world's most renowned and legendary fiddle players. Regarded as part of Texas fiddle royalty, Dale, Jr. is the son of legendary fiddler, Dale Morris. Dale's brother Terry Morris is considered by many to be the epitomy of Texas style fiddling. Dale, Jr. is a Grand National Fiddle Champion, 2 time Grand Master Fiddle Champion and has also won the World Championships of Fiddling in Crockett, Texas. He currently plays with country music legend, Ray Price. Other artists Dale, Jr. has played with include Willie Nelson, Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys, Marty Stuart, Billy Bob Thornton and John Mayall to name a few. Friday, November 11, Dale, Jr. will be playing a special show with the Rockin Acoustic Circus in Tulsa, OK. Tickets for the event can be found by emailing Scott Aycock of House Concerts Unlimited. Saturday, November 12, Dale, Jr. will appear in Hot Springs then on Sunday, November 13, Dale, Jr. will appear in Little Rock at Wildwood Park. More will be available soon. If you are interested in scheduling a private lesson with this legendary fiddler, email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com. Private lessons with Dale, Jr. are $75/hr. Half-hour slots are also available.

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Cornbread Festival, Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Champions and more...

2011-11-02T15:41:00.001-05:00

Happy Halloween!! Well, Happy After Day After anyway....

Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Championships

Congratulations to all the winners and participants at the Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Championships! Winners have been posted, click here to see the complete listing of winners.

I've attached a video clip Casey Penn was able to capture on her phone of the judges performing. Here is a direct link if the video does not appear below.

Fiddlin Arkansas

If you're interested in getting more involved, shoot an email to jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com. Did you know that the fiddle is the Arkansas State Instrument?

Cornbread Festival

Guitar and Mandolin Workshops in Conway

Sunday, November 6 at Conway Institute of Music, nationally renowned musician, Jonathan Trawick will be hosting workshops focusing on guitar and mandolin.

Master Fiddler Series

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2011 Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Championships

2011-09-28T11:08:00.001-05:00

Hello from Fiddlin Arkansas!

I must admit, my stomach is just churning in anticipation of the Arkansas Pickin and Fiddlin Championships coming up in just a couple weeks. If you love good fiddlin', you're really in for a treat. Current raining Grand National Fiddle Champion, Katrina (Pearce) Nicolayeff (nick-oh-lie-eff) has agreed to judge this year's championships. Katrina is a 3 time National Fiddle Champion and has also won the Grand Masters Fiddle Championships held in Nashville, TN each October. Katrina lives in Meridian, ID. Click here for a Youtube video of Katrina playing Beaumont Rag.

We also have Arkansas native and Nashville sideman, Tim Crouch judging this year. Tim has worked with the likes of Glen Campbell, Dolly Parton, Marty Stuart, Sara Evans, George Jones, Billy Bob Thornton, Vince Gil, Dierks Bentley and others. Click here for a video of Tim playing with George Jones.

Nationally renowned fiddle player, Junior Marriott is our third judge. Junior is from Ava, MO where he teaches music and plays fiddle with the Honkytonk Renovators. Junior is nationally renowned for his fiddle playing and owns more state fiddle championships than hunting dogs - which is saying something. Junior has worked with Rhonda Vincent and Mark Chesnutt among others and won the Arkansas Master Fiddle Championships last year. Here is a video of Junior playing Bill Cheatum and discussing rhythm styles.

Workshops featuring the judges will be held on both Saturday and Sunday of the Championships. Workshops are open to the public and only $10 to attend. A full tentative schedule can be found at www.fiddlinarkansas.com.

New this year is an Accompanist division. Fiddle players are only as good as their rhythm section! The idea is to develop and encourage folks to play rhythm guitar. How does it work? Grab a guitar and get someone to play fiddle with you just like in a fiddle contest, only the rhythm is scored. The contest pays out the top 3 so why not give it a go?

Also new this year is an added division for kids. Youth divisions include PeeWee (age 0-10), Junior Junior (11-13), and Junior (14-16).

Note - CHECK THE SCHEDULE!!! The contest is two full days this year - and don't forget the jamming after the events at Wildwood. Jamming will be held at Crown Plaza off Shackleford in Little Rock. If you need a place to stay, why not stay where the jamming will be? Book your room today at www.crowneplazalittlerock.com.

Finally, here is a direct link to Registration Forms and Rules/Regs for 2011. Register today! See you October 8 & 9!

What's coming up? Visit www.fiddlinarkansas.com for further information on upcoming events including guitar and mandolin workshops in Conway, Dale Morris, Jr.'s November visit to Arkansas and more!

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More Big Fiddle Fun...

2011-09-11T16:30:00.001-05:00

Hey there!

Hope you are all enjoying the drop in temperature we have had here in Arkansas the last few weeks as much as I am. Here's to hoping the weather will continue to cooperate as our contest scene heats up...

I sure had a blast hanging out with 7 time World Champion Fiddler, Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor in Grove, Oklahoma over Labor Day Weekend. Jana Jae hosted her annual fiddle camp and invited me as a Coach. It sure is tough to turn down an opportunity to hang out and learn from world class musicians! See photos from past years and learn more about Jana's Fiddle Camp by visiting www.grandlakefestivals.com.

If you missed the opportunity to hang out with Shorty, don't worry! He'll be in Arkansas this weekend at the Arkansas State Fiddle Championships. Below is a video of Shorty during his performance at the Kennedy Center for receiving the National Heritage Fellowship last year. If the below embedded video does not appear, you may use this link to see the video.

Have you ever wanted to wrap your fingers around some of the chords and rhythm techniques used in accompanying old time fiddle music? Friday, September 16th from 3:00 - 4:30 pm, 2 time Arkansas State Accompanist Champion, Jonathan Trawick will conduct a workshop focusing specifically on accompanying fiddle players. Jonathan has worked with World Champion and Grand National Champion Fiddlers and hosts guitar workshops across the country. Visit www.ozarkfolkcenter.com or email jonathan@fiddlinarkansas.com to register for this wonderful opportunity. I hope you enjoy the video below of Jonathan accopanying Aarun Carter in her National Championship winning round in Weiser, Idaho in June of this year. If the embedded video does not appear below, you may follow this link for the video.

The next Master Fiddler Series is brewing! This fall, World Champion and Grand National Fiddle Champion, Dale Morris, Jr. will be coming to Arkansas. Dale has worked with many of today's country stars including Ray Price and Willie Nelson. If you are interested in hosting a house concert or workshop, or would simply enjoy private lessons with Dale or myself, send me an email. I can't wait to hear from you!

I hope to see you soon! Here's where I'll be: www.fiddlinarkansas.com/upcomingevents - will you be there?

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Guitar Workshop with Jonathan Trawick | Workshops & Special Events | Ozark Folk Center

2011-08-29T17:17:00.001-05:00

If you know anyone else who may be interested in attending this
workshop, feel free to forward the information. Thank you!

http://ozarkfolkcenter.com/music/events/?isofc=1&id=1277#.TlwNXXDwEYs.gmail

Jonathan Trawick
www.fiddlinarkansas.com

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2011 Arkansas Fiddle & Strings Camp

2011-06-14T16:01:00.002-05:00

Featuring instruction from world class musicians who have performed and taught across the nation and the world. Seasoned musicians Tim Trawick and Chuck Hughes have performed and toured across Europe and the United States. Tim is an Arkansas State Fiddle Champion and Chuck is a National Banjo Finalist in the annual National Banjo Championships held at Winfield, Kansas. Up and coming violinists Charlotte Crosmer and Ellen Appleton have performed across the nation and the world as well. Charlotte has performed on Garrison Keilor's A Prarie Home Companion and is continuing her violin studies at the University of Michigan. Ellen has worked with the Annie Moses Camps and is continuing her studies at the renowned Berklee School of Music in Boston, MA.

For more information, email Tim Trawick at trawickt@gmail.com or call 501 730-5138.

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Fiddlin' Arkansas's Master Fiddler Series presents: Megan Lynch

2011-06-03T02:30:00.000-05:00

Saturday, July 9 at Wildwood Park in Little Rock - Megan Lynch hosts 2 of her world famous fiddle workshops. Attend either for $35 or both for $60. Special performance to follow. Proceeds from the performance will go toward Wildwood's annual Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships held October 8-9, 2011.

See the following descriptions:

Fiddle Workshop - Master Class for All Levels

Time: 10:30 AM - 12:30 PM

It's a workshop, it's a private lesson, it's both! Famed throughout the world, Megan Lynch's master classes provide a unique opportunity for 10 people to get together and figure out exactly what it takes to make themselves better fiddlers, under Megan's guidance. Because each person gets individual instruction, every experience level is welcome. (Beginners, don't be afraid!) No matter where you are now, you will be a better fiddler by the end of this workshop, and you will have specific instructions on how to continue to improve. We'll talk about practice techniques, exercises specific to your needs, tunes that can help you move forward in your genre of choice, and much more. Fiddlers travel from all over to work with Megan in Nashville, but for this master class she brings 20 years of experience right to you. Bring your instrument, a recording device and/or something with which to take some notes, and a desire to be a better fiddler.

*This workshop is limited to 10 students so please register early.

Fiddle Workshop - Details, Details, Details!

Time: 1:30 PM - 3:00 PM
In this workshop Megan B. Lynch will show you how to take your playing to the next level - from any level! It's all about the details. How can you achieve better intonation? How can your bowing be a little more precise? How can your tone be a little more pristine? The answers to these questions and more will be revealed in this workshop.

Learn how recording yourself can make a huge difference and more importantly, what to do with what makes you unhappy about your playing. This workshop is about conquering the little things - and we all know, the little things can add up to one big thing - being a better fiddler! Recording is encouraged. This workshop is best for advanced beginners to advanced players.

For registration information or to schedule private lessons, email trawickjtt@gmail.com.

Does Charlie Daniels play a mean fiddle?

2011-06-02T11:19:00.001-05:00

Find out by clicking here. Follow contestants through each round of one of the premier fiddle contests in the world. Featured in this documentary is Bubba Hopkins - 2010 featured judge at Wildwood's Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships. After watching tonight's premier of the movie in Little Rock, come see it happen live this October 8-9 at Wildwood Park. More information can be found at www.wildwoodpark.org and www.fiddlinarkansas.blogspot.com.

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2011 Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships

2011-04-22T14:42:00.000-05:00

October 8th - 9th
Judges:
Junior Marriott
Nationally known fiddler from Missouri. Judging resume includes the Grand Master Fiddle Championships, the Grand National Fiddle Championships, Texas State Fiddle Championships, Arkansas State Fiddle Championships and many others. 2010 Arkasnsas Master Fiddle Champion, 5 time Missouri State Fiddle Champion, 2 time Grand Lake National Fiddle Champion.

Matthew Hartz

Matthew Hartz is an artist shaped by countless musical influences. From an early age, he found himself fascinated by varying genres of music. From Brian Wilson and The Beach Boys to Pete Seeger, The Kingston Trio, Paul Simon, Flatt and Scruggs to old time fiddlers such as Major Franklin, Orville Burns, Benny Thomasson, Bryant Houston, Norman and Vernon Solomon, Louis Franklin, Jim “Texas Shorty” Chancellor, Dale and Terry Morris, Randy Elmore and others.

He established himself as champion fiddler in the 1980’s and early 1990's by winning:

1983, 1984,1985 Idaho State Grand Championship – Lewiston, Idaho
In the span of one year, from 1988-’89 Matthew won, “The Big Three”: The Grand National Fiddle Championship – Weiser Idaho, the Grand Master Fiddle Championship – Nashville, Tennessee and the World Fiddle Championships - Crockett, Texas.

He went on to win:

1992 Texas State Grand Championship - Hallettsville Texas
1992 Grand National Fiddle Champion-Weiser, Idaho
1993,1995 Grand Masters Fiddle Champion-Nashville, Tennessee

Attending regional and national fiddle contests enabled Matthew to hone his skills and allowed him the opportunity to learn directly from several of his aforementioned heroes. In 1985, Matthew met Orville Burns, the full-blooded Choctaw Indian fiddler from Oklahoma whom Matthew had listened to and revered since he was young. Their friendship led to their playing the Grand Ole’ Opry together and a record released in 1989 -“Texas Style Old Time Fiddling with Matthew Hartz and Orville Burns”.

Though a respected presence in the fiddle world, Matt is also an accomplished guitarist whose lifelong obsession with pop & jazz has influenced many aspects of his music. Performing his original music leads you on a journey. As Gold and Platinum Award winning songwriter, Steve Eaton says, “if you ever have the pleasure of hearing him play fiddle, guitar and sing you too will be humbled. While some musicians dazzle with technical ability, Matt can do that but also give you the whole experience of entertainment. He will make you understand the blues, make you laugh and want to sing along. Every lick and note he plays comes right from the heart”. Matthew’s love for music is apparent; his songs are moving and yet timeless. 7 time World Champion Fiddler, Jim "Texas Shorty" Chancellor says this of Matthew, “His compositions spring from his heart and speak of his ability to express through music what most of us can only feel.”

Tim Crouch

Tim is a fiddle, mandolin and guitar player from Strawberry, Arkansas. He started playing the mandolin at the age of 7, the fiddle and guitar at the age of 12. He was influenced by the bluegrass sounds of Bill Monroe and Flatt and Scruggs, the western Swing of Bob Wills, the country sounds of Hank Williams and Ernest Tubb, to the Jazz of Stephane Grappelli and Django Reinhardt.

Tim has performed and or recorded with such artist as Vince Gill, George Jones, Billy Bob Thornton, Dolly Parton, Glen Campbell, Sara Evans, Marty Stuart, Oak Ridge boys, Charley Pride, Dierks Bentley, Jerry Reed, Tommy Shaw of "STYX", Mare Winningham, Mike Snider, Grand Ole Opry Staff Band, Jonathon Edwards, along with others.

Tim has performed on television shows such as David Letterman, Conan O'brien, CBS Early Morning, Grand Ole Opry Live, Austin City Limits, Hee Haw, Country Music Awards Show, History of the Grand Ole Opry, Christian Country Music Awards Show, Classic Country, Inspirational Music Awards Show, and others.

Tim occasionally plays on the road with country and bluegrass artist, but spends most of his time in the recording studios.

Tim recently produced a project for 2 time Emmy Award winning, Academy Award nominee, Mare Winningham called "Refuge, Rock, Sublime".

Fiddlin' Arkansas Presents: Master Fiddler Series - Matthew Hartz

2010-12-27T10:56:00.012-06:00

Fiddlin' Arkansas's Master Fiddler Series presents 3 time Grand Master Fiddle Champion, 2 time Grand National Fiddle Champion and World Champion Fiddler, Matthew Hartz. Matthew will be presenting breakdown fiddle basics, the mechanics of improvisation and bowing standards in the central Arkansas and northwest Arkansas areas during the fourth weekend in January: January 20-23.

Purchase breakdown fiddle music here.

Matthew's music spans not only breakdown fiddling where he made his mark, but pop and blues have had a tremendous influence on his playing. The Matthew Hartz Band presents originals of Matthew's and highlights his songwriting and arranging skills.

A Texas Jam Session-4 World Champion Fiddlers

In the words of Gold and Platinum Award winning songwriter, Steve Eaton, "Matt can...give you the whole experience of entertainment. He will make you understand the blues, make you laugh and want to sing along. Every lick and note he plays comes right from the heart." (www.thematthewhartzband.com)

Arkansas Schedule (check back for updates):

Thursday, January 20th:
House Concert/Jam - Matthew will present a 45 minute set of his music to be followed by an open jam.
Location: 1740 John Bryant, Dr. Conway, AR
Contact: trawickjtt@gmail.com
Time: 6:30 PM
Price: $8 (suggested donation)

Friday, January 21st:
University of Central Arkansas: Private Instruction - 8 AM - 1 PM (SFAC Room 208)
All events take place at the Texas Fiddle Masterclass (free and open to the public) - 3 PM - 5 PM
Snow Fine Arts Center (SFAC)
More information: 501 450-5755
Private Lesson Registration: trawickjtt@gmail.com

Friday, January 21st:
An Evening with Matthew Hartz
Location: Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts Little Rock, AR (http://www.wildwoodpark.org/)
Time: 7 pm
$10 suggested donation in support of the annual Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships
More information: trawickjtt@gmail.com

Saturday, January 22nd:
Matthew Hartz Music Workshop
Location: Good Folk Productions Fayetteville, AR
Registration: trawickjtt@gmail.com
Time: 1 PM - 4 PM
Price: $25

Saturday, January 22nd:
Good Folk Productions presents: Matthew Hartz and the Hobknobbers
Location: Good Folk Productions Fayetteville, AR
More information: http://www.goodfolk.org/
Time: 8 PM
Price: $12

Sunday, January 23rd:
Private Lessons
Registration: trawickjtt@gmail.com

More from Fiddlin' Arkansas:
1.) Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships
2.) Interview with Master Fiddler: Tim Crouch
3.) Grand National Fiddle Championship
4.) Arkansas Fiddle and Strings Camp
5.) Fiddlin' Arkansas's Top 9 of 2009

Fiddlin Arkansas' Texas Fiddle Workshop and Demonstration

2010-11-13T11:15:00.001-06:00

Saturday, November 20th at 10:00 AM join legendary fiddle player Junior Marriott in Bella Vista, AR at Gunbundy Music for a demonstration of Texas style fiddling. A workshop on the style will follow in Fayetteville, AR at GoodFolk Productions beginning at 1:00 PM. More information on the workshop, including cost can be found here. Players of any level will benefit from these opportunities. Bring your fiddles and guitars as we break down the style and warm up our fingers. Jamming will follow the workshop. Video cameras are allowed and encouraged as a means of continuing education. Come on out and join the fun!

View this video for a preview of the workshop and demonstration: Junior Marriott teaching in Grove
View this video for a sample of Junior's playing: Branson Fiddle Festival 2006

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Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships

2010-10-23T11:30:00.001-05:00

The 2010 Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships held at Wildwood Park in Little Rock, Arkansas was a tremendous success. Contestants from Tennessee, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, Louisiana and Arkansas gathered to compete for top honors in the Arkansas State Master Fiddler Championship, Arkansas State Flatpick Championship, Arkansas State Mandolin Championship, Arkansas State Banjo Championship and Arkansas State Bluegrass* Band Championship. Congratulations to all the 2010 Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championship winners!

Arkansas Master Fiddle Championship
1.) Junior Marriott - Ava, MO
2.) Ed Carnes - Franklin, TN
3.) Douglas Thompson - OK
4.) Emma Pendleton - OK
5.) Kerry Varble - OH
5.) Michael Thompson - OK

Arkansas Master Fiddle Championship - Senior Division
1.) Jim Brunson - Conway, AR

Arkansas Master Fiddle Championship - Junior Division
1.) Monica Davanzo - Conway, AR
2.) Brittany Davanzo - Conway, AR
3.) Will Mouw - Little Rock, AR

Arkansas Master Fiddle Championship - PeeWee Division
1.) River Lee - Springdale, AR
2.) Kacey Williams - Greenbrier, AR
3.) Alyssa Jett - Springdale, AR

Arkansas State Bluegrass* Band Championship
1.) Blue Rain
2.) The Josh Love Band
3.) Buddy and Tina Wright Group

Arkansas State Flatpick Championship
1.) Jed Clark - Searcy, AR
2.) Douglas Thompson - OK
3.) Carmen Davanzo - Conway, AR

Arkansas State Mandolin Championship
1.) Mary Meyer - MO
2.) Dylan Barber - Conway, AR
3.) Douglas Thompson - OK

Arkansas State Banjo Championship
1.) Nick Davanzo - Conway, AR
2.) Dylan Barber - Conway, AR
3.) Bruce Anderson - North Little Rock, AR

*The term "Bluegrass" is used in its broadest sense. As per the Rules and Regulations, "Old Time", "Western Swing", "New Acoustic", and "Newgrass" as well as "Bluegrass" are allowed. The purpose of the Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships is to encourage and promote our musical heritage, particularly, as it relates to and stems from the music performed on mandolin, banjo, guitar, voice and our Natural State's instrument, the fiddle in a traditional setting and its interpretations to today.

Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin Championships

2010-08-01T14:22:00.001-05:00

October 16th at Wildwood Park in Little Rock, AR - The annual Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships with special guests Mountain Heart is not to be missed! Featuring the rockin' vocals of Josh Shilling, fingerless banjo picker Barry Abernathy, Jason Moore on bass, Aaron Ramsey on mandolin, newest addition Jake Stargel on lead guitar and of course, bluegrass fiddle master, Jim VanCleve, the hottest bluegrass band of the century will knock your socks off.

The Championships include the Arkansas State Flatpick Championship, Arkansas State Mandolin Championship, Arkansas State Banjo Championship, Arkansas State Bluegrass Band Championship and the Arkansas Master Fiddle Championship. These contests feature some of the best musicians, young and old, in and around Arkansas. Those interested in entering contests are directed here for further Rules and Regulations.

Judges include some of Arkansas' top class musicians including Brad and Brandon Apple, Adam Fudge and Texas fiddler, Bubba Hopkins.

Brad and Brandon grew up in Arkansas playing at the Folk Center in Mountain View, AR and all manner of Arkansas venues. Brad is a world class audio engineer having worked with thousands of artists including Sonny Burgess, Narvel Felts, Ferlin Huskey, CalSmith, Jean Shepard, and many more. Brandon is a well known contest fiddle player who has been a finalist at the Grand Masters Fiddle Championship in Nashville and won the Arkansas State Fiddle Championship, Tennessee State Fiddle Championship and countless others. Brandon has also toured with country recording artist Clint Black. Visit Acoustic Spectrum for more on Brad and Brandon.

Adam Fudge is a multi-instrumentalist who placed in the top 3 at the National Banjo Championships in Winfield, KS multiple times. He has played in countless bluegrass bands around Arkansas and recorded with many national class musicians including the Apple brothers and Tim Crouch.

Bubba Hopkins is a well known Texas style fiddler. A multiple time finalist in the National Fiddle Championships in Weiser, ID and the Grand Masters, Bubba's accomplishments string far and wide. A list of the countless contests he has won can be found here. Below is a video of Bubba's playing. He is also a world class accompanist. A video of Bubba backing up National Champion, Kimber Ludiker on banjo can be found here. More on Bubba at Hopkins Music.

Jam circles will be numerous as will opportunities to meet and learn from the best of the best. Even if you don't know the first thing about a guitar, this musical event will keep your toes tappin' all afternoon and into the evening. Come join the fun October 16th in Little Rock!

Posted via email from Fiddlin' Arkansas's posterous

Texas Style Fiddle Workshop in Northwest Arkansas

2010-06-19T11:41:00.000-05:00

Interested in Texas or contest style fiddle playing? You've heard of it, but have you really heard it? Where do all those guitar chords come from, and how do they fit in that 3 chord song!? Here is your chance to watch, listen and even learn a new lick or two.

2010 Colorado State Fiddle Championship Adult Finalist, Chuck Onofrio with Arkansas State Accompanist Champion and 2 time Grand Lake National Fiddle Fest Accompanist Finalist, Jonathan Trawick will break down the style and help get you on your feet in the contest world.

Where: Good Folk House in Fayetteville, AR
When: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $20

Bring your fiddle, guitar and recording equipment and get ready to learn some Texas style fiddle and guitar. Parents are encouraged to accompany their kids.

For examples of the music, listen to Benny Thomasson, Legendary Texas Fiddler, Louis and Larry Franklin That's a Plenty - Louis and Larry, and Terry Morris, World Champion Fiddler. Of course, Mark O'Connor Championship Years 1975-84 is tough to beat! Check out Johnny Gimble's Texas Fiddle Collection:

Arkansas Fiddle Contests 2010

2010-05-04T11:36:00.001-05:00

Fiddle Contests are in full bloom as Texas style fiddlers tune their bows and rehair their strangs! Earlier in January, the Colorado State Fiddle Championships got the season going with another strong performance by 2009 Grand National Fiddle Champion, Kimber Ludiker. Full results here.

In Texas, the official Texas State Fiddle Championships were held last month in Hallettsville, TX. Check out the winners, and make sure and be sure and keep yer eye on Arkansas fiddler, River Lee who placed 1st in the 10 and under division... Texas State Fiddle Championship Winners

Here in Arkansas, the first contest of the year will be this month. May 28 - 30 in Horseshoe Bend, AR hosts the first Family Band & Fiddle Contest Music Festival. It's really great to have another contest in Arkansas for us to get together and share some tunes! See ya there!

Just a taste:

More contests to come. June 26 - Clinton, AR; September 24-25 - Mountain View, AR (Arkansas State Championships); October 16 - Little Rock, AR (including band contest, mandolin, flatpick guitar, and banjo contests)

What is Texas style fiddlin? Check out some of the following artists and hear for yourself!

Arkansas Legend: Jimmy Driftwood

2010-01-08T18:44:00.002-06:00

Though I have no story of having met Jimmy or experiencing hearing him play personally, I understand, to some degree, his lasting influence on countless generations of musicians and non-musicians. I would LOVE to hear your stories below in the comment box. From here out, I will basically just post videos of Jimmy from Youtube. These are the only opportunities I have had to "get to know", if you will, the man Jimmy Driftwood. I've enjoyed every one!

Of course, one of his most famous tunes. I can't remember if I first heard Doc Watson or Johnny Cash do it...

Amazon.com Widgets

This next video is of particular interest to me. I've always enjoyed fiddle playing and Clark Kessinger as one of the best! This video is of Clark playing at the Newport Folk Festival with none other than Jimmy Driftwood introducing him. The energy Clark puts into this tune is rarely matched today. Not to mention the knee knockin!

It's fun to listen to him tell stories. This next one is perhaps his most famous tune, perhaps made most famous by Johnny Horton's recording of the tune. The Battle of New Orleans was written to the tune of and old fiddle tune called Eighth of January. Turns out, that's today!

Happy 8th of January! One last video of note:

Have you met Jimmy?

More on Arkansas Artists below:
1.) Fiddlin' Tim Crouch
2.) Mountain View, AR
3.) Top 9 Arkansas Fiddle Events 2009
4.) Arkansas Fiddle and Strings Camp
5.) Posey Hill Bluegrass Band
6.) Contra's in Arkansas

Fiddle Contests - Healthy?

2010-01-03T13:18:00.001-06:00

Why do you compete in fiddle contests? Why don't you?

Posted via email from Fiddlin' Arkansas's posterous

Fiddlin' Arkansas Top 9, 2009

2010-01-01T13:24:00.000-06:00

The Natural State is host to countless bluegrass festivals, fiddle contests and music heritage events throughout the year. Here is a list of Fiddlin' Arkansas' Top 9 for 2009. What makes your list?

9.) Johnson County Peach Festival Fiddle Contest - Held each year during the Peach Festival in Clarksville, AR, this fiddle contest draws some of the finest contest fiddlers around. Herman Johnson a 5 time Grand National Fiddle Champion was instrumental in drawing great fiddlers from Oklahoma and Missouri to an Arkansas audience.

8.) Archey Fork Fiddle Contest - The 1st annual fiddle contest held in Clinton, AR was held in honor of M.D. Breeding. Boone Carlon, Junior Marriott and Jana Jae judged this important new event in conjunction with Clinton's Archey Fest.

7.) Ozark Heritage Annual Fiddler's Contest - Leslie, AR hosts an annual fiddle contest at the esteemed Ozark Heritage Arts Center. The center is passionate about the promotion of old time music in Arkansas particularly involving its' state instrument. A fiddle owned by local Abbie Morrison graces the halls of the center. Recorded in Memphis in the 1930s, Abbie and his brother Absie were quite influential fiddlers in their day.

6.) Arkansas State Fiddle Championship - Held the last weekend of September each year, Arkansas' official State Fiddle Contest has been around since the 70s. Only last year did they first invite non-residents of the state to compete. While this brings a higher level of competition to the table, it doesn't guarantee an Arkansan will be Arkansas' Champion. Ed Carnes, Tim Crouch and Junior Marriott judged this years contest. Jake Duncan of Oklahoma came out on top. What will 2010 bring?

5.) Arkansas Fiddle and Strings Camp - Hosted by Arkansas State Fiddle Champion, Tim Trawick, this camp is a blast for players of all ages wishing to learn a new tune, meet some fellow pickers and enhance their skills. Featuring nightly jams and a final performance, this camp is sure to be a hit. View a video here.

4.) Harrison Fiddle Convention - One of the best jams in Arkansas. Fiddlers come from Missouri, Oklahoma and even Michigan to jam and reconnect with their friends. You don't wanna miss North Ark Community College in Harrison in March!

3.) Folk Festival - Jimmy Driftwood helped get this going back in the 1960s. America's national treasure and friend of Jimmy's, Doc Watson frequented this festival in the early years. Today, pickers fill the square at Mountain View and jam til the wee hours. Stay on the square at The Inn at Mountain View and don't forget to visit Mountain View Music.

2.) Wildwood's Arkansas Pickin' and Fiddlin' Championships - Wildwood Park in Little Rock, AR has begun an event that is sure to define Arkansas' roots americana scene for years to come. Commencing in 2008 with just a fiddle contest, 2009 brought higher standards with the Arkansas State Flatpick, Mandolin, Banjo, Dobro and Band Championships. See you this October in Little Rock!

1.) Wooten Brothers Bluegrass Festival - Once the largest bluegrass festival in the state and former host of the Arkansas State Flatpick Championships, the Wooten Brothers continue to draw the finest musicians around to their ampitheater the first weekend in August. Bring your lawn chair and mandolin and we'll pick in 2010!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-23T17:41:00.000-06:00

Merry Christmas everyone! Just wanted to take a moment to highlight some of my favorite Christmas Albums. One of which, I literally heard for the first time last night!

David Grisman's Acoustic Christmas is really a great album! Including Mike Marshall, Darol Anger and other great musicians, this is definitely worth listening to! My favorite part is when David goes head to head with Donald Duck on "We Wish You a Merry Christmas". Great stuff!

Another great album is Django Bells. If you like swing that is. Django Reinhardt is one of the greatest swingsters of all time! Check out his stuff on Christmas Swing.

Hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Fiddlin' Arkansas Featured on Blog Awards

2009-12-19T10:47:00.000-06:00

Fiddlin' Arkansas is currently being featured on Blog Awards. Blog Awards is a site containing blogs covering everything from photography to jewelry to even fiddlin around our Natural State. Take a moment to check out Blog Awards or even view their main site: Resin Jewelry Supplies. Thanks, Blog Awards for making Fiddlin' Arkansas your Featured Blog!

Further Reading:
1.) Bluegrass Music Reviews: Which CD's to buy, which to avoid
2.) Top 10 Reasons to Jam
3.) Grand National Fiddle Championships 2009
4.) 2009 Arkansas Fiddle and Strings Camp
5.) Trawick Guitar Studio