Local fiddlers are getting sweet and low down.
Prince George is Branch No. 1 in the BC Old Time Fiddlers' Association, showing its powerhouse position in provincial fiddling. This year the local branch turns 50 years old and the first item on their anniversary agenda is a weekend jamboree of lessons and performances starring well known British Columbia acoustic trio The Sweet Lowdown from Victoria.
"We used to have contests every year, but we changed it up to a jamboree instead because there was so much pressure being put on young fiddlers, or new fiddlers, and we wanted everyone to feel comfortable about learning the instrument instead of focused on competing with one another and trying to impress judges," said Beth Bowman-Bressette. "This has been a popular alternative. There is a great concert, there is instruction, there is a dance at the end, and everyone is there to enjoy and celebrate the music."
With about 120 members on the roster in recent years, the Prince George branch is thriving. Parents and children often take lessons together, said Bowman-Bressette, and many who start end up sticking with it for years.
Some of Canada's top fiddlers have come from the Prince George region, the premier name on the list being Daniel Lapp. Some others being (but not limited to) Max and Len Sexsmith, Paul Wicki, Anita Mamela of Mackenzie, Sydney Mehrassa (nee Wilson), Gabrielle Jacob, Quesnel's Adam Johnson, Chloe Nakahara and Brittany Iwanciwski.
The latter seven of those performers have each competed at the coveted Canadian Grand Masters (CGM) nationwide fiddle summit. The first to get there was Mamela (1993 and '94), then Wicki ('95 and '97), then Mehrassa broke ground in 2006 by becoming our region's only finalist so far and she did again in '07. Johnson set a different benchmark by being the first to get there three times ('12, '13 and '16). Jacob got her turn in '13, and another new record was set in 2017 when the area had two CGM competitors at once in Nakahara and Iwanciwski.
Those two plus another applauded local talent, Arielle Logan, will be teaching during the jamboree, plus working together in performance as the opening acts for The Sweet Lowdown. The headliners will also switch from star performers into instructors to offer lessons in their roots instruments.
The jamboree begins on April. 20 with the kickoff concert at the historic Knox United Church downtown starting at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 available at Books & Company or from BC Old Time Fiddlers members.
"Saturday (Apr. 21) features musical classes in fiddle, mandolin, and guitar for players of all levels taught by members of The Sweet Lowdown and other qualified instructors," said Bowman-Bressette. "Included in the afternoon will be a harmony workshop for all and the creation of an Old Time Band including all participants.
"Rounding off the weekend, Saturday evening will see our hugely successful Dance & Ice Cream Social where we teach pattern and group dances - and create ice cream sundaes - to the music of our own Old Time Fiddlers and special guests."
To register for the Saturday activities, go online to www.bcfiddlers.com/prince-george.
