begin at 7:30 pm
begin at 2:00 pm
otherwise noted)
Bruce Molsky
Concert at 144 Cedar Street, Corning
In the red-brick UM Church--door on First St.
Grammy-nominated, described as “an absolute master” (No Depression magazine), Molsky transports audiences to another time and place, with his authentic and personal interpretations of rarities from the Southern Appalachian songbook and other musical traditions from around the globe. Best known for his work on the fiddle, Bruce’s banjo, guitar and his distinctive, powerful vocals also resonate with listeners. His combination of technical virtuosity and relaxed conversational wit makes a concert hall feel like an intimate front porch gathering.
Bruce's take on tradition has landed him in collaborations with some of the world's most highly respected players from roots to rock. He is a special guest on legend rocker Mark Knopfler’s recent CD, “Tracker.” His 1865 Songs of Hope & Home with Anonymous 4, was on Billboard’s top 10 for weeks. Along with Andy Irvine & Donal Lunny, Bruce is a founding member of the supergroup Mozaik, with three recordings. You can see Bruce on the BBC TV “Transatlantic Sessions” with Aly Bain and Jerry Douglas, and on “David Holt’s State of Music” on PBS. He stays active touring and recording with longtime collaborators Darol Anger, Tony Trischka and Mountain Drifters’ Allison de Groot.
The July ’24 release of Lockdown Breakdown, Bruce & Darol Anger’s brand new duet fiddle record, is an important pit stop in their years-long trip of collaborating. They continue to love exploring and chasing a shared musical vision that changes and grows as they go, and has powered at least a couple of generations of listeners and players. The project features original compositions, significant vocal songs from America’s recent past, and traditional tunes from all over the world.
February 2022 marked the long-anticipated release of Bruce’s solo guitar CD: “Everywhere You Go,” a coming-together of new interpretations and arrangements of a wide swath of tunes and songs performed in his own quirky and personal finger style guitar.
Bruce holds the title of “Visiting Scholar in the American Roots Music Program” at Berklee College of Music, where he is the go-to guy for the next generation of roots musicians.
“Performing and teaching traditional music are the biggest things in my world. For me, being a musician isn’t a standalone thing; it informs everything I do in my life. It’s always been about being creative and being a part of something much bigger than myself, a link in the musical chain and part of the community of people who play it and love it.” —Bruce Molsky
"Molsky is easily one of the nation's most talented fiddlers...he transports you ... geographically, historically, and most of all emotionally" — Mother Jones
"An incredible power of history and tradition in his vocal" — Linda Ronstadt
For more information visit: www.brucemolsky.com
Bruce will be leading a Fiddle Workshop from 4 to 5:30 pm for intermediate players (and up), tickets will be available for just the Workshop, the Concert, and a Workshop/Concert package.
FIDDLE WORKSHOP DESCRIPTION
We’ll dig into old-time fiddle tunes, but also some Métis or even Scandinavian tunes if folks are interested. The workshop takes a very hands-on approach. I’ll break down the tunes a phrase at a time, first melody, then bowing, and then piecing things together. We'll touch on rhythm and syncopation, intonation, etc. The tune is the vehicle, so mostly we'll be playing, and there will be a lot of repetition to help you get the tunes and these ideas into your hands!
Suggested experience level: If you're comfortable with the instrument and have at least a small repertoire of tunes then you'll be fine. The skeleton of the tune is taught first, and then built upon with additional bowing, variations, etc. You can go as far as you like, or just stick with the basics.
General workshop info: A recorder is highly recommended. Since developing ear training skills is one of the workshop goals, written music will not be provided.
Tickets
Workshop: $30
Workshop with concert: $50
Concert: the usual prices
There is a self-running jam on concert nights beginning 90 minutes before each concert when we get in the building to set up. Bring your instrument and come jam with us!
Valley Folk
friends of traditional arts
Corning, NY, USA