BELLOWS FALLS — The Northeast Fiddlers Association is planning a foray into southern Vermont to hold a “fiddle meet” Sunday, Oct. 16, at the Moose Club in Bellows Falls beginning at noon.
The Association is a group of fiddlers, other musicians, and folks who come to their meets to dance, socialize, and enjoy the music, according to a news release. For more than 50 years, the Association has held a monthly “fiddle meet” on the first Sunday of every month (the second Sunday if it's a holiday weekend) at an American Legion or VFW hall in one of several northern Vermont towns.
The group is scheduling a meet in another part of the state to increase awareness and membership. Membership isn't required to attend and participate in the meets, but the dues of $12 per year are much appreciated.
All fiddle meets begin with a jam that lasts an hour. Fiddlers or other instrumentalists sign up on a numbered list on arrival and then either join the jamming session, get something to eat at the concession booth, or just socialize with friends old and new.
At 1 p.m., the moderator takes the list and starts calling fiddlers up to the stage to each play three tunes. When fiddlers' name are called, they may play solo or invite others to join. There also is always a piano and/or guitar player available to back up anyone who wishes.
A highlight of the fiddle meets is the number of people who come to just listen, dance, and enjoy the music. Another is that people who don't usually play with others or in front of others have a chance to do so. It also is an opportunity to meet new fiddlers, hear different styles of playing, learn new tunes, and enjoy a very sociable Sunday afternoon.
People who have been members of the Association for at least 10 years become Lifetime Members upon their 80th birthdays and no longer have to pay dues. Currently, more than 25 percent of members are Lifetime Members. In addition to the fiddle meets, the annual dues of $12 include the bimonthly newsletters and a free $15 turkey dinner at the annual Christmas party at the Canadian Club in Barre.