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Today was the fiddle contest in East Stroudsburg PA run by the Pocono Bluegrass and Folk Society. John and Neil, the organizers, also jam oldtime at the Easton jam.
No, I didn't compete this time. But I managed to get a few of my jammers out to this event, and got to hear some great fiddling. My friend Paul Riffon took first place. He literally blew people away with his rendition of the Westphalia Waltz.
David Husic had to play a tiebreaker for second place. I think he should have gotten it, but he suffered major equipment failure when the microphone decided to just drop off the dang mike stand. So he ended up in third place.
And I had a great time playing oldtime up on the third floor with some of my jammers and some of the Pocono people.
It was also a bittersweet goodbye. My Missouri fiddle now has a new home. That fiddle was my very first decent fiddle, the one that replaced the china cheapie and inspired me to play like crazy for the year after I got it, but with two french fiddles and a german fiddle that I'm playing, it wasn't being played, and it was time to thin the herd. The new owner had that look in his eyes. It has found the right home, and is gonna have the snot played outta it once again. The gentleman who bought it is also starting lessons with Pete Taney, who is a really good teacher up that way. So I know it's a good passing of the torch, so to speak. But I will miss that crazy quirky and wonderful red fiddle.
6 comments on “Paul Riffon takes 1st place, David Husic 3rd . . .”
Mandogryl Says:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 @8:03:24 PM
Sounds like you had a good time.
Sometimes selling a fiddle can be sad, but sometimes
we have to let our little darlings go.
So that's why I did not see you at the Lambertville fleamarket on sunday.
The town (Lambertville) was wicked busy, and we ate there,
as the GOlden Nugget apparently shut its doors.
Hoping to come down to Jersey May 6th, and Lambertville on the 8th,
and maybe you will be fleamarketing that day.
bj Says:
Tuesday, April 5, 2011 @8:22:33 PM
I'll make a point of it. I do have a gig I'm playing that day, but they haven't firmed up the time with me. I can't imagine it being in the morning though, since it's in a nursing home. If the 8th doesn't work, maybe I can meet you wherever you're staying on the 6th or 7th. My BF lives outside Red Bank, so . . .
Mandogryl Says:
Saturday, April 9, 2011 @2:49:12 AM
I'll be staying that entire week in Manasquan, my home away from home. We plan to camp in Allaire either tuesday and wednesday or wednesday and thursday. Otherwise, I will be theyah from the 6th through the 16th.
Humbled by this instrument Says:
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @6:31:42 AM
Bet Paul played some hot Riffon some tunes, David some good Husic...uhm...music.
bj Says:
Wednesday, April 13, 2011 @1:10:30 PM
Fer shure . . .
Humbled by this instrument Says:
Friday, April 22, 2011 @8:32:39 AM
You wrote this on the 3rd; it's now the twenty-somethingth. If we're gonna keep payin' you all this money, you gotta write some new blog, chop some new log, drink some vile grog, jog in the fog, run a hog in the bog--but what's new? Hope all is well. Just sayin'.
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