This year's Lake Erie Folk Festival dedicated a whole track of its free daytime program to Ohio-centric folk music. Two workshops, presented by Columbus-based old-time musician Henry Barnes, focused exclusively on fiddle tunes from the Buckeye State.
Seeking out Ohio-based old-time tunes has been a subject near and dear to my heart, as I've attempted to identify a common fiddle tune repertoire, uncover uniquely Ohio tunes and seek out my state's most influential old-time musicians.
Barnes is much more accomplished in all of these areas, so it was exciting to meet and learn from him at the Lake Erie Folk Festival on Saturday, Feb. 2, at the Thwing Center on the Case Western Reserve University campus in Cleveland.
Barnes presented three workshops during the festival:
- Learn Ohio Fiddle Tunes
- Fiddle Bowing Exercises
- Performing Ohio Fiddle Tunes (with Susie Goehring)
I attended all three. However, I'll focus on the two presentations related to Ohio fiddle tunes.
In the Learn Ohio Fiddle Tunes session, Barnes talked a about Ohio fiddlers, their history and his own experiences with the music. He taught "Portsmouth Airs," from the playing of Jimmy Wheeler. I managed to catch a recording of Barnes playing the tune, and I also have Wheeler's version, so I'm hoping I'll be able to keep working on the tune in the days ahead.
In the Performing Ohio Fiddle Tunes workshop, Barnes was joined by local old-time legend Susie Goehring (Red Mules, Bigfoot) on guitar as they performed and discussed a variety of Ohio tunes and fiddlers, including Wheeler, Estil Adams, Lonnie Seymour, Kenny Sidle and Ray Sponaugle. Barnes also talked about the
Ohio River as a conduit of culture and the influence of West Virginia and Kentucky on Ohio musicians, many of whom had moved from those states to Ohio. He played a couple Kentucky tunes to highlight that influence.
Overall it was a great experience to learn some more details about Ohio fiddle tunes as I continue my own research. I also grabbed a copy of
Barnes' CD Cat Town.
Other Ohio-related programs
There were three other workshops focused on Ohio folkways:
- North and South in Ohio Folk Music (Marji Hazen and Pam Hunt)
- Songs from Ohio's Canal Days (Bill Schilling)
- Five Ohio Folk Music Collections (Hazen and Hunt)
I wanted to join in some jams, so I missed these other programs. However, I'm glad that the
Northeast Ohio Music Heritage Association included these workshops in this year's event. While the internet has made us far more connected to other cultures, I think it's important to preserve local traditions for future generations.
Not playing as many tunes
Because this year's workshops were so enticing, I had to skip out on playing in as many jams as I have in the past throughout the day. After circling University Circle for close to a half hour, I got to the festival for the tale end of the Old Time Tunes Jam, an all levels jam that felt like being part of an orchestra. I also sat in on the Bob Miller Memorial Jam, which was another big room affair. Unfortunately, I missed out on the smaller, more intimate jams that are so much fun.
New location a hit
This was the first year that the Lake Erie Folk Festival has been held on the CWRU campus. Previously, it was at the Shore Cultural Center in Euclid, Ohio. Considering that organizers have felt that this festival has
filled the void left by the Kent State Folk Festival, it seemed appropriate to have the event on a college campus.
The Thwing Center is an exceptional venue with plenty of space for performances, workshops and jams, as well as better accessibilities for those with disabilities. However, the parking was a bit more of a challenge. There a pay lots within walking distance, but I opted to search (and search and search) for free street parking. Next year, I'll think about getting there a bit earlier.
No banjo workshop
This was the first time in I don't know how long that there wasn't a banjo workshop at the Lake Erie Folk Festival. I hope banjos will return next year. I know some beginning banjo players who would benefit from such programing, and I mean ... hello ... look at the name of this blog. I have to advocate for our favorite five-string twang machine.
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