Fifty years of folk

Louis Armstrong once declared, “All music is folk music — I ain’t never heard any horse sing a song.” Perhaps that’s why the Ten Pound Fiddle’s folk concerts have always pushed the boundaries of the genre.

For its 50th season, the Fiddle’s sonically dynamic roster comprises rustic Appalachian troubadours, vibrant Celtic groups and much more in between. Whether it’s a rootsy concert or one of the twice-monthly contra and square dances, the common thread is quality.

“The folk music umbrella is pretty wide and deep,” said booking manager Sally Potter. “The Fiddle books local, regional, national and international folk artists that mid-Michigan audiences may not have the opportunity to experience otherwise — shows too small for Wharton or too intimate for a show bar.”

Potter has booked around 30 concerts a year for the last 14 years but also spent time in the 1980s and ‘90s doing public relations for the Fiddle. In that period, she and the other board members have created an eclectic enclave of acoustic music that Potter describes as “a quiet, welcoming atmosphere where audience members can relax, listen and enjoy a high-quality performance from stellar musicians.”

This season, the Fiddle is set for 54 shindigs, including 32 concerts and 19 dances. The remaining three events are Fiddle Scouts concerts — a family-friendly series introducing children to folk music and the arts.

With folk music, keeping traditions alive is critical, but Potter said there are some updates to the calendar for the organization’s big five-oh. This season, the larger shows will move 400 yards north from University United Methodist Church to University Lutheran Church in East Lansing.

“At ULC, there are 200 free parking spaces, including 10 handicapped spaces, a beautiful sanctuary, more room for socializing and more restrooms,” Potter said.

Along with ongoing show-production missions like keeping ticket prices down and sound quality up, Fiddle organizers also insist on retaining the intimate atmosphere, no matter the venue. This season, concerts will be held University Lutheran Church, Edgewood United Church, the Robin Theatre and UrbanBeat. 

“Unlike other commercial venues, Fiddle artists mingle with fans after the show, often selling and signing recordings and other merchandise and posing for photos,” Potter said. “The Fiddle doesn’t own a building. It’s a revolving community of volunteers who produce a series of concerts, dances and Fiddle Scout gatherings at rented venues around Greater Lansing.

“Not owning a venue has made the Fiddle more financially nimble and able to survive ups and downs in the marketplace, including COVID.”

Over the past five decades, Potter said more than 60 community members have spent time serving on the all-volunteer board of directors. Since its 1975 launch, the Fiddle has hosted north of 2,000 music and dance events in Greater Lansing, introducing countless locals to traditional genres like maritime, Cajun, gospel, blues, jazz and big band, to name only a few. This season, Potter said some big names and Fiddle fixtures are on the carefully curated calendar. 

“Multi-instrumentalist, writer, singer and storyteller John McCutcheon is a longtime favorite of folk music fans everywhere,” Potter said of the Sept. 22 performer. “John loves playing at the Fiddle and wanted to be a part of this special season.”

Michigan-based singer-songwriter May Erlewine provides some local flair with a solo show on Oct. 18. Potter said she “always draws a huge crowd.”

Amythyst Kiah brings her guitar and banjo to a special solo show on Nov. 20. Potter noted this stripped-down gig is remarkable for a few reasons. 

“(Kiah) has played the Fiddle twice and has since played the Grand Ole Opry five times, toured with Rhiannon Giddens and Our Native Daughters and earned a Grammy nomination for her song ‘Black Myself,’” Potter said. “This show will be a rare opportunity to share an intimate space with this dynamic artist.”

Other notables this season include Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award winner Tom Paxton on Oct. 4, Holly Near on Nov. 9 and Robin and Linda Williams on Dec. 6. Potter called each of them “well-known heavyweights in their respective genres.”

Of course, no Fiddle season is complete without some bluegrass concerts; those two spring shows will feature Chicago’s Henhouse Prowlers (March 14) and Ireland’s JigJam (March 21).

“We’re wrapping up the 50th season with a party at UrbanBeat on May 2, featuring Detroit’s award-winning Planet D Nonet and special guest T-Bone Paxton singing favorites from the Great American Songbook,” Potter said.  

After a half-century of celebrating folk traditions from around the world, the Ten Pound Fiddle has transcended and become a beloved tradition of its own — one that will forever be rooted in Michigan’s folk legacy. And while the Fiddle story might be decades old, it’s still growing each year, thanks to its team of volunteers.

“I had a great time sculpting this 50th anniversary concert season,” Potter said. “Each act is an engaging, tasteful presenter of fabulous music.”

Visit tenpoundfiddle.org for the complete 2024-’25 calendar or to become a Fiddle member.