George Wilson (Special Event)

Northeast Fiddler from Upstate New YorkGeorge Wilson is probably best known for being a contradance fiddle player, but his musical interests go far wider.A talented, multi-instrumental virtuoso and singer, George Wilson plays foot-tapping music from all over. His repertoire samples a wide variety of traditional and folk styles. As a fiddler, he has nearly 400 tunes for dancing and listening -- tunes from New England, Quebec, Cape Breton, Scotland, Ireland and Shetland. His dynamic fiddling, strongly influenced by Cape Breton and French Canadian styles, has been popular with contra dancers and concertgoers since the late 1970s. Along with fiddling, George explores some of the roots of contemporary folk music by "visiting" some personalities of the past. For example, accompanying himself on the 5-string banjo, he sings songs of Uncle Dave Macon (of early Grand Ole Opry fame), bringing this colorful character to life through songs, stories and close representation of Uncle Dave's energetic banjo styles and antics. Come hear this renowned fiddle player, getting a chance to show off away from the dance floor, and hear his other musical sides as well.