Highlandville, Iowa. The Music of Beth Hoven Rotto and Foot-Notes.

My new video explores a multi-generational dance tradition in northern Iowa. Fiddler, Beth Hoven Rotto,  kept this tradition going long after her mentor, Bill Sherburne, has passed away.  Here the dancers talk about the importance of this event to them in their own words.

Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers Digital Tunebook For Sale Now!

                                                Buy Now

This digital book is the culmination of Clawhammer Mike’s years of research into the schottisches, polkas and waltzes of the Upper Midwest. The Upper Midwest Folk Fiddlers Tunebook includes 137 tunes that were mostly played by Scandinavian immigrants who came to the Upper Midwest. Most of these tunes were passed down generationally over the past 150 years. Along with the digital download of the book that includes standard notations, chords and tabs, you will receive midi-based MP3 files for each tune to facilitate your learning. These tunes are jam-friendly and in standard keys. You’ll be playing these old barn-dance tunes in no time!

Upper Midwest Old-Timey Listening Party- Episode 11

Here is an episode of the Upper Midwest Old-Timey Listening Party.  I put it on Youtube for those who don't have Facebook.

Upper Midwest Old Time Listening Party

I have been doing a Facebook show lately featuring tunes and interviews about Upper Midwest old-time music.  8 episodes so far.  Click on the link below.

Upper Midwest Old-Timey Listening Party

Finally done with a project three years in the making!!! I attempt to take a good look at the lives and repertoire of one Upper Midwest father and son fiddling story. Hopefully, all kinds of folks in the Upper Midwest and across the country can relearn these old tunes and pass them on. .

You get:

- 60 tune transcriptions with tabs and chords.
- .Wav based midi files to play along with. Up to tempo and slowed down.
- Newspaper clippings, family photos, stories, and linocuts in a 76 page electronic book.

Purchase here!

Hardanger fiddle maker's 1920 Catalogue

I went to the auction house the other night to try to get a 1922 Gunnar Helland hardanger fiddle. My bid was unsuccessful, but I was able to get some great photos of the Helland brothers 1920 catalogue. Gunnar and his brother moved to Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin from Norway in 1901 and are responsible for many quality hardanger and flat fiddles that can still be found around the Upper-Midwest.

Forgotten Upper Midwest Music - Episode 8