I’m so excited to be hosting queen of the old time fiddle, Rayna Gellert, at Hepworth Village Hall near Holmfirth this coming Friday 5th June. Rayna is well known in Appalachian folk music as a supremely talented musician. Based in North Carolina, she has been immersed in the culture of the region all her life. She was a member of the “classic” line up of acclaimed string band Uncle Earl (including Abigail Washburn & Kristin Andreassen) from 2003-08 and now records and performs as a solo artist, as well as being in demand as collaborator and sideperson extraordinaire for artists of all genres, including John Paul Jones, Robyn Hitchcock and Sara Watkins. Rayna also has a lovely and distinctive singing voice as well as being a talented songwriter. She’s joined on her UK tour by multi-instrumentalist (and husband!) Jeff Keith.
Rayna is also a popular and experienced fiddle tutor, having taught at many camps and courses across the USA and Europe, as well as offering private lessons at home and online. She has been a fiddle contest finalist at the fabled Clifftop festival in West Virginia a number of times. I was privileged to be a student in Rayna’s old time fiddle class at the Sore Fingers bluegrass & old time camp earlier this year, and can vouch for her gorgeous playing and charisma. After seeing her sing and play at the tutor concerts there, I was determined to book her for a True North Music gig. We’re delighted that we have persuaded her to add Yorkshire to her UK itinerary this week! This is set to be a very special intimate concert at Hepworth Village Hall, in the scenic village of Hepworth just outside Holmfirth. Advance tickets are just £10 (plus 10% booking fee) from Wegottickets here. Join us for a fantastic night of real Appalachian music from one of the very best!