Indiana Fiddlers Gathering
Performers - 2011
Since its inception in August 2002, Le Vent du Nord have been enjoying rocketing success. They have received several prestigious awards, including a Juno. The band is now one of the most-loved Quebec folk outfits throughout the world. The group’s current line-up consists of singers / multi-instrumentalists Nicolas Boulerice, Simon Beaudry, Olivier Demers, and Réjean Brunet. Some of their songs come from traditional folk repertoire, while others are original compositions. On stage, these four friends achieve peaks of happiness they eagerly share with any and all audiences. Le Vend du Nord know how to deliver music that will move any crowd – to their feet and in their hearts! This is undoubtedly music of the here and now.

Le Vent du Nord has been hailed as "a leading force in progressive folk" by the Los Angeles Times.

Le Vent Du Nord
The Hot Club of Detroit
The Hot Club of Detroit offer perhaps the freshest take on the gypsy jazz tradition than any other band around. Unlike the classic instrumentation of guitars/fiddle most Django hot club bands are based on, The Hot Club of Detoit features accordion (Julien Labro) and sax (Jon Irabagon) around the incredible guitar work of Evan Perri in a combination Jazz Times calls "virtuosic." The group released its debut CD, Hot Club of Detroit in 2006 and followed with Night Town in 2009 and It's About That Time last year. Rhythm guitarist Paul Brady and bassist Andrew Kratzat round out the ensemble.

Perri formed the group in 2003 with fellow students at Wayne State University in Detroit. The ensemble rapidly accumulated accolades and audiences over the next several years.

Since that time, it's become increasingly evident that their inspiration comes as much from the spirit of Reinhardt's playing as by its much-copied sound. While they've maintained some recognizable elements - the absence of drums, the percussive "la pompe" rhythm guitar technique - the Motor City quintet apply those elements to a decidedly modern sound, refusing to be constrained by allegiance to some time-honored, purist ideal.

Tina Adair is back, and back with a vengeance. The new sound and configuration of The Tina Adair Band is NOT to be missed!

The new line up features Tim Dishman - Bass, Jamie Clifton - Guitar and Sim Daley - Banjo.

Hailing from Nashville, Tennessee, Tina Adair is an incredible vocalist and multi-instrumentalist who was signed early on by Sugar Hill records. Her first album, Just You Wait and See produced by Jerry Douglass and featured Chris Thile and Victor Krauss, received rave reviews, climbed to the top of the Americana charts and exposed Tina to a national audience. Tina received multiple nominations for female vocalist of the year from both SPGMA and the IBMA.

Now, after years of preparation, Tina has decided to take her love for performing to a new level.  She is introducing an incredible new band, simply titled The Tina Adair Band.  It is a group of musicians who admire and understand Tina’s songs, and the way she sings them.  The band is in the process of completing its first album and by all indications, bluegrass audiences will be so very glad to have Tina back.

The Tina Adair Band
The Prairie Acre is working to bring old-time music to a new generation. Every time they pick up their stringed instruments, kick off a song and start making their distinctively twangy sound, they’re doing their part to keep alive the pre-MP3, pre-CD, pre-LP era when the best way to enjoy good music was to play it with your friends and neighbors.

This veteran quartet from Lawrence, Kansas have delved deep into old-time music territory to expand their knowledge of the genre. The band’s fourth CD, “Who’ll Rock the Cradle?” continues the band’s efforts to explore, adapt and revive songs that are woven into America’s folk-music fabric and has received strong reviews, including from The Old-Time Herald.

The Prairie Acre’s signature sound comes from the rambunctious fiddling of Tricia Spencer (fiddle, vocals), and from members Noah Musser, (banjo, vocals); Greg Yother (guitar, vocals) and Virginia Musser (bass, vocals).

The Prairie Acre

Noted multi-instrumentalists Rhys Jones (fiddle, banjo, guitar), Cleek Schrey (fiddle piano), and Joel Wennerstrom (banjo, guitar) form the trio Hammer & String. Exploring the cross-Atlantic boundaries between Appalachia and Ireland, they conduct a musical conversation, with all the texture, sparks and improvisation of virtuosic performers.

Part dance music and part guided tour of two closely related musical traditions, their latest CD , The Girl Who Brok My Heart is a stunningly rendered album of American and Irish music spanning continents and centuries and gives a window into a journey of mutual discovery that is full of the exhilaration and loss of a love poem. Overflowing with both exuberance and melancholy, this is a musical conversation which redefines traditional music.

Hammer & String
Based in Monticello, Indiana, the ensemble is an incredibly musical bluegrass band led by bassist Ike Bacon (who has that rare ability to take lead vocal while laying down a complex bass line). The group is rounded out by Carl Ward on vocals and guitar, Tim Warren on vocal and mandolin, and A.J. Alletto on banjo. Sharp arrangements, ace playing and tight harmonies make Off N' Runnin' one of the most popular bluegrass bands in Central Indiana.
Off N' Runnin'
The Bahler-Graber Band are from Bennett's Switch, Ind. and fronted by Brad Bahler & Lynn Graber. The ensemble plays a unique blend of old-time country/swing, as well as bluegrass and gospel. They blend various vocal and instrumental stylings capturing the spirit of the Golden Age of rural music. The Bahler-Graber Band will also be featured at Sunday morning's Gospel Concert.
The Bahler Graber Band
The Bum Ditty Barn Dance Band are based in West Lafayette and are Robert Freeman on banjo, Megan Greene on fiddle, and Jesse Danner on guitar. The band's name gives you an idea of their style; a danceable old-time ensemble that captures some of the fun of the old barn dance programs of times gone by. They will be playing the Saturday afternoon dance.
The Bum Ditty Barn Dance Band
The Kountry Kernals from Battle Ground traditionally open each Indiana Fiddlers' Gathering. The group, led by mandolinist Bruce Cunningham and guitarist Jim Withers, have been together for three decades and play old-time country music as it was heard in the 1920s. Many of its members have performed at most every Gathering since its inception in 1973.
The Kountry Kernals
The Cook County Revelers hail from Chicago and play and sing early country and old time music of the 20s & 30s - the Golden Age of country music. The Revelers are Paul Tyler on fiddle and guitar, Steve Rosen on mandolin, Chirps Smith on fiddle, Fred Campbeau on fiddle and Jim Nelson on guitar. You may recognize these incredible old-time players from the Volo Bogtrotters and Ill-Mo Boys.
The Cook County Revelers
Mark Lyons will be performing the Children’s Concert this year presenting a fun mix of children’s tunes, offbeat humor, and warm personality the whole family can enjoy.
Mark Lyons