Osceola, N.Y. – The North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame and Museum at 1121 Comins Road in Osceola NY will be alive with the sounds of Old Time Music on July 27-29 as they welcome headliners Andrea Hoag and Peter Blue for the 51st Annual Fiddlers Picnic.

The weekend begins with the Campfire Jam Session at 7:00 pm on Friday, July 26.  On Saturday morning, the NYS Old Tyme Fiddlers Assn. will hold their annual membership meeting at 9:00 am.  Beginner Fiddle Lessons and Guitar Workshop will be followed by Fiddle Lessons with Andrea Hoag at 10:00 and 11:00 am respectively. The Gate Opens at 12 Noon.  Admission for the afternoon is $10.

Grammy nominee Andrea Hoag has devoted herself to traditional fiddling for 50 years. Immersing herself first in southern Appalachian music, she was later drawn to Swedish fiddling’s unusual scales and rhythms. She has performed musical styles from Irish to Klezmer, from country rock to swing, delighting in playing for dances.

Peter Blue, who plays button accordion, nyckelharpa, and percussion, has been calling and playing contra and square dances for over 40 years. His easy-to-follow instructions and humorous demeanor have made him the choice as the caller for both absolute beginners and experienced dancers.   

Round, square, and contra dancing will be highlighted in the weekend’s offerings, on Saturday from 4:00-4:30, Sunday from 1:15-1:45, and throughout the Adirondacks Playboys’ performance on Saturday starting at 7:00 pm. (As always, dancers are welcome on the Pavilion’s dance floor during other performances and Jams.)

Hoag and Blue will also present performances on Saturday from 12:30-1:15 and 4:30-5:30, as well as on Sunday from 12:30-1:15 and at 4:00 pm.

Other features of the afternoon programs are Chapter performances and open mic with MC Susan Casler.  Sunday afternoon at 3:00 pm the North American Fiddler’s Hall of Fame will induct Joe Thompson and Kerry Blech, along with traditionally acknowledging Fiddlers and NYSOTFA members.

 The performance of The Adirondack Playboys, AKA  The Streeters Family Band, is made possible by Lewis County.  While they specialize in Vintage Country Music, they mix in newer and original compositions. The admission donation for their performance is $5. 

On Sunday morning, Coffee and Donuts will be available before the 10 am Gospel Hour.  The Gate opens at 12 Noon.  Admission for the afternoon is $10. The deadline for the $20 Advance Sale Reduced Admission for the entire weekend is Sunday, July 21, at 5:00 pm.

Papa Don’s Food Truck will serve a hot menu on both Saturday and Sunday. The Hall of Fame site is smoke-free, drug-free, and pet-free.  There is FREE parking on the left side of the shared driveway.  The site is handicap accessible.

The Fiddler’s Picnic Festival is made possible in part by the NYS Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the NYS Governor and the NYS Legislature.

Jim Kimball will be the featured performer at the Hall of Fame on Sunday, August 4, from 2-5 pm.

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