By SHANNON HAUGLAND
Sentinel Staff Writer
Saturday’s Fiddle Grind will draw not only on fiddles but other instruments, music types and art forms – plus dessert – to round out an evening of entertainment.
And for the finale, audience members will be welcomed onto the dance floor for a waltz, or to just watch the fun.
Doors at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi will open at 6:30, the program will start at 7, and participants are invited to take a dessert to share.
For the past 12 years or more the Fiddle Grind has been part of the regular programming for the popular monthly talent show.
As to why the Fiddle Grind is a staple of the season, organizer Jeff Budd said, “I think we’re a bluegrass town; we’re a chamber music town, too, but mostly a bluegrass town.”
Now in its 28th year, the Monthly Grind is family friendly and nonpolitical – and very social, with coffee, tea and a dessert potluck at intermission. Prizes are given for the best desserts.
The Fiddle Grind draws musicians of all skill levels and ages, and Saturday’s program will cover several genres of music, including classical, country, folk, old-timey and Celtic, with a dance piece featuring performers from the Sitka Studio of Dance.
“It’s all ages, lots of stringed instruments, and it’s fun to do the waltzes as the last part of the show,” Budd said. “Everybody has a good time.”
Roby and Kassy Littlefield are the hosts; musician and fiddle teacher Debby LeVeck is the producer; and Nathan Padilla will be the sign language interpreter, Budd said.
The lineup will include the Celtic music group Ceoltóirí Celtic; Liz and Jasmine Esmay; Selena Zhao; dancers from Sitka Studio of Dance performing to a Summerfall song “Sparkles Fire” written by Jim Shepard; Debby LeVeck, Roby Littlefield and Blatchley students in a performance that incorporates music, Tlingit language and culture, and sign language; and the Sitka Community Orchestra. All musicians are invited to perform waltz numbers at the end of the show.
Tickets are $5 and available at Old Harbor Books and the door.
