The Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers Association season promises some toe-tapping music at events and shows throughout Northeastern Oregon. Be sure to follow their Facebook page for dates and times of events this year.

Association President Melody Huitt said their season kicked off in March and will have a full schedule performing mostly in Umatilla, Wallowa and Union counties.

“We play from Arlington to Joseph to the Grant County Fair in John Day, and to Ontario — a wide territory,” Huitt said.

Their old-time fiddle shows cost $5 per person and kids under 12 are free. Denny Langford emcees and introduces a lineup of member musicians who perform three tunes of their choosing with backup musicians. In addition to shows, the association is taking their music to city festivals and farmers markets.

Their upcoming schedule includes a show in Stanfield on May 3, then a performance at Emigrant Springs on May 15, 6–8 p.m. at the community hall. They will play at the Eastern Oregon Livestock Show parade on June 6; and jam at Riverfest on June 14 at 10:30 a.m. 

There will be an old-time show at Hurricane Creek Grange Hall in Joseph on June 21 with a meal at 5 p.m. and a show at 6 p.m.

On July 19, they will perform a show atthe  Harkenrider Senior Activity Center in Hermiston; and on Main Street at the Union Grassroots Festival on Aug. 9 from noon until 2 p.m.

The group performs all week at the Grant County Fair in John Day, Aug. 13-16, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

“That’s kind of fun because people get their snacks, sit down and listen,” Huitt said.

The association is trying to book additional performances with Celebrate La Grande in September at Riverside Park and at the La Grande Farmers Market. All events will be announced on the Facebook page.

In addition to their special events, the group plays twice a month at Hot Lake Springs Resort.

“We have jams every second and fourth Friday at Hot Lake at 4 p.m., and everyone’s welcome to listen or join us if you play any kind of stringed instrument or bass,” Huitt said. “Jams are free of charge.”

Preserving music

The association desires to preserve all kinds of fiddle music and pass it on to the next generation, connecting with the La Grande Fiddle Club with the kids so that they can keep it alive. Association members get together with the kids once or twice a year for jams and dances to connect the kids with the old folks, Huitt said.

The association also has a lesson reimbursement program that supports those who want to take violin or fiddle lessons.

“I’d like everyone to feel welcome to come to listen to the Blue Mountain Old Time Fiddlers perform,” Huitt said. “All are welcome!”

Tune into the BMOTFA news through a $15 annual subscription to their newsletter, Rosin Dust. For more information, call Huitt at 541-663-6559 or Sherry Griffis, Union County director, at 541-805-0253.