For over 3 decades this cherished festival has brought the community together for fiddles, food and fun in honor of beloved fiddler and square dance caller Hilt Kelly of Fleischmans, NY. This year’s festival features artists Richie and Rosie, an acclaimed Americana group from Trumansburg, NY; Harry Bolick, aka The Mississippi Fiddler; and Five Cent FIreballs, an alt-bluegrass ensemble based in Charlottesville, VA. In addition to the outstanding musical guests, there will be food and drink for purchase (including samples from the apple pie contest!) and a community jam from 6-7p.
The festival features three distinctive acts who take the stage each hour between 3-6p and showcase the rich diversity of American roots and old time music.
Richie & Rosie represent a unique musical partnership that breathes new life into traditional music while honoring its roots. Richie Stearns, whose family founded the iconic GrassRoots Festival of Music & Dance in Trumansburg, brings world-class credentials performing with the likes of Pete Seeger, David Byrne, and Joan Baez, while Rosie Newton combines classical training with folk fiddle mastery. Their duo of banjo and fiddle offers captivating melodies and an unexpected full sound.
Harry Bolick, aka the Mississippi Fiddler, delivers authentic Southern fiddle playing alongside masterful storytelling. Beyond his exceptional skill as a performer, Bolick is a documented preservationist—documenting fiddle traditions through 14 recordings and two scholarly books that document almost every known Mississippi tune. Through his work Harry has connected his family roots in Carroll County to legendary musicians like "Mississippi" John Hurt and turned these rare traditions more familiar at fiddle conventions around the world.
Rounding out the lineup, Five Cent Fireballs brings alt-bluegrass innovation from Charlottesville, VA, with trio members Malia Furtado (Shenandoah Valley fiddle heritage), Clara George (Oberlin Conservatory graduate who performed at Lilith Fair), and Emma McDowell (North Carolina roots, IBMA Songwriter Showcase alumna) creating instrumental virtuosity with stunning three-part harmonies that seamlessly unites traditional bluegrass and alternative rock styles.
After the formal performances end, local musicians of all levels are invited to join the artists in a community jam from 6-7.
Adding to the festival's community charm, an Apple Pie Contest that celebrates local bakers and supports the Roxbury Arts Group. Pie makers can deliver a pie to the Roxbury Arts Center between 1:30 and 2pm on October 12th and will receive one free festival ticket plus the opportunity to compete for the coveted title of Fiddlers! Apple Pie Champion!
Throughout the festival, there will also be food and beverages available for purchase, creating the perfect setting for families and music lovers to spend a beautiful autumn afternoon.
Nestled in the western Catskill Mountains, the Roxbury Arts Centers intimate performance space allows audiences to experience these world-class musicians up close and enjoy the festivities while surrounded by the stunning fall foliage of the Catskill Mountains. The festival serves as both a celebration of musical heritage and a testament to the enduring power of community arts programming.
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