California State Old Time Fiddlers Association - District 8

Mother’s Day – No Jam Session

Dave Gehr — Fri, 04 May 2012 18:39:47 +0000

We will not be holding the regularly scheduled Sunday jam session on Mother’s Day, Sunday May 13, 2012.

The Old Time Fiddlers will resume its normally scheduled meetings on Sunday, May 27, 2012.

2012 Fiddle Festival

Dave Gehr — Tue, 24 Apr 2012 05:31:04 +0000

California State Old Time Fiddlers Association District 8 presents:

3rd Annual Fiddle Fest & Contest

Saturday June 16, 2012
9 AM to 6 PM
Constitution Park
601 Carmen Dr, Camarillo

Fiddle Contest with cash prizes – All ages

(Click here for registration forms)

Performances by: Phil Salazar, Lauren Donahue, Gene Rubin, Mariachi Camarillo, Silverstrand Bluegrass, No Wooden Nickels, O Susanna,
Old Time Fiddlers
MC – Dennis Witcher

Fiddlers Workshops, Jam Circles, Arts & Crafts, Food

Free Admission! Bring your whole family, chairs and blankets.

The annual Fiddle Fest is now in its third year and promises to be the best ever. Building on last year’s successful event, addition of a fiddling contest brings a new venue for local fiddle players to display their talent. From budding players to seasoned veterans, you’ll see some of the finest musicians in Ventura County on stage entertaining throughout the day. For those who want to add to their skills, there will be various workshops to choose from. Folks are also welcome to jump into the jam circles that take place out under the trees – acoustic stringed instruments only. This is a family oriented event, no alcohol allowed, and no pets please.

» Contestant and vendor registration forms «

Registration:
Contest Registration
Anything Goes Contest Registration

Rules:
General Rules
Rules For Anything Goes

Vendor Information:
Fiddle Festival Vendor Information/Application

(call 805.517.1131 for additional information)

Tribute to Ben Chapman

Dave Gehr — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 06:01:47 +0000

The Sunday March 11 Fiddlers gathering was dedicated as a tribute to founding father Ben Chapman. Ben played a huge role in getting District 8 established, starting way back in 1974. In the ensuing years, Ben’s selfless contribution of time and effort helped mold and build the Fiddlers into the wonderful group that it is today. Always there to greet new members and guests, tirelessly playing at gigs that support District 8, and wearing many hats throughout his tenure among other duties he performed, Ben left a model legacy that no one who knew him will ever forget. Many shared memories of Ben, read poems he’s written, and talked about his accomplishments. Rae Huffman led a group that played the US Marine Hymn in honor of Ben’s service to our country. CSOTFA President Wayne Agnew and District 8 President Joe Hunsinger presented Joyce Chapman with a commemorative plaque from the CSOTFA honoring Ben for his 37 years of service to the Fiddlers. Ben, you are greatly missed!

[Tribute photos, click to enlarge]

Oroville Annual Country Gospel Jam

Dave Gehr — Tue, 14 Feb 2012 03:39:41 +0000

Oroville’s Old Time Fiddlers County Gospel Jam

Background: Oroville is the birthplace of the California State Old Time Fiddlers Association. In 1960 a group of country musicians organized to have regularly scheduled Jam Sessions in Oroville. Eventually, this group grew into The California State Old Time Fiddlers Association which now extends from Redding to San Diego. Now, the Annual California State Open Fiddle and Picking Championship Contest is held in Oroville each year. The winners are State Champions and can go on to compete in the National Contest. This event draws contestants from all over California and beyond and to welcome them, Oroville’s Old Time Fiddler’s host a number of musical events to which the public is warmly invited and encouraged to participate. The Country Gospel Jam is one of these welcoming events.

Announcement: Oroville’s Old Time Fiddlers proudly announce their Annual Country Gospel Jam which will take place at Oroville’s Municipal Auditorium on Thursday March 15th from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM. Talented and inspired musicians from all across California, who have come to Oroville for the Annual California State Open Fiddle and Picking Championship Contest will participate. Local acoustic music groups, church choirs, gospel music makers of all persuasions from around Butte County and beyond are also encouraged to sign up to take the stage. Groups will be scheduled perform 3 Gospel numbers during the Group Session scheduled for 5:30 to 6:30 PM. After 6:30PM, individuals or groups wishing to perform more will be invited to sign up and take the stage in turn to perform 1 or 2 songs. Groups planning to perform should contact Larry Jendro 533-1413 and they will be assigned a place on the schedule during the first hour.

2011 Christmas Dinner and Installation of Officers

Dave Gehr — Wed, 14 Dec 2011 04:12:13 +0000

80 Old Time Fiddler members and their guests gathered at the Oak View Community Center to fellowship and celebrate the Christmas season with dinner, music and dance. Country Harvest catered the event, serving a full meal of roasted turkey complete with stuffing, mashed potatoes, green beans and salad. President Joe Hunsinger addressed the gathering, touching on several issues, as well as the recent losses we’ve suffered with the passing of Ben Chapman and Skip Straw. Ben’s longtime dedication to District 8 and his sense of humor will be sorely missed. Skip, Marlene’s constant companion will also be missed. Likely we’ll meet him again somewhere along Route 66.

The new Board of Officers was installed by CSOTFA State President Wayne Agnew. New to the Board this year are Joe Johnson, Rory Franco and Sid Brown as additional Advisors. Joe Hunsinger and Merrilyn Lemons are returning as President and Membership Secretary respectively. We are looking for someone to fill the Vice-President vacancy – will you be that person?

Great music by various musicians rounded out the afternoon. Next Fiddler meeting is Sunday January 8, 2012. Happy New Year!