Welcome!

The Washington Old Time Fiddlers Association (WOTFA) is a non-profit organization formed in 1965 to preserve and promote old time fiddling and related arts.

Who We Are

Statewide, we now have around 1700 members, arranged geographically into districts. Talented musicians range in age from 5 up into the 90's. We welcome new members (you do not have to be a musician to join). Membership benefits include the opportunity to compete in the State Fiddle Contest and to attend the summer Fiddle Workshop, plus monthly WOTFA newsletters, which publicize all statewide activities (including shows) and the sheet music for a selected song each month.

What We Do

We are a very active organization statewide and perform at various functions (nursing homes, retirement homes, senior centers, clubs, religious groups, civic functions, etc.) throughout the year. Donations from many of these functions are used to cover our operating expenses. Please check with the district you would like to visit for times and locations of monthly jam sessions and meetings in your area. These are open to the public to come and listen.

Folklife Festival Presentations: May 28 - 31, 2010 at Seattle Center

The Washington Old Time Fiddlers sponsored three events this year at Seattle's annual Folklife Festival at Seattle Center. All events were free and open to the public. Our events were:

• Fiddlers Showcase, Saturday 11AM-2PM at the Charlotte Martin Theatre: an annual event featuring some of the best fiddlers from the region.
• Fiddle Workshop, Sunday 11AM in the Lopez Room: fiddler and historian Linda Danielson of Oregon and Missouri fiddler John White taught some fiddle tunes and techniques.
• NW Fiddle and Dance Showcase, Sunday 2-3:50PM in The Roadhouse: Attendees danced contras, polkas, schottisches, squares and waltzes to the music of two outstanding dance fiddlers from Washington State: Vivian Williams who has been entertaining Seattleites for four decades; and Marty Dahlgren who has been playing around the Northwest for the past seventy years or so. We're glad so many of you joined us!

Fiddle Contest and August Workshop

We have had a State Fiddle Contest in the Spring in East Wenatchee for those who like to compete. We hold a week-long Fiddle, Guitar and Mandolin Workshop in Kittitas in August, taught by nationally recognized artists. Many districts sponsor campouts throughout Washington State that are great opportunities to jam, socialize and learn new tunes.

Young Fiddlers

To carry on our tradition, we enthusiastically promote youth musicianship. Many districts have Junior Old Time Fiddlers Groups for children ages 5 to 18.

Research & Archives

WOTFA promotes and conducts research on old time and traditional fiddling and maintains archives and collections.

 

Updated 8/9/2010