Main Stage

Saturday, July 10th · 12:55PM

8th Annual Midwest Fiddle Championship

The Fiddle Club of the World is proud to present the 8th annual Midwest Fiddle Championship, with two divisions meeting in two venues. To start the fun off right, we're returning to Giddings Plaza in Lincoln Square on Thursday, July 8 at 7:00pm for the Open Divisions. This Folk & Roots Festival preview is sponsored by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce. At least a dozen fiddlers and fiddle bands have registered to compete. We'll also hear from the top three youth bands who competed in June.

Stil Nua, an Irish band featuring Kristen Bern of Palos Heights. Accompanied by flute, guitar and bodhran. Playing for step-dancer Rory Ward.

The Cajun Vagabonds featuring fiddler Dorian Gehring of Chicago. Accompanied by guitar, bass and triangle. The dancers will do a waltz and two-step.

The Paulina Hollers, an old-time band featuring fiddler Elizabeth Lamberti and banjoist Jim Becker (both are Old Town School teachers). Accompanied by guitar & bass. The dancers are the Chicago Prairie Clogging Team, led by Rebecca Unger, back for their second appearance at Folk & Roots.

Moravska Cimbalovka, a Moravian village band led by Andrew Tokarz. The lineup includes fiddle, kontra (a chording fiddle), cimbalom (a large hammer dulcimer), clarinet & bass. They will be bringing along some Moravian folk dancers.

Also the first place winners from the Youth Division and Open Divisions will perform on the main stage while the judges reach a consensus. The prize money is award accordingly:

• First Prize - $250
• Second Prize - $125
• Third Prize - $100
• Fourth Prize - $75
• Fifth Prize - $50