Folk music fans unite at ‘Fiddlin’ With the Finest’ in Natchitoches

NATCHITOCHES, La. (KTAL/KMSS) — Folk music fans were treated to “Fiddlin’ with the Finest! A Celebration of Louisiana Folk Fiddling” by the Louisiana Folklife Center.

The event at the Many Depo Museum featured several musicians, including Clancey Stewart (2018), Joe Suchanek (2017 and 2024), and Ron Yule (2019 and 2000), three Louisiana State Fiddle Champions.

The event also featured a discussion on some of the traditions of folk music and an audience Q&A session.

Event coordinator, Dr. Shane Rasmussen, director of the Louisiana Folklife Center and professor of English at Northwestern State University (NSU), said, “The music performed at events like this one remind us how vital and vibrant Louisiana’s folk music can be. The Louisiana State Fiddle Championship provides important opportunities for fiddlers, young and old, to have fun while at the same time meet with peers, make new friends, and showcase their talent. When folklife is alive and well, people are happier, because our traditions give meaning to our lives as individuals and as a community.” 

The program served as a prelude to the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship, which will take place on July 19 as part of the Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival. The championship will take place on the Northwestern State University campus in the Magale Recital Hall at 1 p.m. For information on registering to compete, call the Louisiana Folklife Center at (318) 357-4332, email folklife@nsula.edu, or go to Louisiana State Fiddle Championship – Northwestern State University.