Watch Fiddlin'

Fiddlin’, a 2018 documentary film directed by Julie Simone, takes the viewer on a journey through traditional Appalachian music and the people who create and preserve it. Set in the small town of Galax, Virginia, Fiddlin’ showcases the Old Fiddler’s Convention, a yearly gathering of musicians who come from all over the country to compete and perform.

The film introduces several key figures in the world of Appalachian music. First, there is Presley Barker, a young and prodigious guitar player who already has several awards under his belt. Presley is a true virtuoso, drawing inspiration from both classic bluegrass and contemporary artists like John Mayer. The film follows him as he prepares for the guitar competition at the convention, where he hopes to make a name for himself among the community of musicians.

Next is Wayne C. Henderson, a legendary guitarist and banjo player who has been playing music for over seventy years. Wayne is a fixture at the Old Fiddler’s Convention, having been a part of it since he was a young boy. He is also a renowned luthier, having built guitars for some of the biggest names in the business. Wayne’s quiet and unassuming demeanor belies his immense talent and passion for music.

Kitty Amaral is also a significant figure in the film. She is a member of a group of women who call themselves the Old Time Quebe Sisters, after the women who made traditional Appalachian music with their sisters in the early 1900s. The Quebe Sisters play an infectious brand of old-time music that is rooted in the past but revived for a modern audience. Their love of the music and their deep bond as a group is evident throughout the film.

Fiddlin’ explores the many facets of Appalachian music, from traditional fiddle tunes to bluegrass and beyond. The film delves deep into the history of the music, tracing its origins back to the Scottish, English, and Irish immigrants who settled in the region in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. The film also looks at the role that music plays in the lives of the people who create and perform it, exploring the themes of community, tradition, and legacy.

The Old Fiddler’s Convention is at the heart of the film, and the competition scenes are a highlight. The convention is a massive gathering of musicians, with over 80,000 attendees annually. The level of talent on display is remarkable, and the sense of camaraderie and friendly competition is palpable. Fiddlin’ captures the excitement of the competition, with stunning shots of fiddlers and guitarists trading licks and banjo players picking in unison.

Beyond the musical performances, Fiddlin’ also provides a glimpse into the lives of the musicians themselves. Presley Barker, in particular, is an intriguing subject. He is a young man with a remarkable talent, but he also struggles with the pressures of competition and the challenges of growing up in a small town. The film highlights not just his musical abilities, but his maturity and dedication to both the guitar and his community.

Throughout the film, there is a sense of reverence for the past and a desire to keep the legacy of Appalachian music alive. The musicians in the film share a deep feeling of connection to the music, and many speak of the importance of passing it down to future generations. There is also a sense of celebration, as the musicians come together to play and enjoy each other’s company.

Overall, Fiddlin’ is a beautifully crafted film that captures the spirit of traditional Appalachian music. Through stunning cinematography and an intimate look at the lives of the musicians, it paints a portrait of a community bound together by a love of music and a deep respect for their cultural roots. The film is a tribute to the past, a celebration of the present, and a testament to the enduring power of music.

Fiddlin' is a 2018 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 36 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.9.