Have you always wanted to learn to play the fiddle, or do you want to improve your bowing technique? There is an opportunity for both coming to our area in May. Jake Krack, a young, enthusiastic fiddler will be in town for a house concert and fiddle workshop on May 14 and 15 at the home of Ron, Bibi, and Austin Freer.

In 2003, Krack performed at the Smithsonian Folklife Festival in Washington, D.C. At the age of 23, Krack is a seasoned performer and recording artist. He began fiddling at the age of six years, focusing his passion on old-time Appalachian music and has studied under some of the most respected master fiddlers of the Appalachian region such as Melvin Wine, Brad Leftwich, Joe Thompson, Wilson Douglas and Lester McCumbers.

He recently completed an apprenticeship and continues to study with renowned West Virginia fiddler Bobby Taylor through the Augusta Heritage Center of Davis & Elkins College apprenticeship program. He has competed in and won fiddle contests at multiple large festivals and teaches workshops and lessons now in Mt. Airy, N.C. Krack is now an Alumni of Berea College.

In January 2006 he completed an internship at the Smithsonian Folklife Archives in Washington, D.C. Krack participated in producing a traditional fiddle CD on the Smithsonian Folkways label and will be listed as co-producer along with Jeff Place as producer on the project. Also while in D.C. he attended the Alan Lomax Symposium held at the Library of Congress for scholars and music archivists.

You can learn more about Kracks accomplishments at www.jakekrack.com.

There will be a house concert at the Freers home on Friday night, May 14, at 7 p.m. The beginner workshop is Saturday morning from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

The intermediate/advanced workshop is Saturday afternoon from 1 to 4 p.m.

If interested, contact Bibi Freer at 864-415-4936 and sign up in advance, as space will be limited.