Fiddlekids Instructors | Freight & Salvage

	Bobbi Shearn Nikles, Director A versatile musician with a special interest in Appalachian, Celtic, and jazz fiddle styles, Bobbi currently performs with Wake the Dead, Douce Ambiance, and at contradances. Bobbi is a talented and accomplished musician and a shining star of the Bay Area Country Dance circuit. Her warm teaching style, creative approach, and infectious love for the fiddle make her a sought-after teacher for students of all ages. fiddlekids realizes her dream to promote fiddle music by giving children the opportunity to learn in a rich and nurturing environment.
	Laurie Lewis On the heels of her new genre-bending CD Blossom, Laurie Lewis brings her incredible breadth of talents as a songwriter, fiddler, guitarist, and her signature crystal-clear singing. These talents have brought her national recognition, a Grammy, and two International Bluegrass Music Association Awards for Female Vocalist of the Year. www.laurielewis.com
	Julian Smedley plays brilliant swing-jazz fiddle. His early European touring on the violin led him to the United States with artists such as Ralph Towner and Dan Hicks. He performs with Mike Wollenberg, Duo Gadjo, and his wife Alison Odell. Mike and Julian have just completed their eagerly awaited CD, A Common Language.
	John Blasquez is a superlative, seasoned performer in bluegrass, old-time, and Celtic genres, and his fiddling expertise is matched by his remarkable gift for teaching. Patient, encouraging, and creative, John is especially skilled in connecting with kids. Having served on staff for six consecutive years, John has contributed immensely to *fiddlekids*. We welcome back his ingenuity, motivational talents, and great humor. www.singingwood.com
	Caroline McCaskey is a multi-instrumentalist with a degree in music composition from the University of the Pacific's Conservatory of Music. She easily combines classical technique with a driving, dynamic style of fiddling that spans the traditions of Scotland, Ireland, Cape Breton, French Canada, and Appalachia. She plays and records with her band, and has made a name for herself on the contradance circuit throughout California. Caroline has spent a decade teaching fiddle to children and adults. She is the 2007 winner of the International Musical Saw Association's annual Saw-Off.
	Evie Ladin grew up with traditional American music and dance, clogging and playing clawhammer banjo at music festivals all over the East Coast. She has toured nationally and teaches classes and workshops in percussive dance and banjo around the Bay Area, as well as performing with the Stairwell Sisters and Evil Diane. www.crosspulse.com/html/evie.html
	Marlene Friedman Walters returns to *fiddlekids* as our art specialist, where art is inspired by the music! Currently an oil painter and jeweler, Marlene has a background in corporate graphic design, textile design, photography, illustration, and museums. She enjoys teaching children and communicating her passion for art. www.marlenefriedmanwaltersstudio.com www.waltersoilpaintings.com

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