OREGON’S OLDTIME FIDDLERS TO CONVERGE ON ROSEBURG

 

The Annual State Convention of the Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers’ Association (OOTFA) is scheduled for May 19-21, 2022 at the Douglas County Fairgrounds in Roseburg, Or. With several hundred coming from throughout the region, it will be an ideal place to enjoy stage shows, jamming, dancing, workshops, band scramble, raffle and more. After a Wednesday evening meet-and-greet for early arrivals (4 - 11 p.m.), activities are scheduled on Thursday, Friday and Saturday from 8 a.m. - 11 p.m. Workshops will be Thursday 12:30 - 5 p.m., Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. The public is welcome, and events will occur at the Douglas County Fairgrounds off I-5 at Exit 123 in Roseburg. 

Jude Stensland, the 2022 convention’s co-chair (along with Chris Cormack), states, “Our goal for this year’s convention is to have fun playing music we love with friends, old and new, and to conduct OOTFA business as quickly and efficiently as possible.” 

During the 1980s and 90s, OOTFA’s state convention was held in Roseburg and attracted large crowds of old-time musicians and music-lovers. During the past decade, the convention was held in other parts of Oregon. “We are so happy it’s returning to Roseburg,” offers Stensland. “The venue is really pretty cool. We’ll have an immense amount of room for jamming and workshops to satisfy almost all musical tastes.  We’ll have guides to help you find your group, your way around and favorite kind of music. Youth are very much included, with dedicated spaces to help all ages feel welcome. The next generation will keep this music vibrant, relevant and alive.”

While many OOTFA events are free of charge, donations will be accepted. A 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, OOTFA is dedicated to the perpetuation and promotion of old-time music, loosely defined as that played on traditional instruments dating from the first half of the 20th century and earlier. Oregon Oldtime Fiddlers' Association formed in 1964. They publish a monthly newsletter, The Hoedowner, which is distributed to all members.

OOTFA’s ten districts each have governing officers who schedule meetings, jams, and performances. The Hoedowner includes activity reports, photos and features from each district, along with a “tune of the month.”  Membership is open to all who enjoy old-time music. You don't have to be old, live in Oregon or be a musician or singer. Many folks just enjoy listening or dancing to the music. Annual membership is $20-25 per household, depending on how you’d like The Hoedowner delivered (e-mail or postal mail). INFO: www.ootfa.org

For more information about OOTFA or its 2022 State Convention, please contact Jude Stensland at 541-430-2080 or E-mail jude999s@gmail.com