Two Great Young Fiddlers

Occasionally, the YouTube algorithm pays off. In recent days, I have come across two young fiddlers that impressed me with their talent. It makes my heart swell that there are some young people out there that are really taking an interest in music, particularly roots music like old-time fiddling. It brings up my spirits after the disappointing turnout at the Fiddle Contest I was at a few weeks ago (https://luegra.design.blog/2024/10/12/2024-michigan-old-time-fiddlers-contest-sad-turnout/).

The first is Fiddlin’ Hayley King. I only found her a few days ago, so I haven’t seen a lot of her videos, and I notice that her YT page does not have a lot of them. However, I was impressed with her original tune, “Little White Pumpkin,” which she performs on both fiddle and clawhammer banjo. From the looks of it, she also plays mandolin and guitar, and has a sweet voice. There’s not much information about her on the internet besides the YT page and a Facebook page, but a 2019 article on her states that she secured a full ride scholarship from Morehead (Kentucky) State University at age 16 (https://www.blythewoodonline.com/2019/01/king-fiddles-her-way-to-college/). She is definitely someone who will snag some interest in the bluegrass and old-time fiddle crowd shortly. I do see her being picked up be a bluegrass band real soon.

Next is Hollace Oakes. At 14 years old, she is impressing everyone that comes across her. Another multi-instrumentalist (fiddle, mandolin, piano, guitar) as well as flatfoot/clogging expert, she has competed for the last few years at the famous Galax Old-Time Fiddle Convention for the past few years, winning the blue ribbon in 2023. This past August, she performed the National Anthem on fiddle at the Convention. She is often seen performing with clawhammer banjoist Margo McSweeny, and has won praises and jammed with Carley Arrowood. I have a feeling that within five years, this young lady will be appearing on a lot of bluegrass stages, probably even the Grand Ole Opry stage.

It does my heart good. Chew on it and comment.