Betse Ellis, featured fiddler
Betse Ellis began her musical pursuits over fifty years ago, starting with the violin. Her true calling came when she found old time fiddle as a young adult. Then the real adventures began. With over two decades of fiddle instruction experience, she focuses on ergonomic technique, iconic southern mountain fiddle bowing elements, and fine expression. From her international tours with The Wilders and Betse & Clarke to her longtime friendship with mentor Violet Hensley, Betse celebrates tradition and creative exploration.
Gaye Harrison, guest presenter
Gaye enjoys playing a wide range of musical styles on violin, with several different ensembles. She is the fiddler with Motherlode, the eclectic trio, and accomplished classical violinists, founder of the Charleston Irish Music Circle. Earlier in life she played mandolin with the Indian Creek Delta Boys, named the official old-time string band of Illinois in recognition of their work collecting and preserving traditional tunes from downstate musicians. Their collection resides in the Library of Congress.
Clarke Wyatt, guitar & banjo
Clarke performs with partner Betse Ellis as the duo Betse and Clarke, and with Short Round Stringband. Notable past performances include Grand Targhee Bluegrass Festival, Augusta Heritage Center, and John Hartford Memorial Festival. Clarke runs Gnomes & Goats Studio in Kansas City, Missouri, where he is sound engineer and producer, makes masters, and more. He teaches guitar, banjo, and piano, and loves sharing and learning about music.
Laura Sleade, fiddle
Laura is an old-time fiddler who particularly enjoys Illinois fiddle tunes. She has played for dances and historic sites. She has attended jams for more than 20 years and the weekly jam in Urbana since its inception 15 years ago. She finds community jams to be wonderful places for playing music with other people. These friendly jams are open to musicians of different ages and abilities, but all are old-time music lovers! Tunes, tempos, energy all vary based on who attends and no two jams are the same! Come hang-out and play some music!
Tom Faux, Clawhammer banjo, guitar
Tom is a year-round teacher and Programming Director at C4A. He has been playing with old time fiddlers since he was in his teens! Here’s his bio.
Robin Kearton, fiddle
Robin teaches violin, viola, and fiddle year-round at C4A, where she is also Executive Director. Read her bio here