Michigan old-time fiddler
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Les Raber Michigan old-time fiddler |
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| "Music is a means of expression where words leave off," is the motto of renowned Michigan fiddler and farmer Les Raber. | ||||||
| And at 89 years young, Les is still demonstrating his dedication to that expression, still delighting audiences with his renditions of old-time dance tunes. His preference has always been for playing square dances and for the older tunes: "I'm partial to jigs, waltzes, schottisches and reels." Les' early interest in fiddling was sparked by his paternal grandfather. However, by the time he was ready to get started on his new Sears and Roebuck fiddle, his grandfather had a stroke and could no longer play. So his first help had to come from a neighbor, John Annis, who was his grandfather's match on the fiddle as well as a great square dance caller. As Les progressed, his grandfather was able to give him pointers and talk him through a tune. "He would 'rum a diddle doo' so that I would get the old-time tunes right." For the last several decades, Les has been an ambassador of the Michigan fiddle tradition, having performed at the 1981 Indiana Fiddler's Gathering and the 1987 Smithsonian Festival of American Folklife. He also participates regularly in musical gatherings around the state. In 1992, Les was presented the Michigan Heritage Award for being a "true Michigan treasure." At home, Les often turns to his fiddle for solace and inspiration when the nights get long, sometimes filling his house with music until three o'clock in the morning. He will be a special guest and featured performer with the Olde Michigan Ruffwater Stringband. He loves to play for dancers and will be doing just that at the National Folk Festival. "When you see someone move with the music," he says, "you play for them. You make it playable, danceable and enjoyable." | ||||||