By: Carol Matza | Category: In Our Communities | Issue: January 2017
Three fiddle players from The Time Jumpers, Kenny Sears, Larry Franklin and Joe Spivey; will be inducted into the NFHOF
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to rub shoulders with some of the most notable names in music? Well, grab your valentine and put on your best suit for this date night to remember. On February 10, 2017 five nationally renowned fiddlers will be inducted into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame at the Mabee Center in Tulsa. The night will be a red carpet affair with Grammy-nominated band, The Time Jumpers (TTJ) headlining with a full concert. Three fiddle players from The Time Jumpers, Kenny Sears, Larry Franklin and Joe Spivey; will be inducted into the NFHOF. Also being inducted are posthumous inductees, blues-jazz violinist Papa John Creach and beloved composer and bluegrass fiddler Randy Howard.
“There is nothing better than the sound of twin fiddles, except triple fiddles,” said Bob Fjeldsted, President of the National Fiddler Hall of Fame. “The 2017 National Fiddler Hall of Fame Induction Class will be led by three of the foremost fiddlers of our time. They are taking the art of fiddling to the world.”
Tap any member of multi Grammy nominated The Time Jumpers on the shoulder and the face that turns to greet you will be that of one who’s made major contributions to the richness and vigor of country music.
“This honor is one I never expected,” said inductee Joe Spivey. “It’s a great deal. It’s made me think a lot about my career and the things I’ve done along the way. It’s inspired me in some ways I never even thought. It’s fantastic.”
The current edition of The Time Jumpers includes 10 members, each a master of his instrument. They are Vince Gill (vocals, electric and acoustic guitars), “Ranger Doug” Green (vocals, acoustic rhythm guitar), Paul Franklin (steel guitar), Brad Albin (upright bass), Larry Franklin (vocals, fiddle), Andy Reiss (electric guitar), Kenny Sears (vocals, fiddle), Joe Spivey (vocals, fiddle) Jeff Taylor (accordion, piano) and Billy Thomas (vocals, drums).
On September 9, the band released their radiant third album, Kid Sister, on Rounder Records. This treasury of 14 tunes—new and classic—is both a sweet tribute to the band’s late “girl singer,” Dawn Sears (the “Kid Sister” of the title), and a sparkling celebration of western swing and traditional country music. The group has just been nominated for 2 Grammy awards – Best Americana Album and Best American Roots Song for the title track, “Kid Sister,” written by Vince Gill. These nominations are the fifth and sixth for this 10-piece group of stellar musicians.
"This will be a fabulous show and will recognize five stellar fiddlers as inductees into the National Fiddler Hall of Fame,” said Jana Jae. “What could be better for your valentine than this concert including dreamy Vince Gill? The Time Jumpers are absolutely the finest in Western Swing, and we are proud to have them with us in Tulsa!"
The National Fiddler Hall of Fame in Tulsa, Oklahoma first inducted the late Bob Wills in 2007 and each year has added to its distinguished alumni. Among the list of past inductees are, Roy Acuff, Kenny Baker, Curly Lewis, Johnny Lee Wills, Chubby Wise, Stuff Smith, Jana Jae, Jay Ungar, Byron Berline and Doug Kershaw. The entire list of NFHOF inductees can be found at www.nationalfiddlerhalloffame.org.
Tickets for the event are now on sale at the Mabee Center. Reserved seating is $30 and Gold Circle seating $45. VIP tickets are available for full table or single ticket sales and are $60 for single ticket and $480 for tables of 8. VIP tickets include early seating, light hors d’oeuvres, and a pre-show. VIP doors open at 5:45pm, pre-show is at 6pm and induction and full concert at 7:30pm. For group and VIP table sales call the Mabee Center at (918) 495-7000 or contact Carol Matza with the National Fiddler Hall of Fame at (918) 504-3255 or email at eat0@eau0eav0eaw0. The National Fiddler Hall of Fame is headquartered in Tulsa, Oklahoma and is dedicated to honoring individuals for their contributions to fiddling, to preserve, educate and promote the art of fiddling and its historical and social significance.
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