Minnesota State Fiddlers Association

In 1984, Minnesota fiddlers Elmo Wick (1924-2009), Gilmore Lee (1935-), Archie Teigen (1936-2004) Lloyd Eisert (1908-2002) and Sidney Kjeldahl (1932-) organized the "Ole Time Fiddlers Club". The group changed its name to the Minnesota State Fiddlers Association (MSFA) in 1986 and their mission statement was simple: to keep the heritage of fiddling alive.  Initially, MSFA volunteers promoted and hosted fiddle contests throughout the state with the capable support of longtime board member Dee Scott.  Today, in addition to contests, the 140 members of the MSFA support educational workshops, jam sessions, youth programs, historical demonstrations and any other activities that promote the popularity of old time fiddling and the heritage of Minnesota folk music.

The MSFA John Wallace Mini Grant program has sponsored fiddle contests and workshops as well as offered scholarships for fiddlers attending other fiddle workshops or camps. 

Lily Benedict competed in the Young Adult Division at the 2023 Minnesota State Fiddlers Convention in Zumbrota, Minnesota.

While we have sessions covering all kinds of traditional fiddling styles, as a fiddle organization in Minnesota, we have a special affinity for the music from fiddlers in the Upper Midwest, supporting the research and learning of these heirloom tunes. 

Our monthly, electronic newsletter updates fiddlers to events, activities and festivals both in-person and online that help fiddlers connect and engage with others and continue to advance their learning.  Our YouTube channel is particularly popular among fiddlers who want to learn tunes and fiddle techniques in the comfort of their own home. Facebook followers get regular links to videos and events happening in the fiddling community. 

Becoming involved is easy - become a member (only $15/year/family) and join in with others to keep the heritage of fiddling alive!  (Want to write a check and mail it in? Go to www.fiddlemn.com to get a link to our paper membership form).