by Molly Gilmore for OLY ARTS
Foghorn Stringband has long been lauded as one of the main forces behind the Northwest revival of old-time music. These days, though, the quartet has gone international. “We’re not really a local, Northwest band anymore,” founding member Caleb Klauder said. Klauder, who plays mandolin and fiddle, and guitarist Reeb Willms live in Portland, while Nadine Landry, who plays upright bass, and Stephen “Sammy” Lind, who plays banjo and fiddle, have moved to Quebec.
The band has built an international reputation, too, touring in the British Isles, Germany and Scandinavia and playing a memorable performance before an audience of thousands at a world-music festival in Malaysia. “Some of the bands were really gaudy and flashy, and then there were some bands that were totally bare-bones, that just sat down and played their traditional music,” Klauder said. “In the bigger picture, that’s where Foghorn fit in. This music is something we’re carrying on, not something we’re exploiting.” That said, Foghorn isn’t afraid to innovate. Concerts often include a few of Klauder’s originals along with traditional songs and fiddle tunes.
Part of upholding tradition is passing it along, and the band members will lead a workshop Dec. 10. Arbutus Folk School is producing both concert and workshop.
Among the many bands Foghorn has inspired and taught is Olympia’s own The Bow Weevils, who’ll open the Dec. 9 concert. The Weevils, ages 11 to 15, are Rizley and Hatcher Cox, Annie and Ellie Davis and Ruby Neatherlin. “It’s great to witness these traditions being passed down in person,” said Emily Teachout, a fiddler, Arbutus’s vice president and Ruby’s mom.
What: Foghorn Stringband
Where: NOVA School,
2020 22nd Ave. SE, Olympia
When: 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 9
How much: $12-$18
Learn more: 360-867-8815 | Brown Paper Tickets
What: Workshop with Foghorn Stringband
Where: NOVA School,
2020 22nd Ave. SE, Olympia
When: 10 a.m.—noon Saturday, Dec. 10
How much: $30
Learn more: 360-867-8815 | Arbutus Folk School