FOLKY FISH FESTIVAL

Maramec Spring Park St. James, MO

May 30-31, 2025

John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project

The musical legacy of John Hartford returns with The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project: The Tour, a show consisting of the previously unheard compositions he left behind, performed by musicians from the Grammy-nominated album, The John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project Vol. 1, and participants in the upcoming Vol. 2. The show also includes loving interpretations of some of John’s most adored classic songs.

Megan Lynch Chowning is a seven-time national fiddle champion and respected Nashville musician and educator. Originally from Redding, CA, Megan spent years touring with legendary country music artists Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, her acclaimed duo with Bill Evans, BEML, and bluegrass stars like Dale Ann Bradley and Larry Cordle. She judged the National Fiddle Championships three times, and is the co-director of the IBMA-award-winning Nashville Acoustic Camps. Megan is known as a captivating performer and storyteller as well as a dedicated educator, focusing on helping people of all ages live their dream of playing folk, bluegrass, and old time music in this vibrant community. She first laid eyes on John Hartford in 1986 at the Strawberry Music Festival. His dancing, his playing, and his hat made a strong impression on her and as she has matured into a torch-bearer of traditional musical education she is often stunned and perpetually honored by her role in preserving and furthering John’s legacy. 

With decades of performance experience and reputations as stewards of tradition, the John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project Vol. 1: The Tour brings this unexplored part of John Hartford’s legacy to life. Megan Lynch Chowning, who helped copy edit the accompanying fiddle tune book, is known for her expert knowledge of fiddle tunes and their histories much in the same way John was through his extensive note taking and interviews with masters. As an educator, Sharon has helped carry the torch of tradition through to future generations. As a performer she has worked for decades with many of John’s musical contemporaries. She and these artists share John’s ethos of collaborations grounded in tradition while celebrating new sounds and personal expression. As a writer, Rachel attempts to make sense of the world in a down to earth way. As both a banjo and fiddle player, John and Rachel are connected not only by the fact that Rachel lives in what used to be John’s guest house where she can watch the boats pass by the same Cumberland River that inspired much of John’s writing, but also by their deep passion for both preserving and innovating American traditional music. In that same paradoxical way, these three use their combined talent to present a show that is both fresh and familiar, historical and never before heard, and a way to relive the “Goodle Days.” 

John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project at Folky Fish Fest, Maramec Spring Park, St. James Mo. May 30-31, 2025.
John Hartford Fiddle Tune Project at Folky Fish Fest, Maramec Spring Park, St. James Mo. May 30-31, 2025.

Tickets

FOLKY FISH FESTIVAL

Maramec Spring Park St. James, MO

May 30-31, 2025

VIP Pass

Friday, May 30, 2025 | Saturday May 31, 2025

  • 2 Day Festival Pass  $200.00 + $11.13 Fee  $211.13 Price

  • Access to VIP Artist Tent
  • Entry for Both Days
  • Three Stages
  • Musical Workshops

Two Day Festival Pass

Friday, May 30, 2025 | Saturday May 31, 2025

  • 2 Day Festival Pass (Early Bird) $106.09 Price $100.00 + $6.09 Fee

  • Entry for Both Days

  • Three Stages

  • Musical Workshops

Kids Pass

Friday, May 30, 2025 | Saturday May 31, 2025

  • Kids pass (12 and under) free with paid adult.

  • Please register kids as they will need a wristband for entry.

Call the park for Folky Fish Fest Camping Reservations.

(573) 265-7124  – Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm

2025 Folky Fish Fest Tickets

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