Bruce Molsky and Martin Philip: Fiddle & Flour

For renowned fiddler Bruce Molsky and acclaimed baker and author Martin Philip, the arts of music making and bread baking go hand-in-hand. 

On Saturday, April 18 Molsky and Philip will offer an afternoon of workshops, conversation and Q&A, and an old time jam session, presented by Upper Valley Music Center. Participants are welcome to sign up for any one part or to stay for the whole afternoon. 

Molsky is a Grammy-nominated master of American roots music best known for his work on the fiddle, although he’s been applauded for his guitar, banjo, and distinctive vocals. Molsky has recently collaborated with artists from across the spectrum of musical genres, including Mark Knopfler and Anonymous 4. In addition to actively touring and recording, he is also the Visiting Scholar of the American Roots Music Program at Berklee College of Music.

Philip is a bestselling author and the current brand ambassador for King Arthur Baking Company in Norwich. Named one of the Top 25 Baking Educators and Mentors in America by Bake magazine, Philip’s influential work as a teacher and his award-winning books have been an inspiration to both professional and amateur bakers.

The idea for this fiddle and flour collaboration was sparked by a connection between Upper Valley Music Center and one of Molsky’s students, UVMC alum Annie McDougall, who recently graduated from Berklee College of Music.

For UVMC Executive Director Benjamin Van Vliet, the chance to celebrate a student’s musical journey and bring an exceptional guest artist like Molsky to the Upper Valley was already a great opportunity. 

“I’ve long admired Bruce’s playing, and so I was thrilled that Annie had the chance to study with him. But when I learned that Bruce had founded an online group called ‘Fiddle and Dough’ and that he and baker/author (and banjo player) Martin Philip were friends, I knew there was potential for a really special event bringing together two beloved art forms,” said Van Vliet.

In the first part of the afternoon, participants can choose between a fiddle workshop and a bread workshop. Fiddle workshop participants can look forward to diving into a few old-time fiddle tunes with Molsky. Philip’s bread workshop will include a bread talk and live demo designed to inspire confidence in home bakers.

Following the workshops, Molsky and Philip will hold a public conversation discussing the interplay of their art forms, followed by Q&A.

The final part of the afternoon will be an old time jam session led by McDougall, accompanied by some fresh bread provided by Philip. Molsky and Philip will be available to sign their latest recordings and books, and the Norwich Bookstore will be on site with copies available for purchase.

Registration for a workshop is $30 and can be completed at uvmusic.org and the conversation, jam session and signing are free admission.