Fiddler Nicolette Andres is a local of Colorado. The Hardingfele or Hardanger fiddle is Nicolette's main instrument, although she began playing violin at age five. Nicolette was always surrounded by jazz and folk music. While at the University of Puget Sound studying music, Nicolette was turned onto traditional Irish music by a friend. From there Nicolette discovered Swedish traditional music, and that led to a discovery of the Hardanger fiddle, a traditional instrument of Norway. Hardanger fiddle music felt like an uncovering of a musical home to Nicolette. Although unfamiliar in ways, its transcendental, melodic, expansive qualities evoke imagery and emotion that cannot be found on many other instruments. The instrument has sympathetic strings to create drones. The music is intended for traditional dances, listening, and ceremonies. Nicolette has been studying the oral tradition of this music for the last four years, and also writes her own music. Nicolette is recording her debut EP December 2024. 

This solstice show will include traditional Norwegian folk music, original tunes, and improvisation. Nicolette will be joined for portions of the show by Graeme Danforth on cittern and Ted Stevens on guitar.