Fiddle fun coming to Mattapoisett Sunday

​If you play a stringed instrument or you enjoy the sounds of stringed instruments, the Old Time Fiddle Sessions could make for an enjoyable afternoon.

​This Sunday, the Mattapoisett Museum will be the location for these monthly jam sessions, with an open invitation for musicians and music fans to attend for a few free hours of entertainment. The session usually draws more than a dozen players on instruments such as guitar, violin, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, upright bass, and more. But it is open to anyone who only wants to listen.

​The format for the performances is simple. After warming up with a pair of chosen songs, the musicians will sit in the round, with each player selecting a song of their choosing. Most of the songs are instrumental.

​The event runs from 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. It is an opportunity to meet new people and learn new music.

​“You don’t have to be an expert to sit in and play this style of music,” says host and organizer, Jeff Angeley. “You can watch the hands of the other musicians and pick up on what they’re doing. Once you get more comfortable with the song you can hit it a little harder. You can jump in whenever you want. Most people get a feel for the song by the third or fourth time through it.

“We never know what songs are going to be played. It’s different each time.”

​The events are open to people of all ages, skill levels and instruments. The only requirement is that the instrument must be stringed. Participants have ranged from the age of nine to 90.Old Time Fiddle Sessions are held on the last Sunday of each month at the 5 Church St. location.

​“With this style of music, most people are ear musicians,” Angeley says. “It’s not unusual to hear somebody start a tune that some of the players recognize, but after four or five times around almost everybody is playing it, even if they aren’t familiar with it.”

​Old Time Fiddle music has its origins in South Appalachian culture, though it has been performed in various styles throughout America, from the Pacific Northwest to upstate New York. 

​Angeley launched the concerts in February of 2017. When the weather is accommodating they will be held outdoors at the Mattapoisett Museum or other area locations.

“I like that it’s a public event,” Angeley says. “I like that people who aren’t musicians want to listen. It isn’t for money and it isn’t just for players.”