Hand-Cutler of Fiddler's CrossingInform & Entertain AAUW
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Nick Smirnoff (NPPA)
Fiddlers Crossing owners Peter Cutler, and Debbie Hand- Cutler, as they share their vast knowledge about the women who greatly influenced the Folk Music movement during this month's AAUW meeting. Nearly 50 members and guests were present for the exciting and informative presentation.
Debbie Hand-Cutler and Peter Cutler presented an interesting program about women singers and songwriters of folk music to American Association of University Women (AAUW). They talked about the evolution of folk music which began as dance music or "just sitting on the front porch music."
When the phonograph and radio came into common use things changed. The Carter Family, led by Maybelle Carter, began performing and making records in the 1920s. Cutler played an original recording of Maybelle singing Wildwood Flower.
He contrasted that style with a recording of Joan Baez singing the same song in 1960.
Hand-Cutler described the background and accomplishments of Judy Collins and Odetta. Playing recordings, she showed their contrasting style.
Nick Smirnoff (NPPA)
Many musical instruments were used in the making of Folk Music. Debbie Hand-Cutler shows the guests the mechanics of the four string Dulcimer.
The early1960s were a boon time for folk music, but things changed with electrification of instruments. Many of the singers were the same, but their style changed. Odetta became the voice of the civil rights movement. Mary Travers (Peter, Paul, and Mary) sang about social issues.
Hand-Cutler and Cutler, owners of Fiddler's Crossing, engage current performers for shows throughout the year. They only hire talented artists who perform original material. The venue has become popular with folk musicians who now ask to be invited to perform. Shows this year include women performers such as Amber Cross, Rita Hosking, and Juni Fisher.
Hand-Cutler and Cutler closed the program singing Pack Up Your Sorrows. Debbie played the mountain dulcimer and Peter played the guitar.
AAUW members gave the pair a standing ovation. One person remarked, "If the program had been video taped, it could be a PBS special."
