Caroline McCaskey Takes the Fiddle Reins at Stravaig

0:00Alas Deer Fraser, the legendary fiddler leading the San Francisco Scottish fiddlers, is stepping down as musical director after years of building this. Joyful crew. He's passing the baton to Caroline McCasky, a homegrown talent who's been fiddling with the group since her teen days in San Pablo. These folks turn violins into fiddles that make you want to dance, not just listen. The group gathers monthly to jam on old tunes and pick up new ones, but their big spring blowout is the Srivai three-pack concerts with dozens of, fiddles, cellos, drums, and guitars, cramming the stage for lively dances and soulful melodies. It's all about that unruly, rabble-rousing vibe, Frazier championed. Musicians are buzzing with excitement over Caroline. Peanest Petty Cobb calls her a natural teacher, killer arranger, and improv wizard who gets everyone singing and moving. Mayor Doc Pay Thompson says she's family, full of Juada Viva that challenges and inspires the whole clan.

1:00Caroline honors Frazier, big time. He sparked her love for fiddle and showed music can be pure joy without the stress. At last year's Stravai, she surprised him with a tune she wrote called, himself. Now she's back from music school, ready to lead, and she's also a world-class musical saw player, twice winning the International Saw Championship. Catch the new Stravai era May 8th at 7 p.m. and Davis May 9th at 7 p.m. in Berkeley and May 10th at 2 p.m. in Apto's. Tickets run $32 to $35, free for kids with adults, head to cepscottishfitlers.org to grab yours and feel that fiddlefire.