Traditional Arts in Upstate New York. Traditional Arts of Upstate New York
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Alice Clemens

Osceola, Lewis County
Fiddler & Music Historian  

(1922-1999)


Alice Clemens of Osceola in the Tug Hill region started fiddling at the age of seven, learning dance tunes from a favorite uncle, Art Colvin. For most of her life, she has played for parties and country dances near home. In more recent years, however, her performing in concerts and workshops has taken her to new audiences in distant places. She has collected hundreds of nearly-forgotten tunes from old time musicians, providing the Library of Congress archives with 27 tunes thought to have disappeared from public knowledge. Clemens founded the New York State Old Tyme Fiddlers Association and co-founded the North American Fiddlers Hall of Fame which maintains an extensive archive and sponsors fiddling events each year. Clemens is especially proud of teaching her own daughter, granddaughter, and great-grandchildren to fiddle. She often says, "If you want to have fun in life, get a fiddle in your hands."

Click here to listen to the TAUNY/NCPR "Meet the Masters" story about
Alice.

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