Before popular music became impregnated with the bizarre old-timey decree that every hot new band must (a) have a banjo player, (b) dress like they’re associates of the Artful Dodger or whatever, and (c) embrace the patina, but not the core, of The Grapes of Wrath, there was the Cloverdale Fiddle Festival. Now in its 38th year, the festival awards prizes for competition in a variety of styles (Old-Time Style, Texas Style, Waltz, Twin) and age brackets (last year’s entrants spanned from age seven to 78). Entertainment by the Kathy Kallick Band and many others keep things moving, but it’s the competition here that shows Cloverdale’s All-American small-town charm at its best. Fiddle away on Saturday and Sunday, May 4—5, at the Cloverdale Fairgrounds. 1 Citrus Fair Drive, Cloverdale. 10am—6pm each day. $13. 707.894.2067.
