This episode Julie sits down with Pacific Northwest fiddler, teacher, and music editor Betsy Branch. Betsy is a versatile musician who loves to explore multiple genres of music. She got her start at age 5 in classical music, and then in her 20’s fell in love with fiddle music. She plays for contra and English Country Dances, and is currently the music editor for The Portland Collection.

Julie and Betsy explore her path from Suzuki violin to square dances at the Tractor Tavern to playing chestnuts at midnight in Montague, Massachusetts. Betsy shares why she loves playing dance music, her philosophy on choosing tunes and her longtime collaboration with David Kaynor. She and Julie also swap stories of memorable on stage snafus and favorite band games to play while the caller teachers the dance.