Music of Vermont: The Fiddle with Patrick Ross

Dear Fellow Vermonter,

One of my favorite kinds of music, and I know many of you agree, is one that runs deep in our state. From contra dances and barn parties, to neighbors' porches and summer festivals, the sounds of the Vermont fiddle can be heard today and back through the generations.

One of the excellent Vermont musicians who is helping to keep the fiddle tradition alive is Patrick Ross.

A fiddler since the age of five, Patrick learned to play from his father while growing up in the Northeast Kingdom. At the age of 19, he began to play professionally, joining a Vermont bluegrass band. Later he performed in places like Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry and the Kennedy Center in D.C., sharing stages with Willie Nelson, Johnny Cash, and Paul McCartney along the way. Patrick is not only known for his skill with the fiddle, but with the guitar, banjo, mandolin, cello, and more.

Today, he lives in Newbury with his wife and daughter, and performs, records, and teaches all across the state.

As Vermonters, we are incredibly lucky to have so many wonderful musicians creating new music and also many who are helping to pass the sounds of traditional folk tunes down to the next generation. Patrick Ross is an artist who does both.

Recently, the Bernie Buzz got the chance to sit down with Patrick, hear some of his story, and listen to him play. I hope you’ll take a moment to hear what he had to say.

Sincerely,