One of my favourite events is the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, located at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, Washington, and not all that far from my home in Victoria. Fiddle Tunes is a celebration of music, dance, tradition and community. I’ve attended a number of times, and previously posted the many reasons why it is such a great event, from both a participant and collaboration perspective.
I was saddened though to hear two Pacific North-West folks I got to know a bit, at Fiddle Tunes, recently died, both unexpectedly.
Warren Argo was a Fiddle Tunes icon. One of the founders of Fiddle Tunes in the 1970s, Warren was front and center at this annual event. In this YouTube clip, he shares a bit of Fiddle Tunes history and philosophy (click here if you can’t see it)
Warren passed away from a heart attack September 27.
Bob Boardman was a long time volunteer and well-known musician/participant at Fiddle Tunes. Bob died on October 16, after being attacked by a mountain goat, while hiking on a popular Olympic National Park trail. Read more about Bob here and here. Boardman was a consummate musician who loved his work as a volunteer and mentor at the Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, and he was a gentle soul who knew how to make heart-to-heart connections with people.
Warren Argo and Bob Boardman were both generous contributors to a wonderful community. They will be missed by their families, and many friends. May your spirits live on!
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