Joe Suchanek of Fields wins second Louisiana State Fiddle Championship

By Kristen P. Townsend

NATCHITOCHES - Joe Suchanek of Fields won his second Louisiana State Fiddle Championship Saturday. Suchanek overcame a tough challenge from past champions Ben Robinson (2005, 2009), Clancey Stewart (2018) and Ron Yule (2000, 2019) along with newcomers Asher Hotard and Samuel O'Kelley in the championship round.

The Louisiana State Fiddle Championship was held in Magale Recital Hall on the campus of Northwestern State University as part of the annual Natchitoches-NSU Folk Festival.

Robinson was first runner up and Stewart was third followed by O'Kelley, Hotard and Yule.

O'Kelley won the age 0-21 championship division and Hotard was second. Robinson was first in the 22-59 division and Stewart was second. Suchanek won the age 60 plus championship and Yule was second. In the 12 and under non-championship division, Sarah O'Kelley was first and Dorothy Livingston was second. Stewart and Suchanek won the Twin Fiddle division and Robinson and Yule were second.

Suchanek, who won his first championship in 2017, loves playing the fiddle and his passion is clearly noticed by all who listen to him. He said that one of the most interesting things about playing is that "You never finish learning." Each time Suchanek picks up his fiddle there is something new and exciting to discover about the instrument and the sounds it creates. He said, "We make memories every time we play music." Suchanek can certainly add many fond memories of the 2024 championship competition as he played not only in the competition, but also on the main stage of the festival and in the jam session held inside Prather Coliseum that evening, which included many talented artists.

Suchanek is passionate about spreading his love of fiddling to others, especially the younger generations. He hopes to carry the traditional folk music on and encourage others to join in. Suchanek stated, "We must get the word out and get some young people playing. This needs to be carried on."

He hopes the continuation of the Louisiana State Fiddle Championship is a way to do that. The purpose of the contest is to perpetuate the traditional music and styles of fiddling, to foster an appreciation of traditional music, encourage young fiddlers to pursue their own musical endeavors, and to encourage and promote creativity through playing and the continuation of fiddle tradition.

Two contestants, Samuel O'Kelley and Asher Hotard, were the beneficiaries of free fiddles handmade by master luthier Hilton Lytle, who donated the instruments in order to encourage new players. O'Kelley received a full-sized instrument, and Hotard received a ¾ sized fiddle.

"It was great to see so many players turn out to compete," said Stewart. "The youth division has grown so much this year, and we love to see that."

The festival will welcome back Suchanek at its 45th anniversary next year where he will serve as judge. Information about the festival, competition, and rules can be found at https://www.nsula.edu/folklife/statefiddlechampionship/.

Support for the Festival is provided by grants from the Cane River National Heritage Area, Inc., the City of Natchitoches, the Louisiana Division of the Arts Decentralized Arts Fund Program, the Louisiana Endowment for the Humanities, the Louisiana Office of Tourism, the Natchitoches Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Natchitoches Historic District Development Commission, the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Foundation, the Shreveport Regional Arts Council, and the State of Louisiana. The festival is sponsored by Bank of Montgomery, C&H Precision Machining, City Bank, Cleco, Evans Family, LLC, the Harrington Law Firm, International Paper, the Natchitoches Jazz/R&B Festival, Natchitoches Wood Preserving Company and Young Estate, LLC.

Photo

Louisiana State Fiddle Championship Joe Suchanek of Fields. Photo by Kevin Shannahan.

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