Rosin the Bow with Joe McHugh Podcast

I recorded Mateo Messina when I performed at the St. Patrick's Day celebrations two years ago at the Seattle Center. Mateo, who lives in Southern California, was serving as the grand marshal of the parade and I was drawn to his warmth, knowledge of film music composition, and his continued efforts over the years to raise money for the Children's Hospital in his hometown.

I recorded this conversation with old-time fiddler and violin maker Trevor Stuart in 2015 while attending the National Folk Festival that was held that year in the city of Greensboro, North Carolina. Trevor was performing with his twin brother, Travis Stuart, who plays the banjo. We talked about the role the violin played far back in the mountains in years past for dances, corn shuckings, medicine shows, and even wrestling contests pitting an orangutan against all comers. Sadly, Trevor passed away the next year at the age of 47. This episode of Rosin the Bow is dedicated to his memory.

I met Jonathan at the Wintergrass Music Festival some years ago where he was exhibiting some of his instruments. Mark O'Connor was performing at the festival and was playing one of Jonathan's violins. Mark loved the violin and he made sure I interviewed Jonathan for the Rosin the Bow project. Here is that interview.