Branch 17 (North Island Fiddlers) have been playing in the Comox Valley for the past 25 years.  Some of the events where you might have seen them include: the Farmer's Market, Glacier View Lodge, Casa Loma, St. Joseph's Hospital, Driftwood Mall, Comox Centre Mall, all seniors care homes, Zellers, pancake breakfasts, Cumberland Days, Cumberland Intermediate Care, Comox Nautical Days and Filberg Festival.

They also put on public dances during the fall, winter and spring.

Musicians have ranged from seven years of age to 101. What a style of music, passed through the generations.

Do you know how to double bow? Have you seen someone play a fiddle from the hip?

These musicians can lead a song, then go as back up and even change to a different instrument in the middle of a song.

Occasionally you might even see a musician dancing with someone while playing. They have fun!

The Branch 17 Old Time Fiddlers are pleased to host the 2011 B.C. Old Time Fiddlers Provincial Fiddle Contest at the Cumberland Cultural Centre on July 2.

You will hear jigs, reels, and waltzes being played everywhere. Explore the parking lot or look around the next corner you will encounter mini jam sessions.

So many styles and different ways a song can be played. Come out and join us in this fantastic musical walk down memory lane.

Come to the British Columbia Provincial Fiddling Championships on July 2 at the Cumberland Cultural Centre, hosted by Branch 17, North Island, of the British Columbia Old-time Fiddlers Association.

— British Columbia Old-time Fiddlers Association