Nokosee Fields & Rhys Jones (Focal Point Friends of Old-Time Music)

Both Nokosee and Rhys have previously appeared at Focal Point and we’re excited to have them back!

Nokosee Fields:

Musician, artist, and collaborator Nokosee Fields has, over the last few years, proven himself to be one of the most provocative, significant, and capable voices in the North American traditional music scene. A quest for balance shapes his work, whether he’s reconciling the weight of tradition with his creative impulses; challenging the demands and vacuity of colonialist, capitalist structures and systems with the richness of his experience and upbringing as a member of the Osage, Creek and Cherokee Nations; or simply anchoring the beat in the rhythmic push and pull of the multiple bands in which he works.

Rhys Jones:

Rhys Jones, one of the most respected traditional musicians in the United States, took up fiddle when he was 6 years old, playing with family and friends at house parties and square dances around the Midwest. Having spent much of his childhood in southern West Virginia (where he learned from the older generation of musicians), Rhys is equally at home telling the stories of Appalachian music as he is performing on fiddle, banjo, and guitar. Over the last 30 years, Rhys has appeared everywhere from Carnegie Hall to the Kennedy Center, won the prestigious Clifftop fiddle contest twice, recorded five albums, was featured in PBS of documentaries, and has been featured at every major traditional music festival in America. His fiddling is known for its drive, clarity, and unmistakable individuality. Rhys’ band Bigfoot has been performing old-time music around the world for the last 15 years and received the Clifftop blue ribbon multiple times. He now lives with his partner Meghan in Fauquier County, Virginia where they raise their five sons.