Twentieth Anniversary of Bethel's Fiddler's Brawl

March 6 marks the 20th anniversary of one of the area's most enduring music events, The Fiddler's Brawl, to be held at Whitlock's Restaurant on Greenwood Avenue in Bethel.  This anniversary will be made more special by the playing of three violins, as provided by Bethel's own 8th generation resident Dave Morgan, who will bring the violins to the show for Howie Bujese, kingpin fiddler in the event for 20 years, to play.  The violins were made by Mr. Morgan's great grandfather, Byron Morgan, for his children in about 1900 right on Grassyplain Street. 
The violins will help celebrate the unique musical event, brainchild of Bethel's "Music Man" Billy Michael, who recruited Howie Bujese of Bethel to be the anchor fiddler, along with Steve Negri and Larry Deming, also of Bethel. In addition, Mr. Bob Christopher, the well known and well celebrated fiddler joined the show and stayed with it until his death at the age of 88 a few years ago. Mr. Deming has been unable to attend the event for many years due to his schedule, but the event has attracted well known musicians from all areas.  The audience is attracted to the spontaneous music (no rehearsals) and the show offers young musicians an opportunity to join in and test their music ears. In addition to his own expertly executed renditions of songs, Mr. Bujese is on hand to guide young players in the "oral" tradition of learning music by ear.  He and Mr. Michael warmly welcome new players every show and intend to continue doing so for a while to come.