In this lively and engaging episode of What’s the Reason for This?, Kodi and Shay sit down with Megan Lynch Chowning, a powerhouse fiddler, educator, and co-producer of the John Hartford FiddleTune Project. From her roots in the heart of California’s fiddle scene to the fascinating journey of bringing Hartford’s iconic music to life, this episode is a testament to the power of folk music, community, and evolution.
🎻💬 ✨ Episode Highlights:
🎸 From Contest Wins to Musical Legends – Megan takes us through her early years growing up in Redding, California, a town renowned for its thriving fiddle community. She shares how she went from winning seven national fiddle championships to playing alongside bluegrass royalty.
👀 Meeting John Hartford for the First Time – A young Megan recounts her first experience seeing John Hartford perform, which left her scratching her head in confusion, only to later fall in love with his music in a full-circle moment.
💥 Co-Producing Volume Two – Megan discusses how Katie Hartford approached her to co-produce the second album of the FiddleTune Project and how they intentionally created an all-female performer lineup to honor Hartford’s early commitment to having women in his band.
💡 The Importance of Chord Progressions – With no chords written for Hartford’s tunes, Megan and fellow artists were challenged to create their own, bringing new life and interpretations to his timeless songs.
🎶 The Power of Folk Music – Megan passionately talks about how folk music is meant to evolve, grow, and be interpreted by new generations of musicians, a process she feels deeply connected to with each tune on the album.
💖 The Heart of the Project – From teaching to organizing music camps, Megan shares how her life’s work is dedicated to passing on the love of bluegrass and fiddle music to the next generation.
🎧 Whether you’re a bluegrass aficionado or just discovering the magic of John Hartford, this episode is a celebration of legacy, creativity, and the evolving role of women in bluegrass.