Day 365 - Till We Meet Again - Patti Kusturok's 365 Days of Fiddle Tunes

As my 365 Days of Fiddle Tunes project comes to a close, I’m feeling lots of mixed emotions. I started this on a whim on January 1, 2015 after following along with Vi Wickam's project in 2013. It looked like fun, and I knew I wouldn’t have trouble finding tunes. I’m sure I can keep going and going and going, but I don’t plan to. One year is plenty and while I won’t be committing to posting every day, I will still be posting a lot of videos. I posted them before I started this project and I’ll continue to do so.

I’d like to first of all thank Jeremy Rusu. He accompanied me on so many of the tunes. When we were on the road, we’d pull out the instruments in the car and make sure we didn’t miss a day. A few times we stock piled some tunes when I knew I’d be away from wifi, like when I go fishing! Jeremy is simply the best musician I’ve ever had the joy of playing with, and I look forward to more tunes in the future.

I’d like to thank my boyfriend Brad for being so supportive and kind during this project. There were many times we were heading out the door to go and do something, and I’d say, “Oh wait….I didn’t do my tune today!” And he’d patiently take of his parka and boots and wait until I was ready. There were also lots of times that I’d forgotten to do one and he’d remind me. He’s a keeper, and I’m grateful for him.

Alex, my son, is my all time favourite fiddler. He plays with such life, and I absolutely love playing tunes with him. We’ve done many of these together and they’re the highlights for me.

To all the guest fiddlers and accompanists I crossed paths with during my travels….thank you for joining me on some of the tunes. THIS is what I really loved doing. Whether it was up in Fort Simpson, NWT or in Castlegar, BC, Bathurst, NB, and all points in between, I managed to get some sweet fiddle duet opportunities and I’m so lucky to know so many great musicians. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

To all who requested tunes and sent me original tunes, thank you. Unfortunately, I couldn’t get to them all, but I sure have got some great new material to play through.
To the composers who allowed me to record their tunes, thank you. I always try to give credit to the writers when I know who they are, and there are so many gifted composers out there!

Finally, to everyone who watched, liked, commented, shared, and followed along with the videos, I cannot express my gratitude deeply enough. There were some people who shared almost every single video I posted, and while you may not realize it, THIS is how we musicians are helped the most. Getting our music out to others who may not have heard us before. Thank you so much, and I am humbled by the support. I’m also thrilled to have “met” many new people and players because of this project whom I had not met before. I’ve made new friends and rekindled relationships with old friends. To me, this is what it’s all about.

Thank you again, everyone, and I’ll be seeing you around!

Love, Patti
www.pattikusturok.com