We spoke to O'Connor a few days ahead of his appearance at the Four Corners Folks Festival
Violin master Mark O'Connor's resume includes winning multiple national instrument titles as a teenager; studying under Stephane Grappelli; playing with Chet Atkins, James Taylor, and John Hartford; recording under his own name and with the New Nashville Cats; commissioning fiddle concertos; and starting his own school to teach violin students in what's known as the O'Connor Method.
Somehow, he still found the time to start another new project. The O'Connor Band features his wife Maggie on fiddle, son Forrest on mandolin and vocals, and Forrest's wife Kate Lee on fiddle and vocals. O'Connor says the band plays old time fiddle tunes, progressive bluegrass, Americana and more.
We spoke with him at length about the new band, and about the O'Connor Method that he teaches to young string players.
We also asked Mark O'Connor about a great picture of him, found on the internet, receiving an award from Roy Acuff at age 13.
The O'Connor Band plays at 5:00 p.m. Sunday on the Main Stage at the Four Corners Folk Festival.
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