“A versatile, soulful fiddler and vocalist, …Lauren is…powered by the Right Stuff: an irresistible sense of fun, and her endearing radiation of the pure joy of making music. “ -Darol Anger “Lauren is an emerging gem on the contemporary string scene.” -Brittany Haas Lauren Rioux fiddles from the heart with soul and joy. This, in combination with her warm tone, elegantly expressive phrasing, and playful style, leads her to create music that artfully explores themes of both heartache and hope. With her debut album, All the Brighter, Rioux presents a beautiful collection of melodies that embrace and celebrate the richness of life. Rooted in the old-time tradition, and drawing inspiration from Sam Cooke to Hillary Hahn, her music is at once timeless and fresh. Lauren performs regularly with Darol Anger, Scott Law, and Mike Block in the band Republic of Strings, and Scott Nygaard and Joe Walsh in Crow Molly. Lauren also tours with fellow fiddler and All the Brighter producer Brittany Haas of Crooked Still. She has shared the stage with Bruce Molsky, Tim O’Brien, Mike Marshall, Väsen, Laurie Lewis, Natalie Haas and others at such festivals as Wintergrass, Delfest, Rockygrass, and Celtic Connections. In addition to her prowess as a performer, Rioux is enthusiastically sought out for her teaching expertise, and leads classes and workshops across the country. She also maintains a very active private studio in her home state, Maine, through which she teaches a delightfully rowdy group of over 30 violinists, violists, and fiddlers ranging in age from 5 to 70. Fiddlin' Lady. Loves to sing and dance and teach people about good music. Drinks tea and collects beautiful shoes.