2019 Governor's Arts Awards

Folk Heritage
Award Recipient: Jane McBride Orzechowski, Newport

Jane is a fiddler of exemplary talent, skilled in Swedish, French Canadian, Irish, Scottish, and New England musical genres and history. She is an integral part of New Hampshire’s folk heritage and well-respected by her peers. Throughout her career, Jane has sought to bring new talent to these traditional music disciplines, supporting and mentoring younger performers in their quest to preserve and expand these musical works and their heritage. She has been playing the fiddle since she was a child and was inspired by attendance at the New England Folk Festival. Jane has been a member of two long-standing groups: Old New England and The Sugar River Band, where she plays with her children. Jane’s nominator describes her style of playing by simply stating, “It’s full of integrity and grace.” Jane has recorded CDs with the Canterbury Country Dance Orchestra and The Sugar River Band, among others.

Last updated: October 29, 2019