Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers' Association

A nonprofit organization

$5,127 raised by 39 donors

79% complete

$6,500 Goal

Financial support of COTFA and the Colorado Fiddle Championships is an investment in the preservation of this historic musical art form which promotes participation of all ages, while educating and entertaining the public. 100% of the donations go towards the programming costs for this event.

Testimonials

"Big thank you your way for funding our kids at El Sistema. I think I learned as much from them as they did from me, their instructor. I'm so happy for people like you who supported this year. I've taught in many settings but these kids are the real deal. :) Thank you. " Kersti McGee

"I'm just repeating what I said to you, this week-end 's contest was the best I've attended. Thanks to your leadership and the efficient support of the volunteers, the contest was both entertaining and a fiddling skill landmark. I'm still in disbelief at the incredible talent displayed by the contestants. I'm reassured that this cultural treasure we have ( OLD-TIME FIDDLING) is being carried safely to future generations.
Thanks for all your effort,
Jim "Shorty" Chancellor

"As a coordinator of the kickoff lunch for the National Western Stock Show lunch in downtown Denver, we have used the Colorado Oldtime Fiddler's Association and they were absolutely fabulous and loved by all attending the lunch. This Association has helped to train and promote fiddlers of all ages to perform and make their audiences happy and entertained. They can only survive with the help of special grants and donations provided to non-profit organizations and we encourage participants of the Colorado Gives program to support the Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers' Association." Pat Lee, President, Pat Lee & Associates

"COTFA has been a huge supporter of me and my students through contests, jams, workshops and performance opportunities. Not only do my students have countless opportunities to share their music with the community, they have also made lasting friendships with fiddlers across the state. The mutual support of COTFA and its members help us all appreciate and perpetuate the rich and diverse musical culture that fiddling offers. Thanks COTFA!" Katy Archer-Buckbee, Fiddle and Suzuki violin teacher, Medicine Bow Studio

"Just a note to acknowledge the wonderful work being done by the Colorado Old-time Fiddlers Association (COTFA). In todays music world, it is of utmost importance to preserve, perpetuate and promote traditional American music, and COTFA is at the forefront of these efforts. This is evident from seeing the healthy and growing fiddle music environment throughout the state of Colorado. As a lifelong fiddle player and enthusiast, it is so refreshing to see old and young musicians playing side by side with no signs of a generation gap - all for the love of old-time fiddle music. Thanks to COTFA, Colorado offers more fiddle gatherings, contests, jam sessions and music camps than any state that comes to mind, with the crown jewel being the wonderful Colorado Fiddle Championships held each January at the Western Stock Show in Denver. Of course any organization is only as good as its leadership, and COTFA president Linnea Kenney and her Board of Directors have gone above and beyond to help the organization grow and insure that traditional old-time fiddle music will be alive and well for future generations of Coloradans to enjoy.
Keep up the great work!
Joey McKenzie"

"Had a great time and doff my cap to all on the COTFA for not just a well-run contest, but for your warmth and welcoming atmosphere. Pretty exceptional, and you've much to be proud of." R. Avery Ellisman, Director Julian Family Fiddle Camp

"The Colorado Fiddle Championship Contest has been one of my favorite contests to attend over the past 10+ years. The location is fun with the Western Stock Show taking place all around you and the contest itself has been excellently run since it started. I look forward to competing once again in 2016 and seeing all of my fiddling family and friends!" Sydney Green

"Colorado Oldtime Fiddler's Association is a family focused organization dedicated to preserving and passing on the rich musical traditions of fiddling in Colorado. This is a group that is friendly and inclusive, and has been a pleasure to work with."

"The Colorado Fiddle Championships is traditional music event that brings contestants from around the United States. The competition is outstanding, but more important is the camaraderie among the musicians, and the teaching that takes place as the more experienced fiddlers take the younger ones under their wing. It is the kind of event that brings people together to celebrate their heritage, and passes these traditions on to the younger generations."
Vi Wickam

"The 5th annual ESGBA Christmas party was held last evening at the National Western Complex. Once again it was a great event with over 1,000 people attending...

Mission

The Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers Association (COTFA) acts to promote and preserve through education and training an American art form known as old-time fiddling with a special emphasis of Texas-style fiddling to students of all ages.

Background Statement

The Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers' Association (COTFA) was organized in 2002 as a 501(c)(3) organization to promote and preserve old-time fiddling. COTFA fulfills this mission by encouraging the education of students of all ages; producing and organizing fiddle contests throughout the State of Colorado, including the Colorado Fiddle Championships; sponsoring workshops and jam sessions; sponsoring old fashioned square dances with live fiddle music; and encouraging the exchange of ideas and experiences between all fiddlers.

COTFA's premier event is the production of the Colorado Fiddle Championships held each January during the National Western Stock Show. 2021 would have been the 19th year for this contest, but it was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

COTFA expanded its community outreach by collaborating with the El Sistema music program and offers fiddle workshops to introduce Texas style fiddling. The goal is to expand the participation from these low income and diverse communities, providing performances and educational opportunities to learn old-time fiddling.

Organization Data

Summary

Organization name

Colorado Oldtime Fiddlers' Association

other names

COTFA

Year Established

2002

Tax id (EIN)

52-2378367

Category

Arts, Culture & Humanities

Address

1980 S. Quebec St., Ste. 203
Denver, CO 80231

Mailing

1980 S. Quebec St., Ste.203
Denver, CO 80231

Service areas

Denver County, CO, US

Other

720-291-0163

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