MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

Island violinist ‘Fiddle Dave’ is making waves

By Forest Riggs

There are many musicians on Galveston Island, from solo acts to full bands. There is no shortage of great entertainment in on the island. Listening to a variety of local musicians play everything from rock, classical, and country, to reggae, funk and blues can be a great way to spend an afternoon or evening. Around Galveston, every venue with live music offers something different. It is fair to say the island is blessed with an abundance of tremendous talents, and they love sharing it.

A handsome violinist born in California and raised in Michigan, “Fiddle Dave” (as he likes to be known) landed in Galveston over twenty-four years ago. Drawn to the island by its romantic allure, Dave brought with him a talent that would soon make waves around the island.

‘Fiddle Dave’

Coming from the North, the musician was not too familiar with the area and did not know that Galveston was an island until he traveled through League City, and realized he was soon leaving the mainland. Upon his arrival, Dave was thrilled with his new island home, and it was not long before word got around that a violinist had “washed ashore.” Immediately, he began jamming at Galveston’s coffee shop, Java 123, as well as other locations around town.
Galveston offered the violinist an opportunity to perform at many gatherings and celebrations, all the while perfecting his musical skills and exploring a variety of violin tunes to perform. As he broadened his already vast library of songs and styles, Dave began to stand out around the island as a gifted musician, something he had dreamed of becoming as early at 10-years old. As a boy, music was in and around the house, as Dave’s father played with a few country and classic rock bands in their area.

It was in school that the musical fire took off and fueled Dave’s desire to learn and master the violin. Starting around the age of ten, music classes and the school orchestra program provided a fertile field in which the young man would learn and grow. When asked about his first, very own violin, Dave answered with a memory.

“It was the last day of school,” he said. “I was walking out with a loaner violin when the teacher approached and saw that I had a violin with me.”

Knowing his talent and his desire to play, the music instructor looked at the young Dave with a warm smile, handed him the instrument he had taken, and said, “You take this violin and keep playing it.”

And he did! Dave and the former teacher remained in contact, via email, until her death at 90 years old. She gave the boy inspiration, a violin and encouragement that would never wane.

Dave continued performing at various public places around Galveston, such as the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony in downtown, and some private gatherings, including weddings and funerals. Very nervous and anxious, he stepped onto the stage one night at the 23rd Street Station piano bar and lounge. He had been asked to perform by the owners, Todd and Tommy.

“It was my first paid gig.” He recalls. “It was very scary and sort of surreal to be playing and getting paid for it.”

After being well received, Dave became a regular at the Station and at Lucky Lounge on the Seawall, a second venue owned by the duo.

Since that first night, Dave has played in numerous locations, including Las Vegas, and with some pretty well-known musicians.

Over the years, Fiddle Dave has acquired several violins. He especially enjoys playing his electric acoustic violin, with five strings. He has been inspired by other musicians such as prominent violinist Sara Chang and well-known rock violinist Lili Haydn, whom he was fortunate enough to meet and discuss their music.

As for music choices, Dave’s repertoire includes a variety of songs and styles, from Irish tunes, popular country, and rock, to his favorite American folk tune, Ashokan Farewell (prominent tune in Ken Burn’s documentary Civil War).

Dave especially enjoys writing and recording some his own music and sharing this with his audiences.

“I most enjoy connecting with an audience and seeing the faces as they listen and react to my playing,” he says.

Currently, he performs Saturday afternoons at 2 p.m. for High Tea at the Grand Galvez Resort and returns to Lucky Lounge for special events and evening performances. (Lucky Lounge has just completed a huge, covered outdoor area for musical performances and celebrations.)

From a ten-year old boy struggling with his first instrument to an accomplished violinist with great stage presence, Fiddle Dave has ridden the wave to becoming a successful performer. Any opportunity to see and hear him play his music, should not be missed.
For more information, email davidht1979@yahoo.com.

Forest Riggs lives in Galveston. His book, ‘Galveston Memories and Related Stories’ is available at Amazon.com, OutSkirtsPress.com and ForestRiggs.com.

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