Upper Meadow Films

"The Merry Love the Fiddle, The Merry Love to Dance", is a music documentary featuring Midwest Old Time Dance Fiddler, Chirps Smiths. Filmed over several years, the film features a range of traditional fiddle tunes collected by Chirps, and his contemporaries, from older musicians beginning in the early 1970s. Some of these tunes are centuries old and have their origin in the British Isles and Europe. Centrally, the film explores Chirps' relationship with Garry Harrison, Harrison produced the classic work, “Dear Old Illinois", and was one of the most important archivists and musicians in contemporary American traditional music.

The documentary begins with Chirps playing and talking about his involvement in the Old Time Music scene at his home in La Grange, WI. It then follows him on his travels through the Old Time Music world. We learn about his time spent tracking down old players, collecting their tunes, and forming Old Time Music bands.

The documentary is a celebration of this American art form that will be treasured by the Old Time Music community and will serve as an introduction to any curious music fan

Director: Dan Ollman

Producers: Michelle Ortwein | James Oliver McVeigh