Article Contributed by Karin Conn
Published on February 6, 2026
Photo: Courtesy of San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers
The joy of Scottish and Irish music springs to life as Caroline McCaskey and the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers unleash the Stravaig Spring Concert Series. “Stravaig,” a Scottish word meaning to wander, digress, and stray beyond limits, perfectly captures the essence of this musical adventure. More than 65 musicians—fiddles, cellos, guitars, piano, and percussion—will fill the stage, transforming concert halls into exuberant gatherings of rhythm, melody, and heart.
Stravaig will be a musical journey through Scotland and beyond, infused with a spirit of community, joy, and the timeless power of Celtic tradition. Whether you’re a fan of soaring melodies, toe-tapping reels, or evocative ballads, this event promises something for everyone—from stirring nostalgia to dance-in-the-aisles energy.
The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers formed in 1986 has grown into an inclusive community of 200 musicians who celebrate Scottish and Celtic traditions. The ensemble blends experienced performers, emerging talents, and guest artists. Expect soul-stirring moments with standout solo performances by seasoned virtuosos and rising talents, whose passion and ambition bring an unmatched energy to the stage.
The San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers meet monthly to play their favorite tunes and learn new ones. Their repertoire over the years has expanded to include the music of Brittany, Galicia, Scandinavia, and North America while remaining rooted in the Scottish fiddle forms of dance, pipe tunes, and song.
The highlight of the Fiddlers’ year comes each spring when, now under Caroline McCaskey’s direction, the group rehearses for and presents this three-concert series in the greater Bay Area.
Caroline McCaskey is the new Music Director of the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, bringing deep roots in the genre-bending West Coast music scene and a career that spans regional traditional, improvising, and classical music worlds. She is the 2019 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Champion and a two-time International Musical Saw Champion.
In demand as both a performer and educator, McCaskey is the author of the widely respected AltStrings Fiddle Method. She holds degrees in music composition and performance, along with Suzuki teaching certification in violin and cello. She also runs AltStringsAcademy.com, an online learning community for adult amateur string players focused on building technique, style, and musicianship.
In 2026, McCaskey presents a Tune-a-Day series on the @AltStrings YouTube channel, featuring all the songs from James Hunter’s The Fiddle Music of Scotland throughout the year. She is also the founder of two immersive professional development events for musicians: ThePracticeSummit.com and TheGrooveSummit.com.
Key Performers:
Renata Bratt (Cello Leader, Santa Cruz)
Acclaimed cellist and educator, has performed with the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers since 2004. Known for her versatility, Rolling Stone dubbed her an “ace performer” for her work with alternative rocker Cindy Lee Berryhill’s Garage Orchestra. Renata has taught classical styles, jazz improvisation, and fiddle techniques at renowned workshops like Wintergrass, Alasdair Fraser’s camps, and the New Directions Cello Festival. Her compositions and instructional books are published by Alfred, Mel Bay, and Keiser Southern. Renata holds a Ph.D. in Music from UC San Diego and continues to inspire students and audiences alike.
Patti Cobb (Piano, Oakland)
Her diverse musical background ranges from singing early music since earning her music degree at Cal, to playing keyboards and fronting rock and blues bands. She’s a sought-after pianist for Scottish, English, and contra dances throughout California, the U.S., and beyond. Patti performs with Caroline McCaskey and Thomas Dewey in Tartan Suite, and has played and recorded with James MacQueen, StringFire!, the Odd Sundays English Garage Band, and the Humuhumunukunukuapua‘a & Strathspey Society Band. She’s collaborated with traditional music greats including Keith Smith, Chris Duncan, John Taylor, Rodney Miller, Shira Kammen, and Audrey Jaber. Her playing—by turns driving, soulful, reflective, and humorous—inspires dancers with every tune. And when she’s not playing for dancing, Patti can still be found slumming it in rock ’n’ roll bands.
Rob Godfrey (Vocals & Fiddle, Oakland)
Rediscovered his love for the violin after a 30-year hiatus, joining the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers alongside his son. Rob’s rich vocals, often performed in Gaelic, have become a concert highlight. He reflects on the group’s philosophy, saying, “What I value most in Scottish fiddle music is how deeply the melodies affect me. Whether an amateur or a concert violinist, we each contribute something essential to the music.” Rob’s soulful playing and singing create an unforgettable experience for audiences.
Janette Duncan (Fiddle, Santa Rosa)
Founding member of the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, Janette has shared her love for fiddle music with Sonoma County for over 35 years. Beginning her violin journey at age nine, Janette earned a bachelor’s degree in music from Sonoma State University before transitioning from classical to Scottish fiddling under Alasdair Fraser’s mentorship. A devoted teacher and performer, Janette remains a cornerstone of the Fiddlers’ community and a beloved figure in the region’s traditional music scene.
Pate Thomson (Fiddle, Berkeley)
Founding members of the San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, Pate has been the heart of the ensemble since the 1980s. Pate, a professional cardiologist and talented fiddler, rediscovered his passion for violin after attending a transformative workshop with Alasdair Fraser. Pate fondly notes the group’s infectious energy, saying, “Audiences are always on their feet by the end of these concerts.”
San Francisco Scottish Fiddlers, founded in 1986, is a vibrant, inclusive ensemble devoted to the joyous and deeply expressive traditional music of Scotland. Now numbering over 200 members, the group spans generations and instruments, from fiddles to cello, bass, piano, guitar, percussion, and more, and is known for fostering lifelong musical community and excellence. After four decades under the direction of founder Alasdair Fraser, the Fiddlers enter an exciting new chapter with acclaimed fiddler and educator Caroline McCaskey stepping into the role of Music Director. While remaining rooted in Scottish and Irish fiddle traditions, the ensemble’s repertoire also embraces music from Brittany, Galicia, Scandinavia, and North America. Their annual Stravaig spring concerts in the greater Bay Area remains a beloved highlight.
Venues, Dates & Times:
Friday, May 8 | 7 PM
Veterans Memorial Theatre | Davis, CA
203 E 14th St, Davis, CA 95616
Phone: (530) 757-5626
Saturday, May 9 | 7 PM
The Freight | Berkeley, CA
2020 Addison St. Berkeley, CA 94704
Phone: 510-644-2020
Sunday, May 10| 2 PM
Crocker Theater | Aptos, CA
6500 Lower Perimeter Rd. Aptos, CA 95003
Phone: 831-479-6154
Tickets: $32–$35 | Kids under 12 free (accompanied by an adult)
More Info: https://sfscottishfiddlers.org/
