Bio + videos

Matthew Christian has established himself as one of New York City’s most dynamic young traditional musicians.Matthew Christian fiddle

Originally from North Bennington, Matthew was drawn to the fiddle by the playing of Dudley Laufman at family kitchen dances in New Hampshire.

Matthew first found musical work busking on North Bennington’s Main Street and, later, in the New York City subway, where his work as a performer and advocate has been featured in the Economist and Rolling Stone. 

Lately, Matthew has honed in with greater focus on the Irish musical heritage of New York City and is often seen deep in thought, ruminating on exactly which direction his bow should be going. 

He plays for an exciting mix of opportunities including warm Irish sessions, stately English Country Dances, and energetic contra dances across the Eastern Seaboard and Midwest; he is giving time as well to his teaching practice.

Irish sessions:

  • Sutton Bar Room with Max Carmichael — Sundays, 7:30-10:30, 59th St and 1st Ave [ON HOLD]
  • Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar with Craig Tichy, Saturdays 10p-1
  • Tailor Public House, Tuesdays 8:30-11:30 with special guests
  • Guest appearances around town (see social media and calendar)

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A highlight of the evening…”

– The Irish Echo

Contra projects:

ContraPositive

Overview: The trio that took the world by storm! Matthew and Matt Diaz met through Brooklyn’s Iona Scottish Session, and together with drummer man Joe de Paolo, the band brings dancers into a world of tight rhythm and Caledonian flair. Booking weekends now!

Members/subs: Matthew (fiddle); Matt Diaz (guitar); Joe de Paolo (drums)

Links:   Follow us!  |  Video: Dance Flurry main stage

Cake Jam!

Overview: Classical violin meets fiddle style; piano riffs predominate. If you’re all about tight fiddle harmony over driving piano support, with an occasional light-hearted number, this is the band for you!

Members: Matthew (fiddle); Minda Cowen (fiddle); Anne-Marie Edden (piano)

Links: Follow us! Video: Princeton, NJ 2/18, Bob Isaacs calling

Gig Economy

Overview: This cast needs no introduction! Broadway, jazz, and classical backgrounds bring effortless lightness to classic contra tunes, Brazilian choros, and the latest pop covers.

Members: Matthew (fiddle); Chip Prince (keyboard, melodica, euphonium); Dominique Gagné (flute, piccolo).

Links:  Video: CDNY, 4/18