You Gotta Have A Fiddle In The Band

But the Quebe Sisters swing by having three

Triple-threat fiddle champions: Sophia (from left), Hulda and Grace Quebe bring their Western-swing style of Americana music to The Blue Lion in Fort Smith on Tuesday as part of the 36th Season of Entertainment at UAFS.
Triple-threat fiddle champions: Sophia (from left), Hulda and Grace Quebe bring their Western-swing style of Americana music to The Blue Lion in Fort Smith on Tuesday as part of the 36th Season of Entertainment at UAFS.

The Quebe Sisters, all in their 20s, have been playing the fiddle for over a decade. For a twenty-something to have that much consistent experience on an instrument is unique, but for three siblings to turn their talents into an internationally touring Western swing group is something else entirely.

"When we started out playing, it wasn't like something we wanted to do forever, [it was] just something fun," says Hulda Quebe (pronounced kway-bee) by phone two weeks ago as the sisters were heading out on the first day of their current tour. "We grew up going to fiddle contests and over time, [we] kind of transformed into a band."

FAQ

The Quebe Sisters

WHEN — 7:30 p.m. Tuesday

WHERE — The Blue Lion in Fort Smith

COST — Sold out

INFO — uafs.universitytick…, quebesisters.com

The three Texas singers first found themselves in those fiddle contests at the ages of 7, 10 and 12, and just a short time later, they released their first album together in 2003. Hulda admits there was always a level of "friendly competition" between her and her sisters in those early years.

"Us being family always kept each other inspired to play. We love creating music and playing together, and we have the same vision for what we want the band to be," Hulda says, failing to stifle a giggle. She admits her sister is trying to make her laugh during the interview -- which is pretty indicative of what it's like to be on the road together. "It's unique that siblings can play together. It forces us to work things out. We can't walk on stage mad at each other, or you'll play a really bad show."

Hulda says the women pull from many musical influences in their fiddle- and harmony-rich songs. But she admits they have enjoyed seeing the resurgence of the Americana genre and feeling like they are part of the growing trend.

"It's becoming a very popular scene right now, which is kind of funny to me because I've always been in it growing up," she says. "There's a lot of innovation going on and it's really cool to be a part of it. I think a lot of people can relate [to our music] and it's fun to see that. Music speaks to everybody -- to all ages."

-- Jocelyn Murphy

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NAN What's Up on 09/16/2016

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