Alex Caton put down roots near Gordonsville when she came to the University of Virginia to pursue a doctorate in anthropology. It was the scenic countryside and strong musical community that kept her here. Previously, she’d lived, taught, and performed in upstate New York, Asheville, NC, and other centers of traditional music. For her, the heartbeat of old-time Appalachian music pulsed stronger in the mountains and valleys of Virginia than anywhere else. Within her first year in the area, Alex became an integral member of the traditional music community and an ambassador/liaison between Irish and old-time. A grandchild of master craftsmen, coal miners, and strong women, a daughter of adventurous parents, Alex was born in England and grew up living in the South of England, Scotland, and America, where her family settled when she was twelve. By then, she’d been playing piano and violin for eight years, with music as a constant in her life. When, at twenty, Alex was introduced to both old-time Appalachian and Irish fiddle music, she felt like she’d stumbled upon a precious secret. Since then, she’s dedicated her life to traditional music. Alex studied Appalachian and Irish music in the traditional way, learning from icons such as Ginny Hawker (mountain singer) and Tracy Swartz (fiddler, singer, band mate of Mike Seeger). And she apprenticed by attending jam sessions, traveling to fiddle conventions, and listening—developing her chops on fiddle, clawhammer banjo, guitar, and voice. Alex’s main passion is teaching however, and she has enjoyed teaching traditional music for almost fifteen years. Playing traditional music is a way of life that bridges generations. In Virginia she’s privately taught over a hundred students, most of them for many consecutive years. She has also touched hundreds more through in-school demonstrations, workshops, and summer camps. Alex is thrilled to introduce her new album, Swimming to Lindsey, a mostly old time album of fiddle and banjo tunes as well as mountain-inspired songs. The talented old time guitarist and traditional singer, Dick Harrington, as well as the masterful Irish guitarist and vocalist, Pat Egan, lend their unique guitar styles and voices to the album. Alex's original songs and tunes blend seamlessly with the traditional numbers. You'll want to tap your feet to the driving melodies or reminisce about loved ones with the heartfelt songs and harmonies.