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“First Far West”, the combination of Laura Orshaw and Joshua Rinkel, is a captivating musical duo that seamlessly blends bluegrass, country, and roots music to create a sound that’s both timeless and fresh. Although Laura Orshaw grew up not far away from here over the border in Pennsylvania, the duo lives in Kentucky. They are both GRAMMY-nominated musicians. Laura Orshaw is a masterful fiddler and vocalist, and Joshua Rinkel brings powerful original songs and guitar playing to the stage. Together, they bring a deep-rooted passion for storytelling and a love for traditional American music. With their roots firmly planted in bluegrass and country, First Far West weaves intricate melodies with heartfelt lyrics, creating a sound that resonates deeply with their audience. With their first duo recording together, First Far West continues to push the boundaries of their genre while honoring the rich traditions that inspired them as they continue to shape the future of American roots music.A respected powerhouse on the Bluegrass scene, Laura Orshaw was the first female to win SPBGMA (Society for the Preservation of Bluegrass Music of America) Fiddle Player of the Year and prides herself on keeping the sounds of traditional Bluegrass alive in the genre. With her sophomore solo project set to be released in early 2026, Orshaw is already a seasoned performer, having toured throughout the world opening and sharing the stage with many top bluegrass artists. Orshaw has celebrated a successful career as a member of the Grammy nominated Po’ Ramblin’ Boys and a two-time IBMA award winner (2020 Gospel Recorded Performance of the Year, 2020 Collaborative Recording of the Year). Laura is also a highly sought-after instructor who has taught numerous camps, workshops and kids' academies, and started teaching weekly lessons to adults when she was just 12 years old.
Orshaw has toured throughout North America and Europe with Danny Paisley and the Southern Grass, Alan Bibey & Grasstowne, as well as with The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys which also includes Josh Rinkel. Her music has been featured on SiriusXM’s Bluegrass Junction, and in Bluegrass Today, No Depression, Sing Out! and Dirty Linen.
“Laura Orshaw has firmly established herself as a significant emerging artist in the arena of traditional American music... [she is] an extremely talented musician with unlimited potential.” —Bluegrass Unlimited
Valley Folk Music Society holds space for a jam on concert days/nights beginning 90 minutes before each concert when we get in the building to set up. Bring your unplugged instruments and songs. The jam is in the downstairs lounge.
Warm beverages are provided during the intermission and concert listeners are welcome to bring finger foods (sweet or savory) to share on the snack buffet table. Everyone is welcome.
Patron Tickets: $30 Pay a bit more if you can
General Admission: $25
Hard Times Ticket: $10 pay a bit less if you need to-
no questions asked- suitable for students, under-employed, or anyone who'd have to stay home at full price.
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Event Venue & Nearby Stays
144 Cedar Street. , Corning, NY, United States, New York 14830
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
