Rachel Baiman at Fitzgerald’s in May for a launch party for her solo album, “Speakeasy Man.” (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Baiman’s voice is husky, haunting and from another century. It is her newest instrument, she said. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Baiman instructing young fiddlers during her week-long camp recently at the 19th Century Charitable Association. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
A note of appreciation from one of her campers that stays in her fiddle case. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Baiman had fun with a singing lesson as she taught students the song, “Lazy John.” (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Baiman delighted in her students singing during the performance. (David Pierini/staff photographer)
Juggling different music projects and hustling from gig to gig to make rent, Rachel Baiman has found little glamorous about her young music career.
Thankfully, she has “paradise.”
Baiman, 24, who lives in Nashville when she is not touring, recently returned to her native Oak Park to run the annual fiddle camp for kids that she and her sister, Becca, started in 2010.
Like a true bluegrass musician, Baiman appreciates the depth of her roots.
“I could spend my whole life going from fiddle camp to fiddle camp. To me it’s paradise on earth,” said Baiman, whose first solo album, Speakeasy Man, has received positive reviews.
“Being with these kids and appreciating their excitement and love for music is totally refreshing and rejuvenating.”