Pete Thompson is a lifelong music lover who has been lucky to learn, teach, practice, and perform over the years. “In terms of practicing and performing, what has had a hold on me for the past handful of years is traditional American music. Since visiting West Virginia in 2019, I have spent almost all of my musical energy on seeking out old time string band music, learning and playing as much as I can. My musical path has brought me far and wide in the US: Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, and Oregon, all in pursuit of playing old time music. For the last two years, I have had the honor of being an Instructor at the Finger Lakes Grass Roots Culture Camp, leading old time jams with other spectacular local musicians. My primary instruments these days are fiddle, guitar, and banjo. I love playing for square dances and other gigs around the Finger Lakes with other talented musicians. I occasionally will play fiddle with singer-songwriters which I also enjoy doing. My goals when I perform are to bring people together with joy, honor the traditions that are at the heart of the music, and be present to the moment.”