Don Cluffwas born in Woodstock, NB and spent most of his early life on a farm in Richmond Corner, about six miles from Woodstock.
Don loved fiddle music from an early age. He especially liked Don Messer's fiddling. When he was 12, Don got his first fiddle from the Eaton's Catalogue. He taught himself how to play from the tunes he had heard and memorized. For years he played only for his own enjoyment among family and friends.
It was not until the 1960's that he got involved in playing for dances. Don, along with his late brother, Allan, who played the piano, formed a dance band. Joining them in the band was Jack Sibley, who had moved to Woodstock from Nova Scotia. As part of the band, Don played different instruments: fiddle, guitar, drums and saxophone. Don was also a member of the Woodstock Militia Band in the 1960's playing saxophone as well as in the Woodstock Town Band while it existed. As a band member, Don participated in various parades in New Brunswick and Maine.
In his many years of music, Don also sang at weddings, funerals and is presently a member of Saint James United Church Choir, where he has sung tenor for 30 years. He was also a member of the Woodstock Barbershoppers and was a part of a quartet who were Maritime Champions in 1978. He and his daughters sing together on occasion as well.
Don love to entertain with his fiddle. He has played at various functions including church suppers, for senior citizens at the Carleton Manor and for special fund-raisers. He has also been a contestant as well as a judge in many fiddle contests. He was twice a winner in the Woodstock OHW Fiddle Contest and has also won the Nackawic Fiddle Contest twice. Most recently, he placed first in the Open Class at the Chipman Fair, and several times has entered the Maritime Open Fiddle Contest in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia.
During the winter of 1997, Don and five other musicians recorded musical segments for a local Cable Channel 10 program entitled, "Don's Old Time Fiddle Music".
Presently, Don lives in Woodstock with his wife, Lorna. They have been married 40 years and have three daughters and five grandchildren. He still works at his business, Cluff's Clothing, in downtown Woodstock. Don never says no when asked to play the fiddle!!
Dean Mott/Frank Hartt were born and raised in the Fredericton Junction/Tracy area. Both have been involved in performing individually since their late teen years, however in the early 1980's, they decided to join together for some local fund-raisers. After entertaining for several years, "Old Bob and Uncle Teddy from Piskahagen" were born to add a little humor to the act. As their popularity grew, so did the requests to perform outside their community.
They have entertained extensively in the Western, Central and Southern parts of New Brunswick for fund-raisers, fairs, benefits, clubs, variety shows and special events. They have also become regulars on the New Brunswick Country Showcase. Their blend for music, songs, skits and humor have entertained young and old alike.
Frank and Dean would especially like to thank their family, friends and loyal fans for all their patience, words of encouragement and support they have received over the years. Without it, none of this would be possible.
Providing they joy and laughter of good old country music is their motivation to entertain. It is not only an honor but a very special gift to be recognized for something you love to do and be in the company of so many talented people.
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