about Kai Gronberg

Short Bio:

Kai Gronberg, raised in Abbotsford, BC, started playing fiddle at 4. Immersed in Canada's old-time fiddling scene, Kai has performed at dances, festivals, and events nationwide and trained under renowned fiddlers such as Mike Sanyshyn, Calvin Vollrath, and Patti Kusturok. He’s taken his talents from the Vancouver Winter Olympics to the Great Wall of China. Based in Vancouver, Kai is a decorated champion fiddler actively teaching, performing, and promoting fiddle music. Co-founder of the Open Door Fiddlers, he aims to foster a vibrant fiddle community through group lessons and sessions. In 2024, Kai launched the "Kai’s Tune a Day" livestream project, sharing daily tunes to inspire and connect with the fiddling community.

Beginnings:

Kai Gronberg, now 26, grew up in Abbotsford, BC, beginning formal violin studies at age 4 at the Central Fraser Valley Academy of Music. At age 7, he joined the Central Fraser Valley Fiddlers, where he immersed himself in Canadian fiddle music. Through monthly dances and weekly practices, he learned numerous old-time Canadian tunes and honed his skills for many years.

Kai expanded his musical education by studying privately with Keith Wilson and Mike Sanyshyn, and attending fiddle camps. These experiences not only fostered his musical growth but also forged lasting friendships with fiddlers across Canada. Over a decade, camps like Camp Calvin, Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party, and the John Arcand Fiddle Fest provided opportunities to learn from esteemed fiddlers such as Calvin Vollrath, Mark Sullivan, Patti Kusturok, and Shane Cook.

In his youth, Kai performed with his sister Lia in their band, Fiddlin’ Frenzy. He has showcased his talents at various festivals and events, including the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, Seattle’s Northwest Folklife Festival, Nanaimo’s Maple Sugar Festival, the Envision Coffee Series, Surrey Canada Day main stage, and even the Great Wall of China.

Currently, Kai is an active performer across the Lower Mainland, engaging in diverse projects. He is experienced in performing at weddings, serving as a backup fiddler, and is proficient in various musical styles.

Accolades:

Kai has an impressive resume in fiddle contests across Canada and the US. His accolades include being a three-time champion at the John Arcand Fiddle Fest, a two-time finalist at the Canadian Grand Masters, the Prairie West Fiddle Champion, and a three-time BC Provincial Champion.

Teaching:

Kai began teaching violin and fiddle at age 16, starting at A&D Music in Abbotsford and later at the Central Valley Academy of Music. He directed group lessons at the Mamele'awt Community Indigenous Centre to engage Indigenous students in traditional fiddle music and has instructed at Kenosee Lake Kitchen Party, and Gavin Lake Fiddle Camp.

Based in Vancouver and serving the metro area, Kai is dedicated to inspiring and sharing his passion for Canadian old-time fiddle music. As an enthusiastic educator, his mission is to foster and strengthen the local fiddle community. Central to Kai’s teaching philosophy are principles of creating a welcoming, inspiring, non-judgmental, and encouraging environment to nurture students’ musical growth. He prides himself on adaptability, tailoring lessons to meet the unique needs and interests of each student. Kai is an LBTQIA2S+ ally and prides himself in teaching a diverse group of students.

Currently, Kai teaches privately and at Open Door Music School. He frequently serves as a guest instructor and adjudicator at various fiddle camps and workshops nationwide. Alongside Michael Burnyeat, Kai co-directs and founded the Open Door Fiddlers—a weekly performance group and lesson aimed at educating students and preserving fiddle music. This initiative focuses on learning core fiddle tunes across styles, techniques, and cultures, creating arrangements, and refining performance skills. The Open Door Fiddlers provide a supportive environment where students learn common jam tunes, are encouraged to contribute creatively, and connect with fellow Vancouver fiddlers. The group includes Junior and Senior Youth groups, as well as an Adult group. The Open Door Fiddlers also host workshops, and have included guest instructors such as Calvin Vollrath, Pierre Schryer, Trent Freeman, and Jane Cory & Kyle Burghout.

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Current Projects:

In 2024, Kai began “Kai’s tune a day livestream”, a livestream via Instagram, where Kai plays a fiddle tune each day in the calendar year, and then uploads to YouTube, and Instagram. This project was started to share some of his favourite tunes, challenge himself by making it “live” - no re-do’s, begin his personal “tune list”, and to hopefully collaborate with some of his many talented traditional music playing friends & peers.

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