I met my husband , Michael, at an open mic at Fiddlers Dream about 21 years ago. He was 16 years old and I was 18. He played a set on his guitar right before I went on to play my piano songs. I instantly liked his music and his style. We didn't talk that first night at the open mic, but as it happened, we both came the following week in hopes to see each other again. Unbeknownst to me, Michael had recorded my set that second week and ended up showing my songs to all his friends at school the days after. We eventually worked up the courage to talk to each other and exchanged numbers for "musical" purposes, of course. We loved recording each other and creating songs together. Before long, we were frequenting Fiddlers as a couple. We probably tortured the audience with our cheesy loves songs and angsty teenage ballads, but all we saw was each other. The first several years of our relationship was dedicated to our musical endeavors together. We played many open mics and local shows together. Of all the places we played though, Fiddler's Dream remained a favorite of ours. It's small and intimate setting never lost its charm or appeal. The talent there was always exceptional and we youngins' were eager to learn from the gifted gray heads around us. After five years of dating, Michael and I got married. For our ten year marriage anniversary, I blind folded Michael and drove him to Fiddlers Dream. When we got out of the car I asked him if he knew where he was. The gravel parking lot under his feet was a slight clue, but it was the sound of guitars being tuned nearby that was all too familiar to him, especially the plucking of folk riffs that Fiddlers Dream was known for. I played him another cheesy love song that night in the building where it had all started for us 15 years before. It felt full circle, like coming around the corner and seeing an old friend. And even though there had been changes to the building, we sunk into the same old chairs with ease. Fiddlers Dream beautifully held our foolish youth, in all its passions, and allowed us to blossom and be nurtured in our musical meanderings. I know it has been a safe place of growth and friendship for countless others as well. Stories will always be told of this place, but I like mine the best. I fell in love at this little hole in the wall place 21 years ago... with music and my husband. (picture of us on the original stage at Fiddlers Dream in 2002)
A phenomenal and intimate location that allows artists, thinkers, and dreamers to come together and swap ideas. I attended a poetry performance there that was deeply raw, inspirational, and heartfelt. The staff was warm, friendly, and even stopped to chat with us after the show!
Will DEFINITELY recommend!!
One of the last acoustic showcases in this area, I have found a lot to love at Fiddler's Dream. I have had the privilege of seeing a number of different artists here, and have even had the chance to get up on stage myself. New faces are always welcome. I've been coming here since July 2023, and it's a unique and inviting space. I've heard Grammy award winning musicians, spoken word artists, traveling musicians and locals, many different genres, many different instruments. It's amazing how much talent can be found in this small space.
This place is magical, and my home away from home. There is something about Fiddler's Dream that really brings people together over art and music in a way that I have never experienced at any other venue. From the moment I walked in, and every visit since, I have felt welcomed, encouraged, and inspired. I owe so much to this local hidden treasure.
This venue is such a treasure. The atmosphere is so welcoming, the people involved are so genuine about providing a space that is welcoming to everyone and every time I visit, I leave feeling happy I came.
fid's is an Experience. a small acoustic venue where you get to interact with everyone & perform as loudly as you can sing/talk/yell, the real heart behind the venue is the couple who helps run it. always always always look forward to shows here
Stopped by Fiddler's Dream for the first time to check out their Thursday open (no)mic... What a hidden gem! How did I not know about this fantastic venue?
The setting is intimate, the people are kind and supportive, the coffee is decent, and there is plenty of talent to be witnessed!
Having been nervous to play at first, I was both assured and humbled by the the generous compliments from the other STELLAR artists who showed up. Great vibes all around!
I was traveling through Phoenix with my band and we stopped into Fiddler’s Dream to play at the “open stage”. It is always a special experience to play for a well established community. Can’t wait to visit again!
Fiddler’s Dream carries on the tradition of urban coffeehouses and live folk music with grace, hospitality, and great success. This cultural treasure was a surprise to me. I came of age during Chicago’s folk music renaissance in the early 70s and was bitten by the folk music bug. The serendipitous discovery of an authentic coffeehouse with live folk music in Phoenix helped make my time there all the better.
There is no Executive Director nor any paid staff. Volunteers set the stage, brew the coffee, greet the guests, and sometimes even perform. Fiddler’s Dream is a truly grassroots nonprofit volunteer organization that keeps alive the cultural treasure of American folk music with its numerous roots and even-wider branches. It is a cultural treasure that deserves kudos and support, after all, “live music is better.”
I was so moved by Fiddler’s Dream that I created a unique coffee blend for them: Fidd’s Blend. A portion of sales of this fresh-roasted, organic, fair-trade coffee includes a donation to this wonderful organization.
My husband & I have been going to various events at Fiddler's for over a decade. ALWAYS a fun time. We love the intimate atmosphere & ALL of the people are so friendly. We've taken friends, referred it to friends & even introduced our son to the place (he was in his 20's, now 35). When I was going through chemo yrs ago, EVERYONE was so kind, 1 lady even offering to lend me her earrings for a photo.
Absolutely LOVE Fiddler's Dream!! HIGHLY RECOMMEND IT TO ANYONE looking for a great concert, to perform on open Mike night & just to meet nice people!! So affordable, great music, good vibes & no alcohol. Just good, clean, great times.
For decades Fiddlers Dream has been presenting the best in acoustic music in the valley. Great facility and a great bunch of volunteers
I’ve been going to Fiddlers Dream for close to 20years. I love the variety of music and artists. - local and from literally around the world.
Review from Guidestar
Great acoustic music venue that's up close and personal. Not a bad seat in the house. Coffee is pretty good as well. See you there.
An inviting and intimate space in which to share acoustic music. Nothing else like it in Arizona, possibly the United States. Definitely a treasure.
This is an intimate, amazing location to hear terrific music. Fiddlers Dream is the ideal place to get up close and spend a perfect evening, not just hearing musicians, but talking with them and hearing their stories!
This is a great little venue to experience live acoustic music. Awesome host and they have a great variety of entertainers that perform there. Thanks for supporting live music!
If you want to get close to your favorite artist that performes at fiddlers dream coffee house. You always can, because you are only feet away.you can ask questions between songs. You can purchase murchandise and drink coffee.etc
It is a very friendly, family felt atmosphere.If you havent been to fiddlers dream then you are missing out.I absolutely love performing at fiddlers dream. God bless, eddie joe clark
AS ONE WHO IS HONORED TO GET THE CALL TO PERFORM @ FIDDLER'S DREAM COFFEE HOUSE (MANY TIMES) WITH "COWBOY WRECK'S & DA HOP A LONG PHROGGE" ...I AM HONORED TO BE LIKE A PART OF DA PHAMILY ...THXS TO NIA MAXWELL & LARRY HILL ...TIS ALWAYS AN HONOR TO SEE WHAT WILL HOPPEN AT EACH EVENT ...!!! WE DO KNOW NOW THAT ANY KITCHEN UTENSIL ( SPECIALLY DA TUPPERWARE COFFEE CONTAINER USED WITH DOUG HAYWOOD LIVE ,,,OR DA ZYDECO ZIP VEST & KITCHEN KNIVES ) IS NEVER SAFE IN THIS PLACE !!!!!! I LUBS Y'ALL ,,,GROOVE DAT ...TRUE DAT !!!!
Want a flashback to the 60s folk scene? Come to open stage night on Thursdays. You get to see lots of acoustic performers try out original and cover material. Great fun. Try it out, bring a friend.
Fiddler's Dream is an organization dedicated to the performance of acoustic music, be it Folk, Americana, Celtic, Irish, Bluegrass, Blues ~ all genres are welcome and appreciated by the audience. We use our space for a variety of community benefit concerts and educational events. Admission costs are kept low to encourage support of the musicians and to ensure that people who want to attend, can attend.