KNCJ Biggest Little Concert Series with Fiddlers2

On Sunday, February 22, 2026 at 11 a.m., Fiddlers2, featuring violinists Holly Sternberg Kozan and Vanessa Nicole Porter, will present a lively program of folk songs at the University of Nevada, Reno's Harlan O. & Barbara R. Hall Recital Hall.

Vanessa and Holly met at the weekly Irish session at Ceol Irish Pub in Reno, and then got together to practice tunes and chopping techniques that they learned at Lark Camp. They loved playing together and decided to form Fiddlers2. They’ve released their second album of Irish tunes to add to their first of Scottish/Cape Breton tunes, and are looking forward to a third. They'll perform highlights from those albums and more in their KNCJ performance.

At the age of four, Holly Sternberg Kozan discovered a violin in her grandmother’s closet. She started playing when she turned eight and has since taken home many prizes at fiddle contests in Nevada and California and judges fiddle contests as well. Originally from Cromberg, CA, Holly now lives in Reno and stays busy teaching fiddle lessons and performing in several bands including Ciana, Soulstice Strings Quartet and of course, Fiddlers2.

Vanessa Nicole Porter grew up in Indiana and started playing violin at four years old. Around the age of sixteen she decided to focus entirely on a career in classical music. Going on to get undergraduate and graduate degrees in violin performance she then spent years playing in professional orchestras in Indiana and then later in Nevada and California. Vanessa has lived in Reno for 18 years and stays busy teaching violin lessons, working on her National Park commissioning project, playing occasionally for orchestras in the area, and fiddling with Holly.

The KNCJ Biggest Little Concert Series, presented quarterly, will feature a combination of music performed by some of the Truckee Meadows's finest musicians, and casual conversation both musical and personal. Inspired by the legendary, long-running public radio program Saint Paul Sunday, the Biggest Little Concert Series will be a showcase for local musicians.

The conversation for the KNCJ Biggest Little Concert Series will be moderated by Chris Morrison, producer for KNCJ public radio.

All proceeds from these concerts will benefit KNCJ, Nevada Classical and Jazz. Support for these concerts has been provided by David Fenimore, former announcer at KUNR public radio and retired professor of English at the University of Nevada, Reno.

What to Expect When You Arrive:

• Doors open thirty minutes before the performance.
• Seating is first come first served. Whether it’s the front row, back row, or the balcony, every seat in Hall Recital Hall has a great view.
• When you arrive please show your email/receipt for tickets purchased online.
• If paying cash on the day of the performance please bring exact change. Tickets for adults are $20 each. Tickets for students or kids are $5 each.
• To use a credit card, please buy tickets online.

Thank you for your support of the KNCJ Biggest Little Concert Series. Enjoy the show!

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