Favorite Things: Nic Gareiss and his octave mandolin 

Nic Gareiss is a masterful traditional dancer. He has received global recognition and was named one of Dance Magazine’s “25 to Watch.” He has traveled the globe, performing in more than a dozen countries and collaborating with luminaries of traditional dance and music such as Alasdair Fraser, Bruce Molsky, The Chieftains and Sandy Silva. Gareiss also writes and records music of his own using his favorite thing — a handcrafted octave mandolin.  

My favorite thing is an octave mandolin that was made for me by a luthier in Nottingham, New Hampshire, named Robert Abrams. I started a conversation about having him build me an instrument in 2013. I already had the same instrument built by a different maker that I purchased at Elderly Instruments, but at that time I was on tour in Germany doing this awful schedule of 30 shows in 30 days in 30 different cities. In the middle of that tour, I wrote to Robert and said, “Let’s go for this. Let’s have you start work on this instrument.” The instrument almost was the goal I could look forward to at the end of that real intense tour.  

I’ve lived in Lansing on and off since 2015. Before the pandemic, I was on the road 36 weeks a year — dancing and playing music. This instrument is not only something that is really enjoyable; it’s also part of my work. It’s a nice way for me to connect with my local community. For example, this summer I read that the Salus Center, an LGBTQ+ resource center in our community was in danger of losing its space due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, I recorded 5 little queer folk songs and released them on NicGareiss.BandCamp.com. All of the proceeds from that go to the Salus Center. So far, that project has raised almost $1,000 to benefit Salus. 

The instrument itself is one of the most stunning octave mandolins I have ever seen. It is made of red mountain cedar on the back and on the sides. The top is made of Sitka spruce. It really sparkles. I first heard the octave mandolin on a recording of traditional Irish music when I was working in public radio while I was a student at Central Michigan University.  I was so struck by the sound. For me, it’s a way of connecting with singing. It’s really special.  

During the pandemic, all work has been canceled for touring artists. I’ve been performing and dancing in my living room. I actually have a show at a venue called Club Passim in Boston coming up on Nov. 11 that is streaming on Passim.org/stream. That is where people can actually get a chance to hear this instrument. 

Interview edited and condensed by Skyler Ashley. If you have a suggestion for Favorite Things, email skyler@lansingcitypulse.com