Varise Conner

He was the son of Arsen and Emma Granger Conner. He was a third generation fiddler: his grandfather, Octave Conner, was also a fiddler. Soon after forming a family string band known as The Conner Boys, they were playing local dance halls. Conner is known for the Lake Arthur Stomp, which was originally called the Lake Arthur Two-Step. It was renamed, because so many people would stomp their feet. In 1935, Conner quit playing in the dance halls for a share in the gate proceeds. Because of the Depression, few could pay to go into the dance halls and he wouldn't play for free. At the insistence of his daughter, Ethyl, who purchased a new bow for him, Conner resumed playing fiddle in 1956. Soon, he was playing at local festivals and concerts although he most often played at his home or at the homes of friends and fellow musicians. ==Legacy==

Conner has inspired artists such as Michael Doucet and Ken Smith. He was noted for his smooth and light tone on the violin. Dewey Balfa admired his smooth bowing and his ability to play the higher register. Conner has been featured at the Tribute to Cajun Music Festival in Lafayette. Also, a series of recordings from University of Louisiana at Lafayette has been released on Louisiana Crossroad Records. ==See also==