22nd of February

A reel published in George P. Knauff’s 1839 Virginia Reels, this tune later evolved into variants known as “Miller’s Reel” and “28th of January” in twentieth-century fiddling traditions. The original publication likely commemorated Washington’s birthday (February 22nd), though the tune has since taken on different regional characteristics and names as it passed through oral tradition. The melody features standard AABB form and is typically played in a minor key with Dorian characteristics.