There is a great story linked with legendary fiddler Byron Berline, about the night that he got a phone call from a drunken, mumbling Keith Richards back in 1969. Richards said, “We’re with the Stones and we want you to record with us.” Berline replied, “Yeah, I know you’re stoned, but who are you with?”

Having heard Berline in the band led by Bill Monroe and another with Gene Clark, the Stones enlisted him to solo on “Country Honk,” the alter ego of “Honky-Tonk Woman,” found on Let It Bleed. Listen to that recording and pay close attention, since Berline’s track was recorded with him wailing away outside on the street in front of Elektra Studios.

It was that classic session – plus, of course, unthinkable chops and versatility – that led to projects with a not-too-shabby roster: Stephen Stills and James Taylor, Gram Parsons, the Flying Burrito Brothers, Emmylou Harris and the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band have all called upon his signature sound.

The Hudson Valley Bluegrass Association (HVBA) brings in this string wizard to Christ Church in Poughkeepsie this Saturday, July 31 for a 7:30 p.m. concert and a daytime workshop. The band includes the leader on fiddle, Jen Larson on guitar, Keith Edwards playing bass, Michael Sassano on mandolin and Jerry Oland on banjo. Concert tickets are $15 for HVBA members and $20 for the general public. In addition to the concert, Berline will conduct a workshop for intermediate and advanced fiddlers from 2:00 to 4:30 that afternoon. The fee for the workshop is $50 for HVBA members and $60 for non-members, which includes tickets to the concert that evening. For tickets or additional information, log on to www.hvbluegrass.org.