SWEET MELODY STRINGS
Sweet Melody Strings is a new club formed in 2019 in Mt Pleasant WI. Mary Jensen, the leader and founder started teaching the hammered dulcimer and has grown her group to 9 hammered dulcimers and 3 guitars/uke players. The group is active and loves to play out in the community. Mary keeps teaching, and Sweet Melody Strings keeps on growing. Way to go Mary!
Katelyn Baas believes strongly that the purpose of music is to bring glory to God as well as to comfort, uplift, and bless his children. This passion inspires her to strive for excellence and encourage others to pursue music despite the challenges.
She released her debut hammered dulcimer album, The Way of the Cross Leads Home, in 2020 and has performed and instructed at the Evart Funfest and the Midland Folk Music Festival.
She released her debut hammered dulcimer album, The Way of the Cross Leads Home, in 2020 and has performed and instructed at the Evart Funfest and the Midland Folk Music Festival.
Rob has been playing Appalachian dulcimer since 1995. He has been teaching and performing on the Appalachian dulcimer, both locally and nationally, for more than 15 years.
He has taught and performed at numerous festivals including Tannehill, Bayou City Old Time and Dulcimer Festival, and the Alabama Folk School.
He has taught and performed at numerous festivals including Tannehill, Bayou City Old Time and Dulcimer Festival, and the Alabama Folk School.
The Fiddle Section
The Fiddle Section, from Kalamazoo, Michigan, features the Mom family. They started playing on the Evart stage in the Youth Concerts. Their name is a nod to their classical roots and is also their nickname in the Squirrels' Nest Ensemble, with whom they have performed each year since 2013.
Sherese Bultman Mom is an accomplished violinist and pianist and teacher of both. She learned her first fiddle tunes as a young girl. When she followed the moonlit path from Thompson Park to the Rabbit Barn porch in 2005, she wondered where this place had been all her life!
Sherese Bultman Mom is an accomplished violinist and pianist and teacher of both. She learned her first fiddle tunes as a young girl. When she followed the moonlit path from Thompson Park to the Rabbit Barn porch in 2005, she wondered where this place had been all her life!
Victoria Van Arnam is an internationally touring hammered dulcimer performer. She has seven albums and has performed at concert halls, coffee shops, restaurants and festivals. Victoria's love of the instrument is evident in her high energy style of playing.
Victoria performs under the name The Lady Victoria and has been performing on the hammered dulcimer for nine years, six years professionally. She specializes in Celtic and Early music, performing mostly on stage and street at Renaissance festivals across the United States and Italy.
Victoria performs under the name The Lady Victoria and has been performing on the hammered dulcimer for nine years, six years professionally. She specializes in Celtic and Early music, performing mostly on stage and street at Renaissance festivals across the United States and Italy.
What do you get when you place one man in front of over 100 strings and put two shaped wooden sticks in his hands? You get a ticket to a place where possibilities are endless and music can make your dreams come to life. Nate Pultorak is a Hammered Dulcimer player in the northern reaches of New York State. His music ranges from quiet, haunting melodies that have drawn people to listen ever closer, to driving, high-energy pieces that stir up excitement and anticipation for where the musical journey will take one next.
Dave Haas loves to perform and teach others how to play the mountain dulcimer! He has been playing the dulcimer since 1990, and loves to share the mountain dulcimer and its history with schools, churches, and civic organizations. He has even brought dulcimer music to those in prison!
Dave is a popular dulcimer instructor, and has performed in several states and abroad. Dave also plays the guitar, sings, and leads music on Christian retreat experiences such as Kairos Prison Ministry, The Walk To Emmaus, Cursillo, and Teens Encounter Christ. Dave has released several albums, instruction/CD workbooks, and a popular dulcimer chord chart. Dave lives in Charleston, WV with his wife, Jeanne.
Dave is a popular dulcimer instructor, and has performed in several states and abroad. Dave also plays the guitar, sings, and leads music on Christian retreat experiences such as Kairos Prison Ministry, The Walk To Emmaus, Cursillo, and Teens Encounter Christ. Dave has released several albums, instruction/CD workbooks, and a popular dulcimer chord chart. Dave lives in Charleston, WV with his wife, Jeanne.
An ODPC tradition since 2013, it would not be Thursday Night at Evart without The Squirrels' Nest Live Ensemble. "The Squirrels" are the performing group of the Squirrels' Nest, a high energy jam here at the ODPC Funfest.
The Squirrels' Nest Live Ensemble features powerful, heart pounding fiddle tunes. WARNING- Grab your seat belt and strap in, or you may find yourself up and dancing! This year's stage show features "Squirrelly Favorites". Let's get this party started!
The Squirrels' Nest Live Ensemble features powerful, heart pounding fiddle tunes. WARNING- Grab your seat belt and strap in, or you may find yourself up and dancing! This year's stage show features "Squirrelly Favorites". Let's get this party started!
Chattanooga multi-instrumentalist and mountain dulcimer maestro Butch Ross has tackled everything from Radiohead to Bach and come away with a renewed appreciation for what the humble dulcimer is capable of. No genre is off-limits, nor is there a limit to what Ross has envisioned for this specific instrument.
When Butch Ross opened for Bill Staines last fall, he received a rare accolade: a standing ovation for an opening act. He transforms the lowly mountain dulcimer into a virtuoso's instrument, drawing from it unexpected power and expressiveness. He mixes old country and Appalachian songs with his own wordy, literate, poetic ballads about people, places, and situations you might read about in a good book of short stories. He has a strong clear voice and a stage presence of boyish charm. --Minstrel Coffeehouse
When Butch Ross opened for Bill Staines last fall, he received a rare accolade: a standing ovation for an opening act. He transforms the lowly mountain dulcimer into a virtuoso's instrument, drawing from it unexpected power and expressiveness. He mixes old country and Appalachian songs with his own wordy, literate, poetic ballads about people, places, and situations you might read about in a good book of short stories. He has a strong clear voice and a stage presence of boyish charm. --Minstrel Coffeehouse
MOUNTAIN DULCIMER PLAYERS
Every year we invite all mountain dulcimer players to join in a massive jam session at the start of the Friday evening concert. This is why we are here, to celebrate the players, the music, and the instrument. Join us!
We are a group of musicians who gather together for the enjoyment of playing music with friends. There is an organized jam, everyone brings snacks, and the club furnishes coffee and tea. All types of non-electrical string instruments are welcome.
We have a variety of instruments at our meetings - hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, autoharp, mandolin, guitar, musical saw, fiddle, banjo, bass and others. Music is available for club members. The club is also available for performances.
We have a variety of instruments at our meetings - hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, autoharp, mandolin, guitar, musical saw, fiddle, banjo, bass and others. Music is available for club members. The club is also available for performances.
Larry Unger was raised in Detroit, and he moved to the Boston area as a young adult. He has been a full-time musician since 1984, and he has presented a diverse range of music at contra dances, Scottish and English country dances, waltz events, dance weekends, dance and music camps, festivals, coffee houses and concerts all across the United States.
Larry gives solo concerts that include a wide variety of music: finger-style blues and slide guitar, rags, old-time banjo tunes, original waltzes and fiddle tunes. He likes to play a number of unusual instruments such as banjo guitar, fretless banjo, jaw harp and piano harp.
Larry gives solo concerts that include a wide variety of music: finger-style blues and slide guitar, rags, old-time banjo tunes, original waltzes and fiddle tunes. He likes to play a number of unusual instruments such as banjo guitar, fretless banjo, jaw harp and piano harp.
Ilace Mears ("Eye-less") is the 2016 National Hammered Dulcimer Champion and violin player - but hasn't figured out a way to play both at the same time.
In the meantime, she brings a classically trained background to the world of traditional folk music with a deep appreciation for both. Ilace is having a blast teaching and playing with friends from across the continent at dulcimer festivals, jams, and other gatherings. She can also make a wedding or event even more unique with personally tailored programming for either dulcimer or solo violin!
In the meantime, she brings a classically trained background to the world of traditional folk music with a deep appreciation for both. Ilace is having a blast teaching and playing with friends from across the continent at dulcimer festivals, jams, and other gatherings. She can also make a wedding or event even more unique with personally tailored programming for either dulcimer or solo violin!
Bill has been a percussionist since childhood, tapping on things his whole life. Over 25 years ago he was introduced to the hammered dulcimer and immediately fell in love. Taking his percussive rhythms and focusing them on both original melodies as well as unique interpretations of traditional and popular tunes.
DAN LEVENSON is an Appalachian native who has grown up with the music of that region. Today he is considered a respected master teacher and performer of both the clawhammer banjo and Appalachian style fiddle.
Banjo Newsletter’s R.D. Lunceford describes Dan “as an interpreter, rather than a music re-creator”. Fiddler Magazine’s Bob Buckingham described him as “an accomplished fiddler and …one of the best clawhammer banjo players in the country.” Ken Perlman has called him “The Johnny Appleseed of the Banjo.”
Banjo Newsletter’s R.D. Lunceford describes Dan “as an interpreter, rather than a music re-creator”. Fiddler Magazine’s Bob Buckingham described him as “an accomplished fiddler and …one of the best clawhammer banjo players in the country.” Ken Perlman has called him “The Johnny Appleseed of the Banjo.”
From the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, Steve and Ruth play a heartwarming blend of acoustic Americana music featuring hammered dulcimer and guitar. Steve and Ruth play and sing the music reminiscent of the old homeplace where family, love, faith, and sense of place are the foundations of heritage and traditions.
Steve and Ruth have been performing together for 48 years across the United States and around the world.
Dirty Linen Folk & World Music Magazine says “ Ruth Smith's touch on the hammered dulcimer is absolutely magical, with exquisite phrasing, highlighting the range of the instrument especially on her own pieces.”
Steve and Ruth have been performing together for 48 years across the United States and around the world.
Dirty Linen Folk & World Music Magazine says “ Ruth Smith's touch on the hammered dulcimer is absolutely magical, with exquisite phrasing, highlighting the range of the instrument especially on her own pieces.”
Using Appalachian mountain dulcimer, Native American flute, ukulele, and stompboxes, Bing Futch celebrates traditional and modern music with passion, humor, and boundless energy. As a nationally touring solo performer, he's headlined at The Walnut Valley Festival, The Florida Folk Festival, Old Songs Festival, and Common Ground On The Hill.
Bing has enjoyed a career as a rocker and folkie, first with post-punk act Crazed Bunnyz in 1986 and later in 1999 as co-founder of Americana rock band, Mohave. In 2016, he competed in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, emerging as a finalist and winner of the "Best Solo Guitar" award, despite performing solely on mountain dulcimer.
Bing has enjoyed a career as a rocker and folkie, first with post-punk act Crazed Bunnyz in 1986 and later in 1999 as co-founder of Americana rock band, Mohave. In 2016, he competed in the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN, emerging as a finalist and winner of the "Best Solo Guitar" award, despite performing solely on mountain dulcimer.
SONAS is comprised of three Michigan artists - DeeDee Tibbits, Tom Krause, and Kelly Sible. Together they play a multitude of instruments from Irish Whistles to Bouzoukis and Fiddles. Their style is a unique combination of Celtic, Bluegrass, and originals.
The word SONAS is Gaelic for “happiness or contentment“ which is what they feel when playing together.
The word SONAS is Gaelic for “happiness or contentment“ which is what they feel when playing together.
hammered dulcimer stage show
Every year we invite all hammered dulcimer players to join in a massive jam session at the start of the Saturday evening concert. This is why we are here, to celebrate the players, the music and the instrument. Join us.
The Silver Strings Dulcimer Society features the Hammered Dulcimer, along with a variety of other acoustic instruments such as the Mountain Dulcimer, Guitar, Fiddle, Banjo, Autoharp, Bass, Marimbula, Banjola, Mandolin, Concertina, Ukulele, Harmonica, Penny Whistle, and Recorder.
Meetings take place on the first and third Thursdays of every month, 7-9 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI.
We start jamming at 7 pm, break for a brief meeting and snacks at 8:30 pm and then back to jamming. If you play or enjoy listening to any of the above instruments, you are invited to visit us at our next meeting.
Meetings take place on the first and third Thursdays of every month, 7-9 pm at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile Rd, Livonia, MI.
We start jamming at 7 pm, break for a brief meeting and snacks at 8:30 pm and then back to jamming. If you play or enjoy listening to any of the above instruments, you are invited to visit us at our next meeting.
Bill Robinson is a 3rd generation hammered dulcimer player living in St. Charles, Illinois. Known for his upbeat playing style, and unique dulcimer traditions handed down from generation to generation, Robinson is a master of the instrument..
Bill Robinson has been playing for over 60 years and formed the band Bill Robinson & Friends in 1980. He has also taught hundreds of students how to play the instrument and continues to teach new students.
Bill Robinson has been playing for over 60 years and formed the band Bill Robinson & Friends in 1980. He has also taught hundreds of students how to play the instrument and continues to teach new students.
Colin is a Mobile, AL based musician who specializes in hammered dulcimer, steel pans, and percussion. Known for his unique style of playing, Colin mixes elements from a variety of genres in his music. These include classical, jazz, Irish folk, African, Brazilian, Cuban, Caribbean, and various others.
He has released a self recorded solo hammered dulcimer album "La Tranquilità", Italian for "tranquility". Consisting mostly of slower, more delicate songs, this album features music from around the world as well as a few originals. It's the perfect album to relax, sleep, and think to.
He has released a self recorded solo hammered dulcimer album "La Tranquilità", Italian for "tranquility". Consisting mostly of slower, more delicate songs, this album features music from around the world as well as a few originals. It's the perfect album to relax, sleep, and think to.
2013 National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, Katie Moritz is a musician and teacher hailing from the Chicagoland area in Northern Illinois. She’s been playing music ever since she could remember, starting piano as a very small child and playing the tuba through school.
Her taste in music is geared towards more eclectic sounds and it wasn’t till she started playing the hammered dulcimer that she found her authentic musical “voice”. The unique instrument was able to seamlessly sew together Katie’s love of traditional music from around the world, 1940’s jazz standards, Broadway musicals, bluegrass, and pop.
Her taste in music is geared towards more eclectic sounds and it wasn’t till she started playing the hammered dulcimer that she found her authentic musical “voice”. The unique instrument was able to seamlessly sew together Katie’s love of traditional music from around the world, 1940’s jazz standards, Broadway musicals, bluegrass, and pop.
Pam is a northern Michigan native - growing up a "stone's throw" from the Evart (Funfest) area and hailing from Marion, Michigan. A teacher by trade and a musician by birth, Pam Bowman has played guitar and sang from the time she was young.
It was in this dulcimer rich region that she first heard and saw a hammered dulcimer being played by a friend's father, while still a teen. It was nearly 10 years later when she noticed its unique tones drifting through the atmosphere of a local, historic craft shop - inquired if it was a hammered dulcimer in the recording - and thought to herself..."I'm old enough to buy one of those now!"
It was in this dulcimer rich region that she first heard and saw a hammered dulcimer being played by a friend's father, while still a teen. It was nearly 10 years later when she noticed its unique tones drifting through the atmosphere of a local, historic craft shop - inquired if it was a hammered dulcimer in the recording - and thought to herself..."I'm old enough to buy one of those now!"
National Dulcimer Champion, Mark Alan Wade performs in orchestra halls and music festivals alike with his characteristic mix of classical precision and raw, traditional American style.
Classically trained as a trumpeter with master’s and doctorate degrees in music from The Ohio State University, his unique style emerged as the technique and discipline of his formal training crossed over into his dulcimer playing.
He earned his undergraduate degree in music education at Ohio Wesleyan University. His performances bring world music to life and revitalize familiar classical pieces on hammered dulcimer.
Classically trained as a trumpeter with master’s and doctorate degrees in music from The Ohio State University, his unique style emerged as the technique and discipline of his formal training crossed over into his dulcimer playing.
He earned his undergraduate degree in music education at Ohio Wesleyan University. His performances bring world music to life and revitalize familiar classical pieces on hammered dulcimer.
ruffwater stringband
The Olde Michigan Ruffwater Stringband, often referred to as “Ruffwater”, was founded on September 26, 1978, out of the membership of the Paint Creek Folklore Society in Rochester, Oakland County, Michigan.
Our vision was to create a large country dance and concert orchestra that allowed small groupings within it to support the traditional dance community that was growing quickly in Michigan. The hammered dulcimer was selected as one of the pillars of our sound. Our dulcimer players through the years have been Bob Hubbach, Judi Morningstar, Sharon Robinson, Cecelia Webster and William Webster.
Since inception, we have presented more than 3000 concerts and dances the length and width of Michigan from Ironwood to Detroit and from Holland to Port Huron as well as the Midwest and Canada.
Our vision was to create a large country dance and concert orchestra that allowed small groupings within it to support the traditional dance community that was growing quickly in Michigan. The hammered dulcimer was selected as one of the pillars of our sound. Our dulcimer players through the years have been Bob Hubbach, Judi Morningstar, Sharon Robinson, Cecelia Webster and William Webster.
Since inception, we have presented more than 3000 concerts and dances the length and width of Michigan from Ironwood to Detroit and from Holland to Port Huron as well as the Midwest and Canada.
Ranked as the most influential dulcimer player of the last decade by readers of Dulcimer Player News, Rick Thum has made his mark on every aspect of the hammered dulcimer world. Rick is perhaps best known for his festival performances, which have regularly earned him the “most popular performer” title at the largest national dulcimer festival.
He brings a combination of passion and friendly accessibility to his teaching that makes his workshops and master classes favorites at festivals across the country. He has tapped this teaching experience to produce the best-selling instructional CD series for hammered dulcimer, the “Original Song of the Month Club”.
He brings a combination of passion and friendly accessibility to his teaching that makes his workshops and master classes favorites at festivals across the country. He has tapped this teaching experience to produce the best-selling instructional CD series for hammered dulcimer, the “Original Song of the Month Club”.