Silver Strings Dulcimer Society
On a hot July afternoon in 1983, about a dozen members of a beginning Hammered Dulcimer class met at a park in Wyandotte, MI to review what they had learned together. This was the beginning of the Silver Strings Dulcimer Society. Since then, the club has grown many times over. The purpose and goal of the club is to enjoy playing the hammered dulcimer together with other acoustic instruments and to promote and encourage knowledge of the hammered dulcimer through its activities, meetings, performance and newsletter. Our members have a wide range of experience and ability from just starting to very experienced. Regardless of experience, Silver Strings welcomes all players of acoustic instruments and invites you to join us by visiting a jam. Jams are held the first and third Thursday of each month at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 30650 Six Mile in Livonia MI. There are other club sponsored events: “pop-up Jams” during the summer, Facebook “Live” jams during the winter, an annual picnic that includes jamming, and an annual campout that includes workshops. The club promotes, performs and shares its music in a variety of venues: festivals, community sponsored events, senior living centers, corporate and private functions. To learn more about the Silver Strings Dulcimer Society, visit their website or stop by their Jam Tent at Evart.
Buckeye Road Show
Buckeye Roadshow, from Ohio, is composed of Shari Wolf and Chris and Joe Steiner. Just like necessity is the mother of invention, Covid 19 caused these three friends to collaborate on ways to continue to keep music alive during the vacuum that existed in 2020-2021. Shari Wolf, (director of the Buckeye Dulcimer Festival), and Chris and Joe Steiner (assistant directors), came up with a plan to provide “zoom” jams from various locations… hence the name Buckeye Roadshow. The first jams consisted of just the trio, but current jams also include “live” participants from the local area. These zoom jams have online participants from all over the United States.
In addition to the monthly Buckeye Roadshow jams since 2021, Buckeye Roadshow assists clubs and organizations by conducting workshops and assisting in any way needed to strengthen their club and performances. Of course, Buckeye Roadshow just loves to share their music during live performances, too. There is only one way to keep old-timey music alive, and that is by sharing it – one tune at a time.
Ben Traverse
Folksinger, balladeer, educator, songwriter, and Earthwork Music Collective member Ben Traverse commands a wide array of instruments in their mission to bring the finest traditional folk music into the 21st century. With deep roots in the Great Lakes State, they travel Michigan and beyond telling stories and truths as old as the hills.
Drawing from the rich history of American, Celtic, English, and maritime traditions, Traverse brings its unapologetic rawness and honesty into the present day. Whether performing solo, collaborating with other musicians, or working in an educational setting, audiences are left with not only a deeper understanding, but also appreciation for this historical art and the context under which it blossomed. Traverse has released three albums: a solo collection of old-time American ballads in the spirit of Pete Seeger and early Folkways Recordings, a rousing album of sea shanties and maritime music with Michael Dause, and another with Nick Veine celebrating music from the Irish diaspora. Contact Ben Traverse Music for more information on his bookings, recordings, and other merchandise.
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. Visit his website to learn more about his music, CDs and events.
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. Visit his website to learn more about his music, CDs and events.
Nicole Tressler - bluegrass with the Silver String Bluegrass Band
A classically trained violinist from the Plymouth/Ann Arbor area, Nicole studied under the direction of Hektor Qyteti and was a member of the Michigan Philharmonic Youth Orchestra. She has performed solo works such as the Mozart, Beethoven, Mendelssohn concertos, and other violin pieces. Along with playing in several orchestras in the Nashville area, she has recently performed at Carnegie Hall.
While playing various types of music, she is also involved with fiddling in bluegrass groups across the southern region. Being equally passionate about other genres of music, Nicole has delved into the Irish, bluegrass and Texas swing fiddle styles. She plays a range of lonesome country melodies to upbeat and fast-paced bluegrass tunes. As an award-winning fiddle player, she has played at a variety of music festivals. Nicole is also a multi-instrumentalist playing guitar, mandolin, hammered dulcimer and piano.
The Fiddle Section
Get ready for a high energy performance!
Crandell Family Band
The Crandell Family Band is made up of siblings Georgia, Naomi, Dinah, Arlo, and Reuben. They’ve been learning instruments at Michigan Academy of Folk Music in Holland, MI for four years and attending the ODPC Funfest in Evart even longer (way longer!).
Some good places to find them playing together would be anywhere around the house, street performing downtown Holland, on stage during the monthly house concerts at the folk music school, or in any open jam around! They look forward to this week of July every year and can’t wait to share their passion for music on stage with you this year!
Brett Ridgeway is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and recording artist whose work is well-known in various traditional Appalachian music circles within the United States. He quickly fell in love with its rustic, down-home sound, the history of Appalachian music and followed this passion leading him to learn and love to play a number of other 'traditional' instruments, such as the hammered dulcimer, acoustic guitar, mandolin, concertina, marimbula, and penny whistle, to name a few. Brett's Appalachian enthusiasm also involves sharing the history behind not just the instruments, but also the oral accounts of the Appalachian people, which developed into many of the folk tunes we still know and love today.
Brett has recorded and released nine albums, authored eight music/instrument workbooks, and is featured on the soundtrack of the 2009 film Path of the Wind. He currently teaches music, conducts workshops, and performs at festivals and other events and venues up and down the eastern U.S. coast, frequently with his wife, Kimberly, supporting him on vocals. Visit Brett's website for more information on his albums, music, books, workshops and events.
Rob Angus
Rob Angus plays dulcimer (both mountain and hammered), guitar, bass, and bluegrass banjo. He has performed for concerts, weddings, receptions, parties, retirement homes, dulcimer festivals and bluegrass festivals. His trio, After Class, in which he played hammered dulcimer, has produced six albums featuring mountain and hammered dulcimers. Rob currently plays in three bands. He has taught workshops on both hammered and mountain dulcimer at numerous festivals and has given private lessons for many years. For more information on his CDs, lessons, and events, see his website.
Hedda & the scat Cats
Veteran Lansing musicians Bob McCarthy, and Hedda and Mike Doyle are Hedda and the Skat Kats. They have played a ton of local venues, festival gigs, and private parties for ten plus years.
They do Motown, jazz standards, R&B, and more. Bob also plays mandolin and lead guitar with the R&B band Jive Turkey. Hedda fronts the Motown cover band The Collective. Mike holds the bottom with his stand-up bass, and this year they will feature Mike's new Russell Cook Dulciforte.
MOUNTAIN DULCIMER PLAYERS
Every year we invite all mountain dulcimer players to open the show for the Friday evening concert. This is why we are here, to celebrate the players, the music, and the instrument. Join us!
Katelyn Baas (pronounced bahs), of northern Michigan, received her first guitar at the age of eleven and fell in love with the hammered dulcimer six years later while attending a workshop at the Evart Funfest. She arranges and performs uplifting acoustic music featuring guitar and hammered dulcimer. She 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 album, The Way of the Cross Leads Home, in 2020, and was a finalist in the 2024 National Hammer Dulcimer Championship. Listeners describe her music as the kind that touches people where nothing else can. Find her music at Katelynbaas.com or on your favorite streaming service.
Les Gustafson-Zook has been a popular autoharp instructor, performer and multi-instrumentalist at festivals and music schools across the U. S. since 1990. He’s an engaging entertainer, having performed in elementary schools for over 20 years introducing traditional instruments and music to multi-generation audiences with a presentation of Songs of the Pioneers. More recently, Les has been performing with a variety of homemade novelty instruments, bringing smiles and intrigue to all ages.
Robert Miller is a multi-instrumentalist and music therapist based in Pittsburgh, PA. He began playing the piano and percussion at an early age and music has been a large part of his life ever since. He studied voice while earning his B.S. in Music Education at West Chester University and picked up the guitar while pursuing a graduate degree in Music Therapy at Radford University. Robert started learning how to play the hammered dulcimer in October 2017 and it quickly became a new passion.
He has competed in and won the Mid-East Regional Hammered Dulcimer Championship (2019) and the Southern Region Hammered Dulcimer Competition (2024). He has also placed 2nd (2022) and 4th (2024) in the National Hammered Dulcimer Championship in Winfield, KS.
DeeDee Tibbits - Sonas
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.
Kara Barnard
Kara Barnard has entertained audiences from coast to coast and internationally. She has 7 recordings, played countless studio sessions, appeared on national television programs, and has been featured in articles in publications including Sing Out, Dulcimer Player News and Guitar Player Magazine.
In 2022, Kara won the National Mountain Dulcimer Championship in Winfield, Kansas. She is currently touring, performing and teaching at festivals across the country.
In addition to her recordings, Kara has self published several popular instructional books.
Kara's sister Pam will be joining her on stage at the Walnut Valley Festival this coming September in Winfield Kansas.
In 2022, Kara won the National Mountain Dulcimer Championship in Winfield, Kansas. She is currently touring, performing and teaching at festivals across the country.
In addition to her recordings, Kara has self published several popular instructional books.
Kara's sister Pam will be joining her on stage at the Walnut Valley Festival this coming September in Winfield Kansas.
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. He takes his percussive rhythms and focuses them on both original melodies as well as unique interpretations of traditional and popular tunes.
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. Visit his website for more information on his music, events and CDs.
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. Visit his website, Dave Haas, for music books, CDs and lessons.
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. Visit his website, Dave Haas, for music books, CDs and lessons.
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.
hammered dulcimer stage show
Every year we invite all hammered dulcimer players to open the show for the Saturday evening concert. This is why we are here, to celebrate the players, the music and the instrument. Join us.
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.
Susana Baker
Susana (soo-SAH-nah) Baker, 2024 National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, has been playing hammered dulcimer since she was 14, after 4 years of playing classical violin. Through the hammered dulcimer she was introduced to the wonderful world of folk music, which soon overtook classical music as her preferred style. Susana draws inspiration from various folk traditions, including Old Time, Celtic, Canadian, and Scandinavian. For more information, visit the Susana Baker website.
His first dulcimer was one he built from scratch, and after teaching himself to play, he quickly became an accomplished artist with the talent and skill necessary to win the Mideast Regional Hammered Dulcimer Competition in 2012. Shortly after this achievement, he entered and won the National Hammered Dulcimer Championship at the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas
Ilace (“Eye-less”) Mears celebrated turning 50 with the purchase of a hammered dulcimer. Since then, the unique and versatile instrument has been a joyful obsession and the portal to a whole new musical world. The journey has led to multiple trophies, including the 2016 National Hammered Dulcimer Champion one. Her accomplishments include highly acclaimed teaching and performing at events from Michigan to Louisiana, and Virginia to California – and all but two of the QuaranTUNE online festivals! For the last 11 years, Ilace has been a bona fide Branson entertainer – but just a few days a week at the Butterfly Palace and Rainforest Adventure, entertaining insects and happy visitors – and sharing her love for the dulcimer!
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!"
Katie Moritz
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.
Mickey Sweeney met her first hammered dulcimer in St. Augustine eight years ago; it was love at first sight! Since then, she has studied with many renowned performers and won the National Hammered Dulcimer Competition in 2023.She performs annually at the very festival where she first saw the dulcimer!Mickey plays regularly at the Butterfly House in Chesterfield, MO and often in the St Louis area, as well as teaching locally and at dulcimer festivals. Recently certified as a therapeutic musician, Mickey can also be found providing relaxing music at hospitals and nursing homes.
Val Cortoni
Val Cortoni is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and music producer based in Paris, France. His work blends old-world acoustics with modern production techniques, featuring traditional instruments like the hammered dulcimer and psaltery alongside keyboards and electronic elements. Val has released two synth-folk albums, Nomade (2020) and Corélian (2022), showcasing his unique fusion of folk and electronic music.
Hammered dulcimer player since 2015 and former student of Dr. Mark Alan Wade, Val enjoys exploring a wide range of styles, from folk, medieval, and baroque music to unexpected genres like heavy metal, electronic music, and video game soundtracks.
Hammered dulcimer player since 2015 and former student of Dr. Mark Alan Wade, Val enjoys exploring a wide range of styles, from folk, medieval, and baroque music to unexpected genres like heavy metal, electronic music, and video game soundtracks.
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. Visit the Colin Beasley website for more information on his services, lessons, CD and videos.
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. Visit the Colin Beasley website for more information on his services, lessons, CD and videos.
Mark Alan Wade performs throughout Europe, Asia, and North America as a soloist on dulcimer and trumpet. A classical trumpeter by trade, Mark earned his master and doctorate degrees in music from The Ohio State University and has played hammered and mountain dulcimers for over 30 years. His style uniquely marries his classical precision and technique with his wild traditional dulcimer playing. Mark’s playing brings Celtic & world music to life and authenticity to familiar classical pieces.
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”.