Ken Kolodner Coming to the Triangle on January 8, 2017

Here's something to look forward to after the holidays...

My long-time teacher and mentor, Ken Kolodner, along with his son, Brad Kolodner, will be doing a mini-tour of North Carolina after the first of the year. They will be landing in little ol' Pittsboro on Sunday afternoon, January 8, 2017, ready to play some music... and you're invited!

Based in Baltimore, this father-son duo combine exceptional talents to produce an innovative take on traditional and original music played in the old-time style. With Ken on hammered dulcimer and fiddle, and Brad on clawhammer banjo, banjola, gourd banjo, fiddle, and vocals, they perform tight and musical arrangements that communicate a real passion for the music. An added bonus... bassist Alex Lacquement will join them to round out the sound. It's sure to be a toe-tapping good time! Check out this youtube video for a sample of Ken and Brad's music: Skipping Rocks

And how about this? Ken and Brad are pleased to announce the release of their third CD together, The Swift House. They will be performing from the new recording! We'll be part of the cd release party!!

You don't want to miss this. The fun will begin with an afternoon of hands-on instruction. After all, music is not a spectator sport! Ken will teach a hammered dulcimer workshop while Brad teaches a clawhammer banjo workshop. Come learn a tune. Practice some embellishments. Pick up a few tips and tricks to enhance your playing. You're bound to learn something new.

That evening, Ken, Brad, and Alex will perform in concert at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Pittsboro. Sue Wilson (That's me! local hammered dulcimer player and teacher) and Betsy Kraus (on concertina) will be the 'warm-up' band. Who knows who else will be tapped to share the stage?! It should be quite the variety show!

Be sure to bring your acoustic instruments to the concert, because afterwards there'll be a jam session. I know it's Sunday night and all, but we gotta have a little fun. Let's play some music together!

WORKSHOPS
Sunday, January 8
Geared to advanced beginners and intermediate players, but all are welcome

Hammered Dulcimer w/ Ken Kolodner
2:00 - 5:00pm
Pittsboro Community House
65 Thompson Street, Pittsboro, NC
Cost: $40

Clawhammer Banjo w/ Brad Kolodner
2:00 - 4:00pm
N R Wilson's office building
767 West Street, Pittsboro, NC
Cost: $30

CONCERT

Sunday, January 8, 7:00 - 9:00pm

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church 

204 W. Salisbury Street, Pittsboro, NC

Jam session to follow

$15 in advance, $20 at the door

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!
For workshop or concert reservations:
Make checks to "Ken Kolodner"
Mail to Sue Wilson at PO Box 940, Pittsboro, NC  27312

To pay by credit card, contact Ken directly by calling (410)746-8387. Small fee may apply.

After Monday, 11/14/2016, you may also purchase reservations at www.kenkolodner.com

For further information, write to Sue at sswilson123@gmail.com
or telephone Sue at (919)542-5854

Be sure to visit the Ken and Brad website at www.kenandbrad.com , and look for them on Facebook at Ken and Brad Kolodner.

Bring your friends! Spread the word! The more folks, the more fun! 

Ken & Brad Kolodner, CD Release Tour, Concert & Workshops in the Triangle!

'twas the 15th of December
and in this and that house...
we're practicing for a concert,
me and Betsy Kraus

I can hear the groans! Sorry for the bad poetry... but we're looking forward to performing with the Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio on January 8. They're coming to Pittsboro as part of a CD release tour. There'll be an evening concert and afternoon workshops. Wishing you had more live music in your life? Here's your chance to start the new year right!

I know it's hard to look beyond the holidays. There will be so much happening between now and January. But NOW is exactly the right time to reserve your space. Here's all the info...

Baltimore’s nationally-acclaimed father-son Old-Time roots duo Ken & Brad Kolodner perform in Pittsboro, NC as part of a CD release tour celebrating their third recording, “The Swift House." Joining Ken and Brad to round out the trio is the incredibly versatile bassist Alex Lacquement (The Bumper Jacksons, The Ken & Brad Quartet, Charm City Junction). Ken & Brad Kolodner weave together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer, banjo and fiddles pushing the boundaries of the Old-Time tradition into uncharted territory.

Opening the show are local favorites Sue Wilson & Betsy Kraus. Music buddies since 1998, Sue & Betsy play an eclectic mix of acoustic, traditional dance music that will set your toes tapping. Drawing primarily from the rich traditions of Celtic and old-time music, Sue & Betsy pair two seldom seen instruments, the hammered dulcimer and the English concertina, to produce a lively and unique sound.

This intimate concert features a re-imagining of Old-Time, Celtic & World music.

Jam session to follow the concert!

CONCERT, featuring the Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio

w/Sue Wilson & Betsy Kraus

January 8, 2017 (Sunday)

7:00 - 9:00 pm

St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church

204 West Salisbury Street

Pittsboro, NC

Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

There are no physical tickets. Once you pay, your name will be put on a "paid" guest list which will be at the door. Doors open at 6:15pm. First come, first seated.

PLUS, WORKSHOPS!

Geared to advanced beginner / intermediate players, but all are welcome.

Hammered Dulcimer w/ Ken Kolodner

2:00 - 5:00pm

Pittsboro Community House

65 Thompson Street, Pittsboro, NC

$40

Clawhammer Banjo w/ Brad Kolodner

2:00 - 4:00pm

Dr Wilson's Office

767 West Street, Pittsboro, NC

$30

For info and to reserve space in the workshop / seats at the concert:

• Contact Sue at (919) 542-5854 or sswilson123@gmail.com
• OR make checks to "Ken Kolodner" then mail to Sue Wilson, PO Box 940, Pittsboro, NC 27312
• OR for credit card reservations go to www.KenKolodner.com or contact Ken at (410) 746-8387

For more about Ken and Brad and their music, follow these links:

www.kenandbrad.com 

www.kenkolodner.com 

www.bradkolodner.com 

Listen to Ken and Brad here ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYfm0OcpScE 

CTO ... One week out! The Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio in Pittsboro, NC

Check This Out ... Saturday, July 29, Ken Kolodner and son, Brad, will be in Pittsboro offering hammered dulcimer and clawhammer banjo workshops in the afternoon and performing in concert that evening. There's still time to reserve your space and get the "advance" ticket price. Check it out!

The Workshops
July 29, Saturday
Geared to advanced beginner / intermediate players, but all are welcome!

Hammered Dulcimer w/ Ken Kolodner
2:00 - 5:00pm
Pittsboro Community House
65 Thompson Street, Pittsboro, NC
$40

Clawhammer Banjo w/ Brad Kolodner
2:00 - 4:00pm
Dr Wilson's Office
767 West Street
Pittsboro, NC
$30

The Concert
July 29, Saturday, 7:00pm, doors open at 6:15pm
St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
204 W Salisbury Street, Pittsboro
Featuring the Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio
w/ Sue Wilson & Betsy Kraus
Cost: $15 in advance, $20 at the door

Baltimore’s nationally-acclaimed father-son Old-Time roots duo Ken & Brad Kolodner perform in Pittsboro, NC as part of a CD release tour, celebrating the release of their third recording, “The Swift House.” Joining Ken and Brad to round out the trio is guitarist / vocalist Luke Chohany. Ken & Brad Kolodner weave together a captivating soundscape on hammered dulcimer, banjo and fiddles pushing the boundaries of the Old-Time tradition into uncharted territory.

Opening the show are local favorites Sue Wilson & Betsy Kraus. Music buddies since 1998, Sue & Betsy play an eclectic mix of acoustic, traditional dance music that will set your toes tapping. Drawing primarily from the rich traditions of Celtic and old-time music, Sue & Betsy pair two seldom seen instruments, the hammered dulcimer and the English concertina, to produce a lively and unique sound.

This intimate concert features a re-imagining of Old-Time, Celtic & World music.

Jam session to follow the concert!

For info and to reserve space:
Contact Sue Wilson at (919) 542-5854 or sswilson123@gmail.com
Or Ken at (410) 746-8387

Or go directly to www.KenKolodner.com to make reservations on-line via credit card

There are no physical tickets! Once you pay, your name goes on a list which will be at the door. When you arrive at the door, state your name and you're in! Doors open at 6:15pm. See you there!

Find out more about the musicians at these websites:

www.kenandbrad.com
www.kenkolodner.com
www.bradkolodner.com

Listen to Ken and Brad here:

Skipping Rocks 

CTO ... January Concert and Workshop Rescheduled for July!

That's right. Ken and Brad Kolodner will be traveling this way again come July. I am happy to announce that the concert and workshop that were snowed-out and iced-over in early January have been rescheduled! There'll be no snow clouds to ruin our good plans this time.

Check This Out ... A new "mini" tour has been planned. Pittsboro will be the Saturday destination. Save the date and make plans to join us! Please share with those who might be interested.

Saturday, July 29, 2017
Ken Kolodner & Brad Kolodner
Leading Workshops (for hammered dulcimer & banjo)
Pittsboro Community House, Pittsboro

The Ken & Brad Trio w/Sue Wilson & Betsy Kraus
Performing in Concert - 7:00pm
w/ acoustic Jam Session to follow
St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Pittsboro

Contact Sue at sswilson123@gmail.com or Ken at kenkolodner@aol.com
OR sign up and reserve your space via credit card on Ken's website

And Check This Out ... The January event was part of a tour marking the release of Ken & Brad's newest CD, The Swift House. In the first month following the release of the recording it hit the top 10 on the Folk and Roots Charts! This means that the recording has received lots of airplay across the US to date. Interested in purchasing the CD? Go Ken & Brad's website

------------------------------------------
In case you find yourself further afield, or wish to pass this on to other lovers of live music outside the Triangle area, here are the scheduled performances that will round out the rest of Ken & Brad's "make-up" tour weekend:

Thu, Jul 27 - West Jefferson, NC
Ken & Brad Trio w/guest Michael Bell
Ashe County Arts Council - 7:30pm

Fri, Jul 28 - Bedford, VA
Ken & Brad trio
The Bedford Library Concert Series - 7:00pm

Support LIVE MUSIC!

5 things I'm grateful for after my week at Sandbridge

Give thanks for a little and you will find a lot. ~ Hausa Proverb

Just returned from the 11th annual Sandbridge Dulcimer Retreat put on by Ken Kolodner. Feeling inspired and strong at the instrument. I have attended every year! These things ... for which I am most grateful ... keep me coming back:

1. Good food to sustain us - From the Italian-made coffee machine that kept the caffeine flowing day and night to the well-stocked 'fridge and cabinets to the crabs prepared every which way to the daily dose of chocolate chip cookies to the .... well ... the list just goes on and on! Lori Theriault provided gustatory delights that kept our tummies happy. What a treat to eat delicious food that was planned, acquired, and prepared by someone else! In her life outside of Sandbridge, she's a potter in Asheville. Find her at Crazy Green Studios.
2. Time to devote to this passion - There's always some frantic time before Sandbridge spent getting work and chores done up ahead of time in order to clear the week. Then the week after is spent catching up! I'm thankful to my family for putting up with my absence as I pursue my dulcimer passion.
3. An unparalleled instructor - Ken Kolodner has been my main dulcimer teacher and mentor for the past 17 years. (How can that be??) He plays beautifully and knows how to convey what he's doing in the classroom. The bottom line, I want to play like Ken, so I study with him. 
4. Plenty to work on in the coming year - Wow! As always, so much material presented in one week! It will take awhile to process. I'm sure I will not complete the list in one year, but it sure will be fun trying. Ken always chooses interesting and fun repertoire in which to practice skills, techniques, and theory. Every year we come back for more ... we just keep raising the bar.
5. Fun and supportive community of friends - Sandbridge is like a family reunion, except everyone is on the same page, enjoying a shared passion for music! Aren't we the lucky ones?

Several trapezoids of the triangle have attended the Sandbridge retreat over the years. Perhaps you're ready for one of Ken's intensive week-long workshops, or would like to work up to it. Three weeks offered in the fall, and ... NEW in 2016 ... one week in April! Read more about Ken Kolodner's Sandbridge Dulcimer Workshops.

CTO ... In Concert: Ken Kolodner with Mary Lynn Michal

LIVE! from Sandbridge Beach, VA 

Check This Out ... Ken Kolodner and Mary Lynn Michal will be performing Ken's arrangements of traditional and original music on twin hammered dulcimer, hammered mbira, and fiddle.

Friday, March 26, 2021 - 8:00 - 9:00pm EST

Tickets must be purchased in advance. The cut-off date for sales is March 24

ALERT: This will be a high demand event, and this concert series, sponsored by DPN (Dulcimer Players News), limits the virtual audience on Zoom to 100 listeners. If you're interested, better jump on it!

https://www.dpnews.com/concert-series-1/dpn-concert-series-with-ken-kolodner-and-mary-lynn-michal 

CTO … Ken & Brad Kolodner in NC Next Weekend!

You may have heard that Ken & Brad Kolodner will be performing a house concert here in central NC on November 9. Perhaps you relegated that bit of information to the back of your mind thinking that November is in the future. Well, my friend, November is here and there's no more time to procrastinate. There are still a few seats available. Reserve your spot today! Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy some fine toe-tappin' music!

Check This Out …

Sun, Nov 9, 2014: Hillsborough, NC

Ken and Brad in a house concert at ThreeSpokes, the home of Doug Joyce and Colleen Zinn. Suggested donation of $20. Show starts at 3:00 p.m. Jam to follow!! Finger foods and iced tea will be provided. Bring your beverage of choice if you would like. Please get your reservations early as seating is limited to 50. For reservations or more information, contact Colleen at tconcerts@gmail.com or call 919-732-7570 

In the mood for a little road trip and want to make it a weekend?

Here's the rest of the story:

Fri, Nov 7, 2014: Charleston, SC

Ken and Brad join Bart Saylor to play for the Charleston Contra Dance at 8:00 p.m.  Felix Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Place East, North Charleston, SC 29405http://charlestonfolk.weebly.com/contra-dancing.html

Sat, Nov 8, 2014: Charleston, SC

Old-time banjo workshops with Brad Kolodner

Old-time fiddle workshops with Ken Kolodner

Fiddle and banjo workshops will run at the same time

10:00-12:00 - Cost: $35

Location: Hungry Monk Music, 1948 Belgrade Ave., Charleston, SC

To register & learn more, contact Bart Saylor at Bartsaylor@gmail.com & 843-270-6234

Sat, Nov 8, 2014: Charleston, SC

Ken and Brad in concert at The Circular Congregational Church, at 150 Meeting St. Charleston, SC. Tickets at $20.00. 7pm-9pmMore info: Bart Saylor at Bartsaylor@gmail.com and 843-270-6234

CTO … Breaking News! Ken & Brad Kolodner Plan Mini-Tour in the Carolinas this November

That's right! Ken & Brad Kolodner have scheduled a whirlwind weekend of fun, including a contra dance, fiddle and banjo workshops, plus a concert in Charleston, SC.

Then they'll top it all off with a house concert right here in central NC!

Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy some fine toe-tappin' music!

Check This Out …

Sun, Nov 9, 2014: Hillsborough, NC

Ken and Brad in a house concert at ThreeSpokes, the home of Doug Joyce and Colleen Zinn. Suggested donation of $20. Show starts at 3:00 p.m. Jam to follow!! Finger foods and iced tea will be provided. Bring your beverage of choice if you would like. Please get your reservations early as seating is limited to 50. For reservations or more information, contact Colleen at tconcerts@gmail.com or call 919-732-7570 

In the mood for a little road trip and want to take in the entire weekend?

Here's the rest of the story:

Fri, Nov 7, 2014: Charleston, SC

Ken and Brad join Bart Saylor to play for the Charleston Contra Dance at 8:00 p.m.  Felix Davis Community Center, 4800 Park Place East, North Charleston, SC 29405http://charlestonfolk.weebly.com/contra-dancing.html

Sat, Nov 8, 2014: Charleston, SC

Old-time banjo workshops with Brad Kolodner

Old-time fiddle workshops with Ken Kolodner

Fiddle and banjo workshops will run at the same time

10:00-12:00 - Cost: $35

Location: Hungry Monk Music, 1948 Belgrade Ave., Charleston, SC

To register & learn more, contact Bart Saylor at Bartsaylor@gmail.com & 843-270-6234

Sat, Nov 8, 2014: Charleston, SC

Ken and Brad in concert at The Circular Congregational Church, at 150 Meeting St. Charleston, SC. Tickets at $20.00. 7pm-9pmMore info: Bart Saylor at Bartsaylor@gmail.com and 843-270-6234

CTO ... Ken & Brad Kolodner to Visit Pittsboro

'twas in the moon of wintertime when all the birds had fled
expecting Ken and Brad... but we got ice and snow, instead

That's right. Remember the workshop and concert that was scheduled this past January? Cancelled by good ol' Mother Nature when she sent an icy winter storm this way?

It's been rescheduled!

Check This Out... Ken Kolodner and his son, Brad, will present workshops and a concert in Pittsboro this summer. Just over two months out... 

Mark your calendar NOW so you can work your summer plans around it! Basic details below:

Saturday, July 29


Afternoon Workshops:
2:00 - 5:00pm - Instruction in hammered dulcimer (Ken) $40
2:00 - 4:00pm - Instruction in clawhammer banjo (Brad) $30

Evening Concert:
7:00pm - St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, Pittsboro

Sue Wilson (hammered dulcimer) and Betsy Kraus (concertina) will open the show. Ken and Brad will treat us to a fabulous multi-instrumental performance. The fun will continue with a jam session afterwards. Bring your acoustic instruments!
$20 at the door, $15 in advance

Registration is open now!

Follow this link to secure your space in the workshop and/or the concert:
http://www.kenkolodner.com/pittsboro-concert-with-the-ken--brad-trio-and-sue-wilson--betsy-kraus.html, or contact Ken directly at (410) 746-8387 to make a credit card payment over the phone, or for other ordering options.

Want to reserve your space more locally? Have a question or concern?
Contact Sue Wilson at (919) 542-5854 or sswilson123@gmail.com

Find out more about these musicians:
www.kenandbrad.com 
www.KenKolodner.com
www.BradKolodner.com

Watch them perform in this youtube video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYfm0OcpScE 

CTO... Finally! a "how to" dulcimer book that's really worth buying!

Since I started teaching in 2006, students have asked if there's a particular book from which I teach. The answer has been 'no'. I typically make my own handouts and information sheets based on the method from which I learned, i.e. the Ken Kolodner method. I am thrilled that Ken has recently put together a book that contains everything you need to know to master the hammered dulcimer. Those are BIG words, but seriously, there's a LOT in this book!

Check This Out ... Ken Kolodner has just released Edition #3 of his Chord Theory and Mapping for the Hammered Dulcimer book. This spiral-bound, easel-style book began as a collection of cheat sheets and charts to help students navigate the instrument. In subsequent editions, information and explanations were added to create a compact, easy-to-read summary of music theory for the hammered dulcimer. The information presented is essential to mastery of the instrument.

Self-motivated players can work through this book on their own, although it might be helpful to have an experienced teacher give some guidance. If no such teacher is available (and even if there is) or if you simply want more "foundation" information to explore all of this on your own, check into Ken's "Big Bundle" on his website. That'll keep you busy for awhile :-)

Chord Theory and Mapping for the Hammered Dulcimer is available NOW! Check it out!

CTO … Now Available! Ken Kolodner's newest book of tune arrangements, "The Sandbridge Waltz and Slow Air Collection"

Book #2 in a two-volume set, this is the companion book to The Sandbridge Dance Tune Collection, released at the end of October and featured in the November 1 CTO posting. You know you must have both of these books! Better let Santa know ...

Check This Out … From Ken Kolodner's website, The Sandbridge Waltz and Slow Air Collection contains "Traditional and original waltzes, slow airs, marches and O'Carolan. The repertoire draws primarily from the traditional music of the U.S. (Old-Time), Ireland, Scotland, Quebec, Cape Breton, England, Finland, Sweden, Chile and Israel. Each tune is presented as a simple melody with chord progression along with one or more detailed arrangements offering a wide range of levels of complexity. Backup and harmony parts are provided for many of the pieces. The book is a lifetime resource for players of all levels. Kolodner is widely known as one of the most prominent teachers and performers of the hammered dulcimer and is especially known for his teaching of arranging and backup techniques."

All righty, then. That ought to keep you busy for awhile!

CTO ... Less than one week out - Ken Kolodner in Pittsboro

I temporarily dropped off the communications grid last Wednesday, but I'm back! And just in time, too, to remind everyone of the next BIG gathering of trapezoids ... right here in central North Carolina.

Ken and Brad Kolodner will be teaching and performing in Pittsboro, North Carolina on Saturday, July 27. That's next weekend, y'all! We've had a wonderful response and we're looking forward to a great day. Even better news ... there's still room for you!

Check This Out ... Refer back to the May 2, 2013 posting on this blog OR the "schedule" page of the Sue Wilson Dulcimer website, OR simply click on the "Schedule of Events" tab at the top of this page ... for all the details about:

• Ken's all-day hammered dulcimer workshop
• Brad's afternoon clawhammer banjo workshop
• the evening concert, featuring Ken & Brad Kolodner, Sue Wilson & Betsy Kraus, and friends
• the jam session
• plus links to You Tube videos
• and all contact information

We're getting ready. Hope to see you!

Felt like practicing in a tree house!

CTO … Ken Kolodner passing through the Triangle area in November. Any leads on a concert op?

Check This Out … Ken Kolodner and son, Brad, will be heading to Charleston, SC this coming November 7-8  to play a concert (and contra dance) plus fiddle and banjo workshops. They are looking for a house concert or other concert opportunity in the Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill area on Nov 6 or Nov 9. Any ideas? Contact Ken!

All's well that ends well ...

I've been thinking about reworking a tune that I learned from my teacher, Ken Kolodner, many years ago at the Swannanoa Gathering Dulcimer Week (sadly, that dulcimer event is now defunct). It's an old time rag ... the first tune that I really started to "get" the idea of shifting accents and playing syncopated rhythms. I don't know why, but at some point I dropped it from my practice list. This past week was the time to resurrect it.

All I had was a messy handwritten piece of music notated for fiddle players, with no suggested chord progression. It was more trouble than it was worth to read, so I loaded Ken's recording of the tune (from his cd Journey to the Heartland) into the Amazing Slow Downer and got to work. The tune came back to me. I slogged through every little nuance.

I got the tune. I got the variations. I got the nice chromatic runs. I even got a new syncopated rhythm trained into my brain and hands. I wrote out the music in Finale, but paused when it came to writing in the chords. Most of it was pretty straightforward, but doubt was creeping in. Could it be that simple? There's always something that I miss!

So I googled it ... searching for the standard chord progression for YZ Hamilton's Breakdown. And what do you think showed up? The third entry down the google list ... Fiddle Tunes Volume 2 - Ken Kolodner ... an instructional cd that I own!! I haven't looked at those lessons in years. Hmmm ... there's gold in them thar piles of cds!

So I pulled out the cd. Listened to the entire lesson. Was personally affirmed by the fact that I had successfully gotten it by ear. Yay!

I'm glad it turned out this way. It was much better practice relying on my own ear and skills of analysis. But, of course, I did miss something ... the darn G7 chord. And you know what? That chord makes all the difference!

Sandbridge South

The beginning of Sandbridge Season is upon us!

A few Triangle trapezoids got together recently to practice shared repertoire acquired through years of study with Ken Kolodner.

Most recently, instruction has come via attendance at his annual, multi-week, Sandbridge Dulcimer Workshops event, now in its 12th year!

People come from all over the country to learn, play, eat, jam. The 2016 fall sessions begin on September 25. Players are ramping up their practice schedules to get in shape for the intensive instruction and fantastic jam sessions.

There are a bunch of us players in the extended Triangle area who have attended the Sandbridge workshops at one time or another. I like to call the crowd, "Sandbridge South." Because we share the same teacher, we have an extensive list of tunes that we've worked and re-worked with interesting arrangements, harmonies, and backup. Getting together to play is the best kind of fun!

Having a recurring event (such as Sandbridge) to look forward to has its advantages:

• Motivation to actually practice and learn new tunes and ideas
• Reason to keep up the repertoire in order to play with others next time
• Opportunity to measure personal progress made
• Chance to form relationships with others who share your passion for the instrument

Some of you are regular attendees of the local Triangle HD Slow Jam. As you are well aware, those monthly get-togethers provide similar benefits!

BTW ... If you've never experienced Sandbridge, or a lesson with Ken, you will soon get your chance. He and his son, Brad Kolodner, are coming to the Triangle area! They will be passing through briefly, as part of a mini-tour of North Carolina in early 2017. ( Ken & Brad Kolodner )

Mark your calendar for Sunday, January 8.

Workshops (hammered dulcimer & banjo) followed by a concert at St. Bartholomew's Church, Pittsboro are planned for the afternoon / evening.

Watch this space for details!

Ken and Brad Kolodner in Pittsboro July 27

Mark your calendars now for a full day of music fun!

Hammered Dulcimer Workshop

Ken Kolodner will be teaching an all-day hammered dulcimer workshop for advanced beginners and up at the Eastern Chatham Senior Center, 365 NC Hwy 87, Pittsboro, NC on July 27. This is expected to be a mixed-skills class, with instruction geared to the less experienced player and extra ideas thrown in for the more advanced player. Topics to be covered: arranging, backup, chord theory, technique, and more!

The Schedule:
Sessions are set for 10:00am - noon and 1:00pm - 4:00pm.
Lunch plans are yet to be determined.
Doors will be open at 9:30am for participants to set up, tune, etc.
Stick around for the concert and jam session that night! (see below)

Cost of the Workshop:
$75 in advance; $80 at the door

Registration:
Contact Sue via email or by phone (919)542-5854 to express your interest.
Your name will be added to the roster. Then ...
Secure your space!
Send a check (made out to Sue Wilson) to:

Sue Wilson
P.O. Box 940
Pittsboro, NC  27312

Concert

There will be a concert that evening featuring: Ken & Brad Kolodner, with Sue Wilson & Betsy Kraus, 7:00 - 9:00pm,
St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, 204 W Salisbury St, Pittsboro, NC.

It promises to be quite the variety show! Enjoy an evening of traditional music performed on the hammered dulcimer, fiddle, banjo, guitar, concertina, hammered mbira ... plus a tune or two on twin fiddles and some vocals thrown in for fun!

Ticket Price:

$17 in advance

$20 at the door

To reserve your seat(s):

Contact Sue via email or by phone (919)542-5854. Your name will be put on the list. Then ... Send a check (made out to Sue Wilson) to:

Sue Wilson
P. O. Box 940
Pittsboro, NC  27312
Seats are NOT reserved until check is received.

Hang around for the JAM SESSION after the concert, 9:00 - 11:00 pm.
We're making plans for a good time. Hope to see you there!

Think chords! Think chords!

I am talking about paying attention to the chord progression of a tune as you learn it. Most of my students resist this advice because there is just so much darn work behind the comprehension and application of chord theory. I'm here to say, begin the work and keep it up. It's worth the effort.

Need a place to start? Check out Ken Kolodner's Chord Theory and Mapping for the Hammered Dulcimer ... everything you need to know to master the hammered dulcimer!

After 20+ years I still must work diligently to get the chord work down in a tune. Today, as I review and revive old tunes in preparation for an upcoming intensive week-long Sandbridge workshop with Ken Kolodner, I am finding that those pieces learned with focus on chord progression are coming back much more quickly those learned more by rote memorization. I'm having to relearn those early tunes the RIGHT way!

So ... take note of the way the chord progression is reflected in the melody line - learn how decisions about harmony are made - work on back-up arrangements even if you never play with others! The tunes you work so hard to acquire will stick better in the end.

CTO … NEW Tune Book available from Ken Kolodner

The long awaited Sandbridge Dance Tune Collection is here!

Check This Out … Ken Kolodner has put together a hefty volume of traditional and original dance tunes - reels, jigs, hornpipes, and polkas - all arranged for hammered dulcimer. For each tune, he starts with the basic melody and chord progression, adds arranging ideas of varying complexity, and even includes harmony and back-up ideas for some tunes. Representing 30 years experience of teaching countless individuals and many, many workshops, this book is the first of a planned two-book companion collection. There's plenty to keep you busy while waiting for book #2!

Another successful workshop and concert in Pittsboro

Wish I had taken more photos, but I was sort of busy at the time. I regret that I didn't get the official group shot! And no photos from the concert. If you have some, please share!

19 students attended Ken Kolodner's all-day hammered dulcimer workshop.
The Tennessee Waltz and Cumberland Gap were on the agenda.

Circle the recording devices!

10 students attended Brad Kolodner's clawhammer banjo workshop.
A few folks hung around afterwards to play some tunes.

Late night jam after the concert

Ken & Bart

Bill & Rachel

Ken & Betsy 

MaryLynn & Carol

CTO ... There's still time!

Ken Kolodner and his son, Brad Kolodner, of Baltimore, MD, will be bringing their special brand of music to Pittsboro, NC on July 27, 2013. This one-day event will include:

• All-day hammered dulcimer workshop with Ken AND an afternoon clawhammer banjo workshop with Brad
• An evening concert featuring Ken and Brad, along with a variety of local talent, including Sue Wilson (hammered dulcimer) and Betsy Kraus (concertina)
• Plus, an open jam session after the concert 

Check This Out ... We've had a great response and we're anticipating a fantastic day! Have you been procrastinating and suddenly realize the time is now? Or has your schedule changed in such a way to allow you to come after all? Call me (919) 542-5854 - or just show up. We can accommodate you!

For all the details, click on the "Schedule of Events" tab at the top of the page.