CTO … John McCutcheon, in Cary, May 3rd

And get this … it's FREE!

As luck would have it, this is the same weekend as the Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival. Why does everything happen at the same time? But if you must skip the festival, and happen to be in the Triangle …

Check This Out … The Town of Cary has booked John McCutcheion to play during their Spring Sertoma Series at Sertoma Amphitheater in Bond Park (off High House Rd just east of High House and Cary Parkway) on Saturday, May 3, 3:00pm. Here's your chance to hear one of the early, legendary hammered dulcimer players that emerged during the 1970 - 80's. He's one of the "masters" of the instrument! These days, he's billed as an American folk-music singer and multi-instrumentalist. The hammered dulcimer is only a small bit of his current schtick. Still, it's a great opportunity to see a very talented musician.

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.

Concert THIS Saturday!

CTO ... Malcolm Dalglish's "Hymnody of Earth" to be performed at Binkley Baptist Church, Chapel Hill, NC

"A ceremony of songs for choir, hammer dulcimer, and percussion. Composed and arranged by Malcolm Dalglish. Featuring the poetry of Wendell Berry. Songs are in praise of the beauty and glory of nature."

I agreed to take this project on during the winter. As expected, it has been a lot of work!

• choreographing written music to the instrument
• working out hammer patterns
• listening again and again to recordings of the dulcimer parts with the choral parts
• playing along with my best friend - the metronome
• rewriting sections that are beyond my skills without losing the 'feel'
• getting help when I needed it (thanks, Marya)
• memorizing everything
• practicing whether I felt like it or not
• practicing some more
• attending rehearsals
• focusing on focusing 

Don't get me wrong. It hasn't been all bad. In fact, I would say it's all good! I am certainly enjoying the benefits that come from intense practice ... in all my playing. And now it's time to perform!

Check This Out ... The choir at the Olin T. Binkley Baptist Church, 1712 Willow Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, will perform selections from Malcolm Dalglish's "Hymnody of Earth" this Sunday, June 9, during the regularly scheduled 11:00am worship service. Sue Wilson will play the hammered dulcimer accompaniment. (There will not be a percussionist performing this time.) It's a beautiful work. Come on out and hear what it's all about!

For those who are interested in which songs will be performed:

• The Dark Around Us
• The Wild Geese
• For the Future
• Thrush Song
• Walking at Night
• Hunger and Thirst
• Plus, more that do not require dulcimer accompaniment

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!

Winston Salem Dulcimer Festival - Registration Time!

The 19th annual Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival is scheduled for May 3 - 4, 2013 ... less than one month away! Click here to read all about it. Registration is currently underway. Make plans to attend now!

I've been making my plans. I'll be teaching several classes for various skill levels:

Understanding Modes (Advanced)
Who cares about modes? Why do hammered dulcimer players need to know about modes? Knowing the mode of a tune helps you determine WHERE the tune will be played on the instrument and WHAT CHORDS will likely be used. Learn to recognize common modes. Practice by looking at real tunes.

Two-Chord Tunes (Intermed)
Lots of tunes are made up of only 2 chords. Learn how to create ascending and descending bass lines using chord inversions to fit these 2-chord progressions. Use these ideas in arranging or playing backup.

Playing Syncopated Rhythms (Novice)
What is syncopation? How do you play it? Practice musical rhythms that shift the accent from what is expected to be the “strong” beat to what would normally be considered the “weak” beat.

Playing for Homebound / Hospice (All)
Many of us feel the need to share our music. Playing for those who are homebound or living in assisted-living / nursing-care facilities can be a rewarding way to do this. Come with questions and stories as we discuss what is expected of the musician in such a situation. Learn how to: Find your audience ~ Behave at bedside ~ Include family and other care givers ~ Develop a playlist.

As usual, the festival organizers have assembled quite a good line-up of teachers. Here's your chance to get a variety of perspectives and styles. Check the website under "Class Descriptions" to see the full menu. There's something for everyone!

Be sure to stay around for the Saturday evening concert. The headliners are fabulous entertainers ... not to be missed!

This festival is held every year on the first full weekend of May. It's a great place to meet up with old and new dulcimer buddies. Expect top-notch instruction, inspiring and entertaining concerts, jam sessions, dulcimer related cd's, books, accessories for sale, and a whole lot of fun ... right here in central NC.

Make it a tradition!

http://winston-salemdulcimerfestival.wikispaces.com

CTO ... Ruth and Steve Smith's television appearance to be re-aired

Check This Out ...The episode of the PBS TV series, "Song of the Mountains", featuring  Ruth and Steve Smith, will be re-aired Saturday, February 9, at 6 pm on North Carolina Public television UNC-TV. Ruth and Steve perform the second half of the show.

And if you're in the western part of the state this weekend, they will be appearing that very same day, live, at the Mast General Store in Valle Crucis, NC (12-3 pm). It's free!

CTO ... Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival Poster, Corrected

I posted this announcement several weeks ago.  It turns out the date for the concert was incorrect on the original poster.  Here's the corrected version.  Feel free to share with other dulcimer enthusiasts.  Don't miss this fantastic dulcimer event, right here in our own "backyard". Make plans to attend.  Mark your calendars today!

Check This Out ... The website is still under construction, but you can get a sneak preview of what's being planned for the Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival at W-S Dulcimer Fest 2013

CTO ... Plans for Winston-Salem Dulcimer Fest are Underway

Check This Out ... Hot off the press! What a line up!

The Winston-Salem Dulcimer Festival takes place annually on the first full weekend of May. It's a great place to meet up with old and new dulcimer buddies. Expect top-notch instruction, inspiring and entertaining concerts, jam sessions, dulcimer related cd's, books, and accessories for sale, and a whole lot of fun ... right here in central NC. Mark you calendar now and make plans to attend!