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 

It's a Question of Quality

Ready to take your playing to another level? Do you even know what's stopping you?

 

Take a look at your practice habits. Ask yourself two questions:

Am I practicing enough?

Am I intentional about my practice?

Consistent and deliberate practice is crucial to mastering the hammered dulcimer. It's no secret. We all know that in order to improve we must practice ... a lot. It's pretty easy to track how much we practice, e.g. count minutes practiced, count practice sessions completed, check off old and new tunes as you play them. But what about the deliberate part? How do we track how well we practice?

Well, that requires getting serious about identifying strengths and weaknesses. It requires focusing on tasks that improve the weaknesses, possibly finding a mentor who has already lived it... somebody who will stand by your side and point out what you need to do to improve. 

While there is some gain to be made simply by playing tunes and maintaining play lists, if we are to truly master the hammered dulcimer we must understand the patterns unique to its spatial layout and understand the theory behind those patterns. There IS a method to the madness!

On May 4, 2018 I wrote about my teacher / mentor, Ken Kolodner, and his book, Chord Theory and Mapping for the Hammered Dulcimer. At the time, he had just released Edition #3. From that blog post:

"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!"

Since then, the content in that book has been extensively tested in the field. Armed with lots of student feedback, Ken collaborated with Mary Lynn Michal to make significant revisions to the book. The new iteration, released last fall, has a new name: The Complete Guide to Theory and Mapping for the Hammered  Dulcimer, and what started as a nine-page flip-chart has morphed into 100+ pages!

But don't let that scare you off. The book is very usable and approachable. Ken and Mary Lynn, with the help of tech guru Laurie McCarriar, have added more content and new graphics to clarify music theory as it relates to the hammered dulcimer. Included are practical examples and exercises to get the ideas out of your head, into your hands, and onto the instrument. It's a great tool to help identify what you do and do not know and guide you to increased knowledge, leading to improved performance at the instrument.

Of course, self-motivated players can work through this book on their own, but there's help available! If we've learned anything during this past "covid year" it's that technology is our friend... making it possible to join, learn, share, get feedback, and ask questions from a real person - all from the comfort of home.

Here's your online connection to mentorship: Mary Lynn Michal is currently teaching a 40-week "live" video class through 2021, working through the entire hd theory book in bite-sized portions. I'm sorry to report that the "live" class is full and already underway... BUT all classes have been recorded and are now available for on-demand viewing! And participation gets you access to online discussion boards with Mary Lynn and other students.

On-demand works just fine for me and my unpredictable schedule. Mary Lynn is an experienced and talented teacher. This series of video lessons gives me the structure I need to really put in the work. How about you? Are you ready to DO IT?

Join Mary Lynn Michal and Laurie McCarriar on their new site, HD Homeland .... and take it from there!

Expanding

It's still January. There's still time to wish you all a happy new year! As the calendar page turns, many of us will take time to turn inward, reflect, make a plan to establish good habits ... begin again.

I bet many of you are optimistically approaching the dulcimer, aiming for more, better, improved practice habits in the coming year. 2020 really messed with my music practice. It was a combination of things, certainly not a lack of time! Priorities shifted. I spent more time in solitude with other creative endeavors, mostly at my sewing machine. We took our camper trailer and traveled across the country for extended visits in Colorado, not once, but twice this fall. I took my dulcimer, but it was hard to focus. I had total replacement of my right hip in late September. Two weeks later the Sandbridge Hammered Dulcimer retreat with Ken Kolodner and support crew Mary Lynn Michal and Laurie McCarriar was certainly a bright spot, zooming old and new friends and the music into my home, providing good structure and reason to get going after surgery. But it took weeks to really feel comfortable at the instrument again. Actually, there were plenty of digital opportunities in the dulcimer world last year... most notably, the well-attended QuaranTUNE virtual dulcimer festival, proving, if nothing else, that humans are adaptable!

Thankful to say that I'm back at it, reviewing previously mastered tunes, getting back to the basics with scales, arpeggios, harmonization exercises, and learning those new tunes from the Sandbridge retreat.

The big surprise is I'm also adding 15 minutes of piano practice to my music schedule. As a kid, I played the piano a lot. It was my escape. Mind you, I'm no master pianist! But since taking up the hammered dulcimer I haven't found time to do both. In recent years, though, I've made a point of getting the piano tuned in December, anticipating a house full of family who might like to play or sing carols ... and then I have fun playing Christmas music all month.

During this past very odd holiday season I enjoyed playing music from Tschaikowsky's ballet, The Nutcracker. I have a book of selected pieces arranged for piano solo by Harry Dexter. The book cost 75 cents back in the day. It has a pink cover. Anybody else remember it, or have a copy?

Amazing how one can get out of physical shape for playing the piano. At first, there were passages where my brain and my fingers felt absolutely disconnected. Then, there was a muscle in my upper left arm that became tired and sore after playing less than 15 minutes. All that has improved! Plus, I'm getting better at reading the notes on those outer ledger lines. 

You heard it here first... my goal is to learn all eight pieces in that book by next December. I'm hoping that experience playing the hammered dulcimer will somehow inform my playing of the piano, and vice versa. I know that at the very least I am getting back to something that used to give me quite a lot of pleasure. Wishing you joy in all of YOUR 2021 endeavors!

CTO ... Sandbridge HD Spring Retreat "Relaxed" Week - still some spaces available

Been thinking about attending one of Ken Kolodner's Sandbridge Hammered Dulcimer Retreats, but not sure you're ready for the "intensive" part of it? Here's your chance!

Check This Out ...  There is now a week designed specifically for first-timers who would like a more relaxed pace. Scheduled via Zoom this spring, the class will run March 28 - April 2, 2021 ... and there are still a few spaces available.

The socially distanced conditions during the COVID pandemic have demanded new and creative ways to "gather" in the dulcimer community. Unsure about video conferencing? After attending the online version of Sandbridge this past fall, I can assure you that Ken and his assistants, Mary Lynn Michal and Laurie McCarrier, truly have the zoom thing figured out. The silver lining? More students than ever are able to enjoy the benefits of Ken's teaching ... no travel required, and the price is right!

It's a new year. Perhaps "play more music" or "get serious about the dulcimer" is on your resolution list. What are you waiting for? Check it out!

The Value of Attending Workshops

Just back from Ken Kolodner's Sandbridge HD Retreat. Can you believe? I've been attending this autumn beach retreat for 15 years? Before that, I was a regular for nearly as many years at the Swannanoa Gathering Warren Wilson College until after the summer of 2011 when Dulcimer Week was discontinued.

Workshops, retreats, festivals help keep one on track along the musical journey. As we all know, it's not the destination ... you've got to enjoy the ride! It's nice to have some companions along the way.

What's to gain from attending dulcimer workshops?

• learn something
• be reminded of something you should have practiced / learned
• set new goals ... keep raising the bar
• enjoy different styles of playing and teaching
• be "wowed" but what can be done with the instrument
• maybe meet your role model / mentor / guru
• be inspired, maintain high level of self-motivation
• play lots of music
• meet old / new friends

There are plenty of opportunities to get out there in the dulcimer community. Dulcimer Players News is a good resource for information about festivals that occur all across the country. (If you don't already subscribe to this quarterly publication, you should!)

For you Triangle Trapezoids, here's a quick rundown of what's coming up in OUR area:

• Black Mountain Music Festival is happening THIS week. Set a reminder for mid-October Black Mountain
• Dan Duggan workshop / concert, November 2/3 Cary Attend workshop on Saturday and / or concert on Sunday. Concert open to the public ... bring friends!
• Marya Katz MLK Day all-day workshop, January 20 Winston Salem
• Winston Salem Dulcimer Festival May 2 Winston Salem In 2020, hammered dulcimers will once again be included in this one-day event. Marya Katz teaching.

And don't forget to watch this space for timely info about more local dulcimer events!

CTO ... Sue Wilson's article published in DPN

Dulcimer Players News, Volume 45, No. 1 (Feb 2019) arrived in mailboxes more than a week ago while I was hiking over snow-covered trails in the Flat Irons of Colorado. I'm always thrilled to receive DPN in the mail. I usually sit right down and page through the entire magazine to see what's happening in the greater dulcimer world.

But Check This Out ... the current publication happens to be of special interest to me because it includes an article that I wrote!

The most recent magazine includes several articles around the theme of festivals and workshops. You'll find a calendar listing of 2019 festivals and a "how-to" guide for attending festivals. My article is about the friendships and community that develop out of these events, drawing from my own experiences at the Swannanoa Gathering, Warren Wilson College, Black Mountain, NC and Ken Kolodner's Sandbridge Hammered Dulcimer Retreat at Sandbridge, VA. Trapezoids of the Triangle will recognize names mentioned and faces pictured.

I hope each of you already has a subscription to Dulcimer Players News ... "a quarterly magazine and CD filled with instruction, interviews, and stories for and about dulcimer enthusiasts. It's your connection to tradition and community." Ashley Ernst is the new editor, and she's doing a great job! If not, don't miss another issue! SUBSCRIBE TODAY!

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... 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!

Black Mountain Music Festival 2017

I spent last week at the second annual Black Mountain Music Festival held at the YMCA Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, North Carolina. The festival website promised great workshops and jamming for both mountain dulcimer AND hammered dulcimer, with additional classes in ukulele, fiddle, and autoharp. I went with high expectations and was not disappointed!

Photo Credit: Dan Landrum

102 mountain dulcimer players and 49 hammered dulcimer players attended. Director Chuck Moseley put together a dream team of top-notch instructors. For hammered dulcimer: Guy George, Dan Landrum, Ken Kolodner, Ruth Smith, Rick Thum. For mountain ducimer: Linda Brockinton, Bing Futch, Tull Glazener, Judy House, Erin Mae, Sarah Morgan, Aaron O'Rourke, Gary Sager, Stephen Seifert. All friendly, accessible, knowledgeable, fun teachers. Five 1-hour classes every day for four days. Superb classroom instruction that stretched brains and provided information needed to push our play to the next level.

Did I mention that these instructors are awesome performers, too? Concerts every night... what a variety show! The collaboration amongst these talented musicians was something to behold. The multiple styles of playing left many exclaiming, "You can do that with the dulcimer?"

After each evening concert, the jam sessions began.... a slow jam for the less experienced players led by the creative and zany Jim Miller, along with the regular jam, led by the energized Rick Thum. Musical madness reigned late into the night.

Many of us "old timers" have been missing the now defunct dulcimer week at the Swannanoa Gathering, Warren Wilson College. Guess what? The community we've been yearning for has found its way to the Black Mountain Music Festival! Here is the opportunity to make new friends, reconnect with the old, while introducing new players to the wider dulcimer community. The only thing missing? Could it be YOU?

Trapezoids of the Triangle... this festival is in our back yard.

Save the date for next year's festival!

October 21 - 26, 2018

See you there!

Follow BMMF on facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/blackmountainfestival/

Reinvigorated! Now Reflect

Last weekend I returned home from week #3 of Ken Kolodner's 13th annual Sandbridge Hammered Dulcimer Retreat... and what a treat it was to be immersed in music, surrounded by old and new friends, challenged by an excellent teacher ... sharing, learning, stretching, growing. I am inspired!

Many trapezoids of the triangle participated in the fall Sandbridge season. I can imagine each of them in their private music rooms, hammering out new tunes, new patterns, new rhythms. Now comes the time to reflect, identify weaknesses, make goals for the coming year.

The best practice is intentional practice. Clearly stating goals for the next period of time is an important thing. Will this be the year you finally get that pesky right hand default root arpeggio pattern? (aka "sunken sailboat" "backwards checkmark") Maybe you want to focus on learning to create a bass line using chord inversions. How about nailing that double-stroke valley-roll? So many skills that contribute to mastering the hammered dulcimer!

Pick something you're not yet satisfied with, make a plan, and go for it!

A room FULL of dulcimers!

CTO ... The Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio were in Pittsboro!

The Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio performed a fabulous concert last Saturday night in Pittsboro, NC, followed by a well-attended jam session.

Check This Out ... Overheard at the back door, "That's the best concert I've ever been to!" 

Thanks to Ken, Brad, and Luke Chohany for a fantastic evening of music. And thanks to the 151 folks in attendance. It ain't a show without an audience!

Luke, Brad, and Ken on-stage
St Bart's, Pittsboro, NC

jam session after the concert

CTO ... Pittsboro Papparazzi

Check This Out ... Sue Wilson and Betsy Kraus were caught in the act yesterday while practicing for Saturday's concert. **

The whole point was to put ourselves in a public place and see what happened. We played outside the free Community Lunch, sponsored every Thursday by St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church. There was a large crowd enjoying the delicious meal, and many were pleasantly surprised to hear our music as they left. As predicted, there were all kinds of distractions. Sort of like playing a video game ... obstacles come out of nowhere and you must keep going.

The curious kids were the best. "What is THAT?" You have to admit, the hammered dulcimer and the concertina are not very commonly encountered instruments. A couple of kids approached. One declared, "We like your music," and handed Betsy 75 cents! She's going to split it with me as soon as she gets change.

We were playing along and a woman stopped and asked if she could record us for the Chatham Magazine facebook page. Oooohhh ... local papparazzi! How could we say no?

Here's her video. Check it out ...
https://www.facebook.com/ChathamMagazine/videos/1422630194495606/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

** Sue and Betsy are the warm-up band for the Ken & Brad Kolodner Trio, performing at St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church, July 29, 7:00pm. See concert details on the Trapezoids of the Triangle 'Schedule of Events' page at ...
https://trapezoidsofthetriangle.blogspot.com/p/schedule-of-events.html

This video is just a tiny sample of the type of music you will hear. There will be fiddles, banjos, guitar, hammered mbira, vocals ...

Check out these links for a sample of what Ken and Brad have to offer!

Hop High
Fiddle Sticks Set
Swift House

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 ... 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 ... 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!

The F-word

I'm a little miffed that Mother Nature intervened to ruin our good plans for Sunday. It was such a disappointment to have to postpone the workshops and concert with Ken and Brad Kolodner. I realize we are in the middle of winter, but two inches of sleet, topped by an inch of snow and record setting low temps this past weekend?!? Here in central NC, there's nothing to do but wait for the mercury to rise and release us from our forced hibernation. Finally, four days later, we hit the mid-50's. That ought to do it!

Yes, before the winter storm of early 2017, Betsy and I were preparing to perform on a stage in front of an audience of 100+. Yikes! How does one do that? Well, it becomes pretty clear that FOCUS is everything. It's not a little thing. It is THE thing.

Don't get me wrong. It's not about perfection, although that would be nice. It's about being in the moment, aware and flexible enough to start at the beginning and to play to the end, no matter what happens!

I don't know about you, but MY mind is full of chatter ... to-do lists, anxieties, fears, judgments, what-if scenarios. It's difficult to turn off all that noise. It's true that I have experienced fleeting moments of pure bliss, playing music, in the flow ... until my mind notices. "Hey, wow, this is feeling great!" That's the kiss of death. As soon as the brain voices an opinion, it's all over.

One would think that playing music requires such attention that our brains would have no room to wander and get into trouble. Indeed, engaging one's mind is a strategy for silencing the chatter. The problem, intentionally or not, many of us rely too much on muscle memory and habit. We are good at rote memorization and repetition, but we don't really know what we're doing.

So, let's do engage our minds. Let's think about what we're doing. Focus on components of the tune, arrangement cues, technique, expression, balancing the sound with other ensemble members ... whatever is meaningful or helpful to you. For example, one of the best things I've ever done for my playing is to practice naming the chords in the chord progression. Mix in some description of what's happening in the tune or accompaniment, such as "circle around on D" "scale up to A" "octave E's" "grab Bb"  "drop to the mark". These become landmarks.

I'm still a work in progress, but I know the goal. FOCUS. In so doing we expand awareness, improve mental agility, calm the chatter, and open up a world of creative possibilities!

Kolodner Event scheduled January 8, POSTPONED until later date

Winter has truly come to central NC…

… and we are truly disappointed to announce that the WORKSHOPS and CONCERT scheduled for January 8 have been POSTPONED to a later date due to conditions related to the winter storm.

Ticket prices will be refunded. Details about that will be worked out and communicated in a separate email from Ken.

Ken & Brad and Sue & Betsy will be looking to reschedule in the near future. We will be in touch with the specifics. We hope to see all of you then!

If you have immediate questions or concerns, please contact Sue at (919) 542-5854 or at sswilson123@gmail.com as Ken will be on the road, traveling back to Baltimore, today.

Thank you for your interest in our music.

Stay safe and be warm. It’s a good day to play some music!  ~ Sue

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 

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! 

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!