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

Monday's Muse

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit."
~ Aristotle

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!

Monday's Muse

“The artist must forget the audience, forget the critics, forget the technique, forget everything but love for the music. Then, the music speaks through the performance, and the performer and the listener will walk together with the soul of the composer, and with God.”
~ Mstislav Rostropovich

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!

What I'm Doing on My Summer Vacation

There's a new guy in town!

Yesterday I had the opportunity to meet Joshua Messick, 2003 National Hammered Dulcimer Champion, newly transplanted from Houston, TX to Asheville, NC. He's temporarily operating out of Jerry Read Smith's gorgeous studio and concert venue, Perelandra ... reason enough to schedule a lesson! We had only one short hour together (it was a beautiful day in the mountains, and a trip to the top of Mt. Mitchell was on the family agenda) but we made it a productive time.

Folks are talking about this "new" young talent. If you get a chance to hear Joshua's music or participate in one of his workshops, do it! Welcome to NC, Joshua!

Sue & Joshua ... Nice shoes, eh?

Here's what Jerry has to say about Joshua:
Joshua Messick is one of a handful of new, young virtuoso hammer dulcimer players emerging from around the country. He is a National Hammer Dulcimer Champion and continues to grow and mature as an excellent talent. His skill on the instrument doesn't begin and end with his technical proficiency. He has an amazing sense for composition and has written, and continues to write, beautiful passages that specifically highlight the unique qualities and strengths of the hammer dulcimer. Joshua is a player who understands the power of the space between the notes. He has the ability to transform a solo piece into a "symphonic" experience.  ~ Jerry Read Smith, Master Luthier

From his web site:
Based in Asheville, NC, National Hammered Dulcimer Champion and composer Joshua Messick plays beautiful hammered dulcimer music. His progressive techniques are fun to watch, and an amazing sense for composition and improvisation allow Joshua to transform a solo piece into a symphonic, cinematic experience. Often compared to Yanni, Joshua plays a variety of world music including Celtic, Indian, Japanese, New Age, Hymns, Classical, Appalachian Folk, etc.

On the way to Mt. Mitchell: