The 15th Annual Dulcimer Day in Duluth gets underway on Saturday May 14th. The event will be held at the First United Methodist Church, (Coppertop) 230 E. Skyline Pkwy., Duluth. There will be performers and classes, so you can enjoy music and learn to play.

I talked with Wendy Grethen, the organizer, about the dulcimer. It's not a popular instrument in music, but it does create its own sound. There are two kinds of Dulcimers and they will each be featured through the weekend. Click here for the calendar.

One of the featured performers is Mike Anderson, This is Mike Anderson's second appearance at Dulcimer Day in Duluth. Mike is one of the most versatile folk performers and educators in the Midwest. Mike is also nationally renown, appearing at the Nat’l Mt. Music Festival, holding a prestigious position on the faculty of the Mt. Dulcimer Workshops at Appalachian State Univ., Boone, NC and West Carolina Univ., NC, Dulcimer Workshops, and presenting workshops and concerts across the US.

Dulcimer Day over the years has had assorted other instruments and activities from autoharp. ukulele, bowed psaltery, guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, clogging, singing - this year the 'other' instruments are the tin whistle and "pocket instruments."   Pat and Claudia Hogan will lead the tin whistle class first session and will play for a bit and both concerts.  One year students made whistles out of PVC piping.  If you need a tin whistle (key of D) there will be some for sale in the vendor area.

The making it class this year is to Make a Limberjack.  It's a good-sized wood one that will be fun to play.  There are 3 more kits available at $15 each so if you want to take that 4th session class.

There will be classes and performers. Wendy is asking that you register ahead of time online, but they welcome anyone who wants to sign up the day of the event. There will also be food, here is the menu.

Lunch (12:30-1:00) this year is catered by Food Magic. A choice of one of three delicious gourmet wraps is available; salmon caught by local fishing family Rogotzke, or ham and gouda, or grilled vegetable vegetarian. Served with chips or carrots. Please reserve and pay for yours prior to May 8.

Dinner (5:30-6:30) - Famous Daves BBQ Pork and Chicken, macaroni and cheese, salad.

 

 

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