I'm back in Minnesota as spring slowly arrives. We still have plenty of snow meaning plenty of wetness to come. I traveled to my husband's home area in New Zealand a few weeks ago and brought along my smaller size dulcimer. It has bat sound holes - probably the only one with bat shaped sound holes. I played at several places while being over in the ChristChurch area. My husband's cousin works at a rest home/care/hospital and I played there and in the rural town area where his dad lives. The dulcimer fit in my suitcase and made it safely.
Last night I taught part 1 of a beginner dulcimer class through the Community Ed. Good to see more people wanting to learn. Several people had dulcimers already that they purchased somewhere along the way and this was their opportunity to learn how to play it.
I have a local art and gift fair this Saturday. I am still organizing fairs. I'll bring along a dulcimer to play a bit. If you're in the area and want to shop local head to the Peace Church between 10AM-3PM. The fair is Treasures of the Earth and all the things are made from natural materials or recycled materials. Wood-turned bowls, stone jewelry, painted stones, feather pens, soap and much more. It's the 11th year for the fair.
Showing posts with label duluth. Show all posts
Showing posts with label duluth. Show all posts
Friday, April 27, 2018
May Day - May Specials
Hello Dulcimer players,
It's about a week away from what would have been Dulcimer Day. Every spring for 16 years I was in full mode to put on the festival. This year as I mentioned already the festival is not happening. Maybe I would find a grant for support or find another way, such as a dulcimer retreat, but in the format the costs were higher than what came in.
What have I been doing instead - I did go to Nepal for about a month and taught English plus did cultural touring, attending folk music performances, and met a variety of local people and people from around the world. I enjoyed so many experiences. It was my first time to Asia. I went on my own and volunteered with VSN- volunteer society Nepal. I am on one of their videos - search for Wendy volunteer Nepal society. I only heard about 15 minutes of American English the whole time I was away. Space was limited but I wish I could have brought a dulcimer along. I did bring back a sarangi - violin. I don't know if I'll ever be able to play it but it looks cool with all the woodcarving on its back side. I also visited my Dad in Phoenix for a week. It was 100 degrees one day. We didn't go again to the big Music Instrument Museum there as we went years before right after it opened but we did a bunch of other fun things from taking a painting class, hiking, seeing wild horses, going to a bird riparian habitat area, walking through an arboretum, biking, and taking some Qi Gong classes.
Spring has finally arrived in Duluth and we had a few delightful warm days. I know the Twin Cities area and parts of Wisconsin folks had quite a late snow storm. We still have snow in our yard but not much. I did happen to slip on ice on a hike last weekend and have a badly bruised thumb and palm/heel of my hand. It's been blue/purple and now it's more green/yellow and still hurts and it's on my left hand (I'm a lefty).
I had a guest over today who plays many instruments with his main current one being button accordions. We played old-time tunes, waltzes and Swedish tunes. There are always more tunes to learn. Duluth - right in Lakeside near where I live - is a midsommer festival held at a local church. Folk music goes hand and hand with so many cultures. In Nepal I heard many drums and listened to a harmonium player. On May 6 I'll be going with guests through my newer project (3rd year though) and we are going May 6 to the Festival of Nations down in St. Paul. I went to it years ago. We will hear a lot of music combined with folk traditional dances from many countries. I enjoy providing positive experiences for people through cultural activities. The Up North Excursion day trips are another way I'm seeking to provide opportunities. I have 5 spring day trips and will have 4 or so in the fall. www.wendyupnorth.com/excursions. Even if you're not from Duluth and are from northern WI or the Iron Range you can attend these. Check out the list.
I plan to add more dulcimer activity this summer and would love to play a couple times a month at a local coffee shop or as background music for events. I know I'll spend time with my dulcimers - both mountain and hammered dulcimer. They have been a part of my life for over 40 years.
Enjoy playing your dulcimer. If you are interested in lessons, send me an email.
Again - I thank all the Dulcimer Day in Duluth participants over the years. We changed locations 3 times and had our very filled day together with workshops, performances by some of the best players in the nation (world?), food, open mike and local shopping.
My store is still in my living room with most of it tucked away more.
I'll have a sale starting soon on books and CDs. I have plenty!
Enjoy the wonders of spring - new buds, first birds, first flowers, wet earth, warmth, sunshine, light rain, butterfly watching - and somewhere in there - music.
Wendy
It's about a week away from what would have been Dulcimer Day. Every spring for 16 years I was in full mode to put on the festival. This year as I mentioned already the festival is not happening. Maybe I would find a grant for support or find another way, such as a dulcimer retreat, but in the format the costs were higher than what came in.
What have I been doing instead - I did go to Nepal for about a month and taught English plus did cultural touring, attending folk music performances, and met a variety of local people and people from around the world. I enjoyed so many experiences. It was my first time to Asia. I went on my own and volunteered with VSN- volunteer society Nepal. I am on one of their videos - search for Wendy volunteer Nepal society. I only heard about 15 minutes of American English the whole time I was away. Space was limited but I wish I could have brought a dulcimer along. I did bring back a sarangi - violin. I don't know if I'll ever be able to play it but it looks cool with all the woodcarving on its back side. I also visited my Dad in Phoenix for a week. It was 100 degrees one day. We didn't go again to the big Music Instrument Museum there as we went years before right after it opened but we did a bunch of other fun things from taking a painting class, hiking, seeing wild horses, going to a bird riparian habitat area, walking through an arboretum, biking, and taking some Qi Gong classes.
Spring has finally arrived in Duluth and we had a few delightful warm days. I know the Twin Cities area and parts of Wisconsin folks had quite a late snow storm. We still have snow in our yard but not much. I did happen to slip on ice on a hike last weekend and have a badly bruised thumb and palm/heel of my hand. It's been blue/purple and now it's more green/yellow and still hurts and it's on my left hand (I'm a lefty).
I had a guest over today who plays many instruments with his main current one being button accordions. We played old-time tunes, waltzes and Swedish tunes. There are always more tunes to learn. Duluth - right in Lakeside near where I live - is a midsommer festival held at a local church. Folk music goes hand and hand with so many cultures. In Nepal I heard many drums and listened to a harmonium player. On May 6 I'll be going with guests through my newer project (3rd year though) and we are going May 6 to the Festival of Nations down in St. Paul. I went to it years ago. We will hear a lot of music combined with folk traditional dances from many countries. I enjoy providing positive experiences for people through cultural activities. The Up North Excursion day trips are another way I'm seeking to provide opportunities. I have 5 spring day trips and will have 4 or so in the fall. www.wendyupnorth.com/excursions. Even if you're not from Duluth and are from northern WI or the Iron Range you can attend these. Check out the list.
I plan to add more dulcimer activity this summer and would love to play a couple times a month at a local coffee shop or as background music for events. I know I'll spend time with my dulcimers - both mountain and hammered dulcimer. They have been a part of my life for over 40 years.
Enjoy playing your dulcimer. If you are interested in lessons, send me an email.
Again - I thank all the Dulcimer Day in Duluth participants over the years. We changed locations 3 times and had our very filled day together with workshops, performances by some of the best players in the nation (world?), food, open mike and local shopping.
My store is still in my living room with most of it tucked away more.
I'll have a sale starting soon on books and CDs. I have plenty!
Enjoy the wonders of spring - new buds, first birds, first flowers, wet earth, warmth, sunshine, light rain, butterfly watching - and somewhere in there - music.
Wendy
Monday, January 29, 2018
Dulcimer Day in Duluth - not happening in May 2018
Thank you so much for attending a Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival or wanting to attend one! I hope you are enjoying the dulcimer and playing your instrument. I am very thankful to the helpers over the years, especially Terry Brown (my husband), Cherlyn, Bruce, Billie, and Phyllis and Gary. I am also thankful to the musicians that have made their way to Duluth (for many their first time in Minnesota), and to the local artists that have come over the years.
Dulcimer Day in Duluth folk music festival has been held annually over the last 16 years. It's been a day of learning opportunities with numerous classes and concerts with top performers showcasing a variety of styles to play dulcimers and introducing new tunes, having meals together, participating and listening to open mic., and a vendor area with local artisans and instrument/accessory booths. Besides dulcimer classes there have been a nice variety of other instrument classes offered, too. Unfortunately, due to decreased attendance over the past few years the festival will not be held this year. Perhaps, if a funding sponsor or grant could be secured the fest may be held again but given the costs of the performers, traveling of the teacher/performers, venue rental, and other expenses it just isn't being covered by the lowered attendance. Partly the poor Canadian money exchange rate, partly people being busy, it's at the point that the festival for 2018 won't be happening this May. I've thought and thought about it and even thought about just organizing a gathering but I think people really enjoyed the classes.
I know quite a few of the people relied on the mailing for the Dulcimer Day announcement. I was mailing about 700 brochures but that won't be happening this year so really only the web and email folks will know - or at least know first.
It's been an honor to create a fun day and a day that encouraged learning more about folk instruments - most of which many people have never heard of! I appreciate those who have traveled and made time for attending the festival and even supported it by buying a tshirt. It was fun to see smiles of people having a good time. There are past group photos and photos from the festivals at DulcimersInDuluth.com.
Keep on playing your instrument!
Wendy Grethen
Dulcimer Day in Duluth folk music festival has been held annually over the last 16 years. It's been a day of learning opportunities with numerous classes and concerts with top performers showcasing a variety of styles to play dulcimers and introducing new tunes, having meals together, participating and listening to open mic., and a vendor area with local artisans and instrument/accessory booths. Besides dulcimer classes there have been a nice variety of other instrument classes offered, too. Unfortunately, due to decreased attendance over the past few years the festival will not be held this year. Perhaps, if a funding sponsor or grant could be secured the fest may be held again but given the costs of the performers, traveling of the teacher/performers, venue rental, and other expenses it just isn't being covered by the lowered attendance. Partly the poor Canadian money exchange rate, partly people being busy, it's at the point that the festival for 2018 won't be happening this May. I've thought and thought about it and even thought about just organizing a gathering but I think people really enjoyed the classes.
I know quite a few of the people relied on the mailing for the Dulcimer Day announcement. I was mailing about 700 brochures but that won't be happening this year so really only the web and email folks will know - or at least know first.
It's been an honor to create a fun day and a day that encouraged learning more about folk instruments - most of which many people have never heard of! I appreciate those who have traveled and made time for attending the festival and even supported it by buying a tshirt. It was fun to see smiles of people having a good time. There are past group photos and photos from the festivals at DulcimersInDuluth.com.
Keep on playing your instrument!
Wendy Grethen
www.DulcimersInDuluth.com
Dulcimer Day in Duluth coordinator for 16 years
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Vendors at Dulcimer Day
Dulcimer Day will have 6 main vendors and DulcimersInDuluth.com:
Bill's pottery - he uses textures in his work
Diana - with natural soap and weavings - ahh the smells are just wonderful
Ruth - with quilted items and dyed wool - pretty amazing beauty
Dave - ukulele variations, amps - fun instruments
Sue - with Northwood's watercolors - lovely artwork with trees, rocks and wate, Flowers, too.
Lee and Paula - with wooden items from birdhouses to cutting boards to woodturned bowls -he uses many kinds of wood showing the variety of natural colors.
and Dulcimers In Duluth
Mountain dulcimers - McSpadden dealer - Ginger model, Baritone, and multiple 'regular' dulcimers, dulcimer instruction books, dulcimer strings, cases, cardboard dulcimer kits, and more. You can even get an I Love (heart) Dulcimers 'wooden' notepad.
Shop from 10AM-3PM. If you are planning on coming to just the concert then come early to shop. If you are taking workshops - shop on the breaks or during lunch.
There also will be a few extra Dulcimer Day tshirts to sale. All the extra Dulcimer Day sweatshirts already sold.
The tshirts are a heather dark grey and there will be some heather blue.
Weather forecast for early this week - snow and wind.
Weather forecast for Dulcimer Day weekend -mostly sunny, high in the 50s.
Bill's pottery - he uses textures in his work
Diana - with natural soap and weavings - ahh the smells are just wonderful
Ruth - with quilted items and dyed wool - pretty amazing beauty
Dave - ukulele variations, amps - fun instruments
Sue - with Northwood's watercolors - lovely artwork with trees, rocks and wate, Flowers, too.
Lee and Paula - with wooden items from birdhouses to cutting boards to woodturned bowls -he uses many kinds of wood showing the variety of natural colors.
and Dulcimers In Duluth
Mountain dulcimers - McSpadden dealer - Ginger model, Baritone, and multiple 'regular' dulcimers, dulcimer instruction books, dulcimer strings, cases, cardboard dulcimer kits, and more. You can even get an I Love (heart) Dulcimers 'wooden' notepad.
Shop from 10AM-3PM. If you are planning on coming to just the concert then come early to shop. If you are taking workshops - shop on the breaks or during lunch.
There also will be a few extra Dulcimer Day tshirts to sale. All the extra Dulcimer Day sweatshirts already sold.
The tshirts are a heather dark grey and there will be some heather blue.
Weather forecast for early this week - snow and wind.
Weather forecast for Dulcimer Day weekend -mostly sunny, high in the 50s.
Sunday, January 29, 2017
DDD registration is open - image of past logos
Thank you for visiting this dulcimer message and I'm pleased to announce that Dulcimer Day in Duluth is now open for registration. You can register online or print the form and mail in a check.
Read through the DulcimersInDuluth.com website for information on the guest instructor/musicians and for workshop descriptions.
Mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, ukulele, autoharp and guitar classes will be offered.
For fun - hear is a collection of some of the past Dulcimer Day logo images. Tshirts will available this year. Please register in advance for meals, classes and tshirts.
It's always great to see returning folks come back year after year. Thank you so much.
New people are very welcome. Come be part of this fun, day of learning and traditional music!
Wendy
Read through the DulcimersInDuluth.com website for information on the guest instructor/musicians and for workshop descriptions.
Mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, ukulele, autoharp and guitar classes will be offered.
For fun - hear is a collection of some of the past Dulcimer Day logo images. Tshirts will available this year. Please register in advance for meals, classes and tshirts.
It's always great to see returning folks come back year after year. Thank you so much.
New people are very welcome. Come be part of this fun, day of learning and traditional music!
Wendy
Thursday, January 5, 2017
Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival 2017 -- May 6
The festival will be the 1st Saturday in May (May 6, 2017). Come to dulcimer classes, attend concerts, eat together, buy from local vendors, and have fun. Guest instructors/performers will be announced soon. This day is about learning more about playing dulcimers - make some music.
If you would like to offer a class - please let me know.
I'll be finalizing the brochure and opening registration later in January.
Thanks to those who have attended over the years and I hope to see more new people - and our northern neighbors in Canada.
Wendy
If you would like to offer a class - please let me know.
I'll be finalizing the brochure and opening registration later in January.
Thanks to those who have attended over the years and I hope to see more new people - and our northern neighbors in Canada.
Wendy
Wednesday, November 2, 2016
November is here - a great time for music
The new calendar page is up for the new month. The time change is coming up. One of the things I do is work at an elementary school as a paraprofessional. I get to go to the specialist time that that the boys I'm with go to and music class is part of the rotation. Today was patriotic music. Great tunes have been with our country for hundreds of years. Immigrants brought many of the tunes and some were written in the early days of history. So many instruments have been invented and whether you hear a tune on a piccolo or a dulcimer it's all part of propelling a touch of history into today. Before people could read they could hum or sing - and some played instruments.
Maybe you'd like to give a dulcimer a try and America the Beautiful could be one of your first tunes you learn. As Election Day is around the corner you could make new words to This Land is Your Land to include how you feel about the election this year. Playing with lyrics is yet another fun piece about making music.
My next classes will be in April through Duluth Community Ed and the 1st Saturday in May will be the 16th year for the Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival (I need to work on it soon!). I have about 70 different dulcimer tab books - books where the songs use numbers as the notes. Holiday favorites, hymns, folk tune - and yes patriotic tunes. Some books come with CDs. I even have Dulcimer CDs to just listen to some of the great players, including Mark Gilston who won the National Championship as a mountain dulcimer player this year.
Another fun instrument that I carry is the Limberjack. I like to bring them along when I play at a local nursing home or at a school. It's a percussion instrument that anyone can play and it's fun to watch the 'man' dance. I have been playing with a skeleton "Bob" who is plastic and about 1 foot high. He can kick high, do the splits, do somersaults, and like one of the 4th graders I work with release his arm or leg (or all 4) temporarily but keep on dancing.
Okay - before I go - here is a WONDER question for you. Music really enters us as we listen or even make music. It resonates through the water in us and again becomes part of us as we listen to it. Yesterday in a biology class I teach (college level) the topic was energy and we were getting into photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The last part of the class was a tour of Lake Superior Brewery where yeast are the work crew and the people crew do what they can to make the crew happy. Music was being played during our tour - a bit of soft rock from the 80s. Can the yeast here it? Do they like it? Does the music or beat of the music influence their output? Just wondering. What do you think? Would some Irish music jam music up the output? Would classical music reduce their stress - do they feel stress? Okay, I better end now.
Maybe you'd like to give a dulcimer a try and America the Beautiful could be one of your first tunes you learn. As Election Day is around the corner you could make new words to This Land is Your Land to include how you feel about the election this year. Playing with lyrics is yet another fun piece about making music.
My next classes will be in April through Duluth Community Ed and the 1st Saturday in May will be the 16th year for the Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival (I need to work on it soon!). I have about 70 different dulcimer tab books - books where the songs use numbers as the notes. Holiday favorites, hymns, folk tune - and yes patriotic tunes. Some books come with CDs. I even have Dulcimer CDs to just listen to some of the great players, including Mark Gilston who won the National Championship as a mountain dulcimer player this year.
Another fun instrument that I carry is the Limberjack. I like to bring them along when I play at a local nursing home or at a school. It's a percussion instrument that anyone can play and it's fun to watch the 'man' dance. I have been playing with a skeleton "Bob" who is plastic and about 1 foot high. He can kick high, do the splits, do somersaults, and like one of the 4th graders I work with release his arm or leg (or all 4) temporarily but keep on dancing.
Okay - before I go - here is a WONDER question for you. Music really enters us as we listen or even make music. It resonates through the water in us and again becomes part of us as we listen to it. Yesterday in a biology class I teach (college level) the topic was energy and we were getting into photosynthesis and cellular respiration. The last part of the class was a tour of Lake Superior Brewery where yeast are the work crew and the people crew do what they can to make the crew happy. Music was being played during our tour - a bit of soft rock from the 80s. Can the yeast here it? Do they like it? Does the music or beat of the music influence their output? Just wondering. What do you think? Would some Irish music jam music up the output? Would classical music reduce their stress - do they feel stress? Okay, I better end now.
Tuesday, June 7, 2016
June CD special
All in-stock CDs, excluding Mel Bay ones, during the month of June are now $10. Buy CDs, Listen to dulcimer music. Music is good.
Monday, May 23, 2016
Smile Inside
Dulcimer Day in Duluth is over but I still have a smile inside knowing people are playing dulcimers and learning new skills and adding repertoire. I've had a series of busy things right after Dulcimer Day including completing the next issue (issue #4) of a neighborhood newsletter I publish www.LookAtLakeside.com, then heading to Chicago area to a niece's wedding. Back in Duluth now.
I really want to thank again everyone for coming to Dulcimer Day :
the participants (many travel a few hours to come - over 20 were new folks,
the instructor/performers : Sam Edelston, Mike Anderson and Anne Lough were the main guests. My husband taught a class and so did it to add a few more options
the helpers : Billie was new this year and very helpful. Cherlyn has been there all 15 years, and other friends helped for key things like serving food, doing lunch or evening concert ticket sales and even bringing food - thanks Pearl, Sue, Kari, and Christina. Terry has also been there from the beginning and helps do the magic of the website and stepping in where needed.
the vendors - it's a nice addition to have the selling of local items at the events.
It's a risk to put on such an event. Glad that the tshirt were well received this year and people enjoyed the food.
Now I'll take a break for a couple months and then it's on to the next year. I always look forward to play my dulcimer and I'm hoping to lineup some visits this summer to assisted living places I haven't been to in a while.
Wendy
I really want to thank again everyone for coming to Dulcimer Day :
the participants (many travel a few hours to come - over 20 were new folks,
the instructor/performers : Sam Edelston, Mike Anderson and Anne Lough were the main guests. My husband taught a class and so did it to add a few more options
the helpers : Billie was new this year and very helpful. Cherlyn has been there all 15 years, and other friends helped for key things like serving food, doing lunch or evening concert ticket sales and even bringing food - thanks Pearl, Sue, Kari, and Christina. Terry has also been there from the beginning and helps do the magic of the website and stepping in where needed.
the vendors - it's a nice addition to have the selling of local items at the events.
It's a risk to put on such an event. Glad that the tshirt were well received this year and people enjoyed the food.
Now I'll take a break for a couple months and then it's on to the next year. I always look forward to play my dulcimer and I'm hoping to lineup some visits this summer to assisted living places I haven't been to in a while.
Wendy
Sunday, March 27, 2016
DDD Participants - Where From
Pretty cool that Dulcimer Day in Duluth is a gathering of people from many places.
The instructor/performers are coming from Illinois, North Carolina, Connecticut and the Twin Cities.
The participants are coming from:
Minnesota (Grand Rapids, Vermillion, Farmington, Lino Lakes, Cohasset, Aitkin, Bovey, Burnesville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Woodbury, Mankato, Walchom, Brooklyn Park, St. Louis Park, Bemidji, Cloquet, and Duluth)
Wisconsin (New Auburn, Iron River, Eau Claire, Webster, Chippewa Falls, Wayerhauser, Preque Isle)
Michigan (Channing)
and Canada (Winnipeg).
I hope the Thunder Bay folks will be able to make it this year, too. They have always been a big part of the event.
Registration is still open.
There are also spots for craft or instrument vendors.
Wendy
The instructor/performers are coming from Illinois, North Carolina, Connecticut and the Twin Cities.
The participants are coming from:
Minnesota (Grand Rapids, Vermillion, Farmington, Lino Lakes, Cohasset, Aitkin, Bovey, Burnesville, Eagan, Inver Grove Heights, Woodbury, Mankato, Walchom, Brooklyn Park, St. Louis Park, Bemidji, Cloquet, and Duluth)
Wisconsin (New Auburn, Iron River, Eau Claire, Webster, Chippewa Falls, Wayerhauser, Preque Isle)
Michigan (Channing)
and Canada (Winnipeg).
I hope the Thunder Bay folks will be able to make it this year, too. They have always been a big part of the event.
Registration is still open.
There are also spots for craft or instrument vendors.
Wendy
Wednesday, February 17, 2016
Helpers & Tshirts
I've added a poll on the Facebook event announcement for Dulcimer Day - https://www.facebook.com/events/447211645472692/ (Please share the facebook announcement if you can)
The poll is for the color of the Dulcimer Day tshirt. This will be the image (the ink print could be something other than black).
Go ahead and make your selection.
Thank you to those who have signed up already. The paper brochure was mailed this week. If you would like a paper copy just send an email and let me know.
Would you to be an emcee at the daytime or evening concert? You would be in charge for introducing the musicians and making a few announcements plus keeping the show rolling. I'll have a time schedule for the musicians' sets.
Also, a helper a the morning registration and for a bit during the day at the performer CD/book table would be helpful.
Wendy
The poll is for the color of the Dulcimer Day tshirt. This will be the image (the ink print could be something other than black).
Thank you to those who have signed up already. The paper brochure was mailed this week. If you would like a paper copy just send an email and let me know.
Would you to be an emcee at the daytime or evening concert? You would be in charge for introducing the musicians and making a few announcements plus keeping the show rolling. I'll have a time schedule for the musicians' sets.
Also, a helper a the morning registration and for a bit during the day at the performer CD/book table would be helpful.
Wendy
Friday, February 5, 2016
Registration is open for Dulcimer Day 2016
You can register online for Dulcimer Day or print a sheet and mail it in. A limited mailing will be done later this month - the brochure is now at the printer.
It's a fun line-up of performer/instructors this year - Ross Sutter, Mike Anderson, Sam Edelston, and Anne Lough. The make it class this year is to make your own quality wooden limberjack.
Tshirts will be available again this year with the new logo for the 15th year!
I'm still picking the color of the shirts - possibly a shade of purple shirts with bright green letter.
Thank you to hotel sponsor - Days Inn by the Miller Hill Mall. They will also give a discount to Dulcimer Day guests!
Thank you to more community sponsors: Whole Foods Co-op, SuperOne, Visit Duluth, Food Magic, and Pearl Swanstrom.
Please pre-register for the food this year both for lunch and dinner. The lunch will be delicious gourmet wraps with chips. 3 choices are available.
The date again is May 14 - which is a week later than usual. Maybe all the snow will melt by then :-) Remember 2014!
See the DulcimersInDuluth.com website for more information on the classes, performer bios, food, and registration.
I hope you can make it. It's a great opportunity to learn basic skills and advance your skills and repertoire on these folk instruments. Singing opportunities are also part of this year as are pocket instruments (bones, etc).
There are vendor spots open. Inquire if you are a local craft/artisan or dealer or maker of instruments.
It's a fun line-up of performer/instructors this year - Ross Sutter, Mike Anderson, Sam Edelston, and Anne Lough. The make it class this year is to make your own quality wooden limberjack.
Tshirts will be available again this year with the new logo for the 15th year!
I'm still picking the color of the shirts - possibly a shade of purple shirts with bright green letter.
Thank you to hotel sponsor - Days Inn by the Miller Hill Mall. They will also give a discount to Dulcimer Day guests!
Thank you to more community sponsors: Whole Foods Co-op, SuperOne, Visit Duluth, Food Magic, and Pearl Swanstrom.
Please pre-register for the food this year both for lunch and dinner. The lunch will be delicious gourmet wraps with chips. 3 choices are available.
The date again is May 14 - which is a week later than usual. Maybe all the snow will melt by then :-) Remember 2014!
See the DulcimersInDuluth.com website for more information on the classes, performer bios, food, and registration.
I hope you can make it. It's a great opportunity to learn basic skills and advance your skills and repertoire on these folk instruments. Singing opportunities are also part of this year as are pocket instruments (bones, etc).
There are vendor spots open. Inquire if you are a local craft/artisan or dealer or maker of instruments.
Sunday, January 10, 2016
Dulcimer Day planning
The Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival - 15th year - will be May 14.
That's the 2nd Saturday of May this year. Mark your calendar. The finalizing of the instructor/performer invites and workshop layout is going on now. So far Mike Anderson will be coming from Illinois. He taught mountain dulcimer classes at the festival back in its 2nd year. Also, Ross Sutter will be coming and possibly Anne Lough from North Carolina. I'm looking for one more mountain dulcimer instructor. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Also, if you would like to teach even one class - harmonica, ukulele, or offer a discussion, such as tips on finding tunes, please let me know.
The logo for this year is almost done. Sponsor seeking is ongoing. Even the food menu gets setup now. I might be going with a local caterer for lunch who makes magnificent wraps.
Temperatures are dipping but that's with music playing our hearts and souls stay warm.
Hope to see you in May.
Wendy
That's the 2nd Saturday of May this year. Mark your calendar. The finalizing of the instructor/performer invites and workshop layout is going on now. So far Mike Anderson will be coming from Illinois. He taught mountain dulcimer classes at the festival back in its 2nd year. Also, Ross Sutter will be coming and possibly Anne Lough from North Carolina. I'm looking for one more mountain dulcimer instructor. If you have any suggestions, please let me know. Also, if you would like to teach even one class - harmonica, ukulele, or offer a discussion, such as tips on finding tunes, please let me know.
The logo for this year is almost done. Sponsor seeking is ongoing. Even the food menu gets setup now. I might be going with a local caterer for lunch who makes magnificent wraps.
Temperatures are dipping but that's with music playing our hearts and souls stay warm.
Hope to see you in May.
Wendy
Saturday, August 15, 2015
Outdoor Music
I'll be playing the dulcimer with a neighbor and friend Christina as she plays her harp on Aug 23 at Sir Ben's. It's a local bar on Superior Street. I hope we can do at least part of the music outdoors. Stop by between 5 and 7 p.m.
I've also ordered a couple more mountain dulcimers with ebony fretboards. Yes, the ebony just looks nice adding to the beauty of the instrument. The new ones will be teardrop shape. Email if you'd like to set up a time to check out instruments. The new instrument should arrive shortly after Labor Day.
I traveled a bit earlier this month and was down in Madison, WI. I stopped in at the WI Historical Museum and in their shop bought a book about immigrants and folk tunes. It has 5 CDs and a DVD plus the book with information on the players and more on the tunes. It doesn't have the notation of the tunes like I thought. Several of the tunes are song in different languages. There even was a song from a person from Luxembourg. "Songcatchers' help in preserving melodies. I'm glad to be a part of carrying on traditions of old-time music and instruments that were made in America.
I'll be teaching a winter time class through Duluth Community Ed. I have a bunch of dulcimers if anyone has a group of people that would like to set up a intro class. The books and music sheets are play by number making it pretty quick to pick up songs and play them.
Keep cool in these extra hot summer days. Fall is around the corner.
Wendy
I've also ordered a couple more mountain dulcimers with ebony fretboards. Yes, the ebony just looks nice adding to the beauty of the instrument. The new ones will be teardrop shape. Email if you'd like to set up a time to check out instruments. The new instrument should arrive shortly after Labor Day.
I traveled a bit earlier this month and was down in Madison, WI. I stopped in at the WI Historical Museum and in their shop bought a book about immigrants and folk tunes. It has 5 CDs and a DVD plus the book with information on the players and more on the tunes. It doesn't have the notation of the tunes like I thought. Several of the tunes are song in different languages. There even was a song from a person from Luxembourg. "Songcatchers' help in preserving melodies. I'm glad to be a part of carrying on traditions of old-time music and instruments that were made in America.
I'll be teaching a winter time class through Duluth Community Ed. I have a bunch of dulcimers if anyone has a group of people that would like to set up a intro class. The books and music sheets are play by number making it pretty quick to pick up songs and play them.
Keep cool in these extra hot summer days. Fall is around the corner.
Wendy
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
CD special -- Buy 2 get one free.
I'd love to have more people have dulcimer music to listen to all day or even all night. Quite a few dulcimer performers have made recordings to share their favorites and support their passion. To add more dulcimer music to your collection or to give one or two as a gift I'm starting a CD special. I have over 30 mountain dulcimer or hammered dulcimer CDs in stock.
During the month of July 2015
This special applies to in stock CDs only.
Thanks for shopping at Dulcimers In Duluth. If you're in the Duluth area this summer set up a time to stop in.
Enjoy this summer. Add a little music to your day.
Wendy
During the month of July 2015
1. anytime you make a purchase over $50 you get a free CD.
2. buy 2 CDs and get a 3rd free
This special applies to in stock CDs only. Thanks for shopping at Dulcimers In Duluth. If you're in the Duluth area this summer set up a time to stop in.
Enjoy this summer. Add a little music to your day.
Wendy
Thursday, March 19, 2015
Vendor openings at DDD
There are a few more vendor openings for the Dulcimer Day in Duluth festival. Pottery, wood, fun things, instruments - what do you make and are interested in selling?
Please sign up by April 15.
Please sign up by April 15.
Sunday, August 3, 2014
Book Sale through Aug 25!
I have plenty of books in stock for learning more tunes and learning basics on not only the mountain dulcimer but also the hammered dulcimer, mandolin, guitar, banjo, autoharp, harmonica, tin whistle, and few other instruments. But, yes, most of the books are for mountain dulcimer and they are written in tablature setup to read numbers for the notes. It's great for beginners but as you view the store some of the tunes in the books are more advanced.
For now through Aug 25 this month BUY 2 books and get a 3RD ONE FREE.
The price of the least expensive book will be refunded. This is good for all books in stock.
How about a holiday music book? Celtic tunes are fun! Keep on learning!
For now through Aug 25 this month BUY 2 books and get a 3RD ONE FREE.
The price of the least expensive book will be refunded. This is good for all books in stock.
How about a holiday music book? Celtic tunes are fun! Keep on learning!
Thursday, January 9, 2014
It's here; It's coming
2014 is here and is a full year ahead of cool opportunities to make music, share music, listen to music, be inspired by music, learn new music, have fun with music, and be moved by music.
It's coming - refers to Dulcimer Day in Duluth which will be May 3, 2014. The main guest artists are very talents players and good at teaching. The more complete bios of the guests will be up shortly as will the schedule, class descriptions, and registration information. Look for it by about January 18. The guest this year will be Gary Sager, Debbie Peters, Rick Thum, and Dick Kimmel. Rick and Dick have been a part of DDD before and are excited to return. Gary is coming from Ohio and Debbie from central Wisconsin are new to this fair. Class will include mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, banjo, mandolin, and songwriting. Potentially a few more extra classes may be added on singing and playing hymns.
Vendor spaces are available for people who make or sell instruments or make local art/crafts/goods.
There will be a Make It class this year with a local master herbalist and people will make their own garden herb sleep aid and learn more about herbs.
Check back for the schedule.
It's coming - refers to Dulcimer Day in Duluth which will be May 3, 2014. The main guest artists are very talents players and good at teaching. The more complete bios of the guests will be up shortly as will the schedule, class descriptions, and registration information. Look for it by about January 18. The guest this year will be Gary Sager, Debbie Peters, Rick Thum, and Dick Kimmel. Rick and Dick have been a part of DDD before and are excited to return. Gary is coming from Ohio and Debbie from central Wisconsin are new to this fair. Class will include mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, banjo, mandolin, and songwriting. Potentially a few more extra classes may be added on singing and playing hymns.
Vendor spaces are available for people who make or sell instruments or make local art/crafts/goods.
There will be a Make It class this year with a local master herbalist and people will make their own garden herb sleep aid and learn more about herbs.
Check back for the schedule.
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