Dulcimer players from far and near will gather Sept. 26-27 at Pine Mountain State Resort Park at Pineville for a music festival devoted to dulcimers, the 2014 Great American Dulcimer Convention.
The Appalachian dulcimer is a sweet-sounding string instrument played on the lap. Similarly named but unrelated is the many-stringed hammered dulcimer, which dates back to ancient times. Both types are spotlighted in the convention’s concerts by professional musicians and in workshops, open stage opportunities and jams open to all.
This year’s returning performers include Kentuckians Anne MacFie, a songwriter and balladeer, who organizes the festival; and multi-instrumentalist Randy Wilson, as well as mountain dulcimer champion Gary Gallier of Springfield, Missouri.
Making their first performance at Pine Mountain are Steve and Ruth Smith, a hammered dulcimer-banjo duo from North Carolina; Square Thirteen, an Ohio band featuring the mountain dulcimer of Laura Elder; and from Rhode Island, Aubrey Atwater and Elwood Donnelly, a husband/wife duo excelling in singing, folk dancing and playing an array of instruments.
Convention activities begin with an 8 p.m. Friday evening (Sept. 26) concert by all six acts. Saturday morning (Sept. 27), the performers teach mountain and hammered dulcimer classes at beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. Afternoon activities include a group jam, open stage for dulcimer players, learning workshops and informal performances. The event winds up with a Saturday evening concert.
Information about tickets, lodging, dining and a special GADC weekend package from Pine Mountain State Resort Park is available by calling 800-325-1712. More information on the festival can be found at: http://americandulcimerconvention.com
The park has a 30-room lodge, cottages and a full-service restaurant. It also has a golf course and other recreational opportunities for guests. Pine Mountain State Resort Park is located south of Pineville, on U.S. 25E, 10 miles north of Middlesboro.
Story provided by Kentucky Department of Parks
