A non-traditional approach . . .

. . . to traditional instruments.

Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival - June 23 to 25, Signal Mountain, TN

I'm so excited about the lineup for our 2nd annual Chattanooga Dulcimer Festival that I can barely sit still to write. When you see who's coming this year you'll understand.

We've paid close attention to the suggestions and comments from last year's instructors and students, and think a few minor adjustments will make this year's festival even better.

Probably the greatest number of positive comments last year were in reference to our team teaching approach to hammer dulcimer. Students enjoyed having two qualified instructors because they received more personalized instruction and instructors found that having another experienced teacher in the room made it much easier to explain and demonstrate technique - which is what this festival is all about. It is like having a teacher for each side of the brain!

Several students asked for more detailed class descriptions and asked that they be released earlier. I'm in the process of gathering those descriptions now so as soon as I can, which should be next week, I'll post the schedules. This will coincide with the CDF web site coming back on line.

I don't want to wait until then to announce this years teachers and performers so here goes:

Karen Mueller, Butch Ross and David Schnaufer will be our mountain dulcimer teachers. David told me Tuesday that he'll bring along virtuoso mandolin player Butch Baldesari for the Friday night concert. My head is still spinning.

Hammer dulcimer classes will be taught by Christie Burns, Randy Clepper, Dan Landrum, Marcy Prochaska and Mark Wade.

Our guest builder will be Jerry Read Smith, who will bring along a mini version of his Black Mountain, NC store - Song of the Wood.

We are adding activities to Sunday morning this year which will include a free ticket to the Tennessee Aquarium for every workshop participant. Additional tickets will be available at a group discount. Our concerts include Friday and Saturday night shows and a new Sunday morning concert at the Tennessee Aquarium auditorium stage. Following the concert we'll head outside for an afternoon of street performing. Bring your instrument and stay as long as you'd like.

I have a surprise for the Saturday night concert too but I'm going to wait a couple of days before revealing it. Stay tuned for more details and write with any questions - dan@danlandrum.com ¶ 11:16 PM 6 comments

Mic'd Up

I spent most of today installing pickups on my new dulcimer. It is a long process of placing, listening, recording, comparing, removing, staring and finally rejoicing when it all comes out right.

Click here to listen to some samples of the new system ¶ 10:03 PM 5 comments

Successful Delivery!

(Dr.) Jerry Read Smith successfully delivered my baby Monday night. Weighing in at 17lbs., 4oz., I probably won't give it a name but I'll do my best to give it a voice.


Click here to see a few more pictures.

Playing this new instrument is a delight and it is fertile ground for growing new songs. I hope to post an audio sample later this afternoon. ¶ 11:09 AM 13 comments