Dulcimer Jamboree

Nathaniel and his dad just returned from the Dulcimer Jamboree in Mountain View, AR. The Jamboree, which takes place at the Ozark Folk Center, draws mountain and hammered dulcimer players from all over the nation and includes three days of outstanding workshops and concerts and the South Regional Dulcimer Championship. Nathaniel competed for the first time during this year's jamboree and placed third in competition, which is sponsored by the Dulcimer Shoppe and McSpadden Dulcimers in Mountain View. He played "Black Mountain Rag" and "How Great Thou Art" in the first round and "Spanish Fandango" and "Wayfaring Stranger" in the final round.

Jamming at Shooting Creek Cabin

Nathaniel, his dad and a friend, Calvin, spent Friday playing old-time music on the porch of an 18th century cabin on the side of Black Mountain as part of a living history day at the Foxfire Museum. Nathaniel and his dad played dulcimers and a birdhouse banjo. Calvin played his guitar and banjo. The cabin, one of several historic buildings on the Foxfire property, was relocated from the North Carolina mountains, presumably from the banks of Shooting Creek.

Warren A. May Dulcimers

While visiting his Grandma over Easter weekend, Nathaniel got to visit Warren A. May's dulcimer shop in Berea, Kentucky. Nathaniel enjoyed playing several fiddle tunes and hymns with Mr. May, who has been building dulcimers for more than 30 years and who also makes beautiful furniture.

Recording & Performing

Friday was a big dulcimer day for Nathaniel. Early in the day, he and his dad were filmed explaining and demonstrating basic dulcimer playing techniques. The video segment, which will be added to this blog after it is edited, is part of a series of videos about various arts that is being produced by the Georgia Heritage Arts Center. Nathaniel's sister, Sarah, also did a segment about pressed flower art. Later in the day, Nathaniel's family traveled to Red Top Mountain State Park to attend one day of a weekend dulcimer festival. At the festival, called Spring Thing, Nathaniel enjoyed some fine jamming time and played two songs during the Open Mic time.