Saturday, November 28, 2015

December Jam 12/12/15

We will begin our holiday with a good get together of food and music on Saturday, December 12th. Our festivities will begin at noon with some nice hot soup and good visiting time with otheres who love to pay the dulcimer. We will begin our playing at 1:00. Jerry has offered to teach and or review Dona Nobis Pacem and then we will play whatever speaks to our hearts during this season; bring your winter/seasonal music.

If you would like to come and socialize you can join our soup pot luck at 12:00 ( think about coming at 11:30 to get everything setup). Please just come or you can bring a soup, bread or dessert; coffee and water will be available.

Our new meeting venue is in north Bellingham off of Cordata Parkway at the 4780 Corona Court Clubhouse.

Directions form I-5
Take Bellingham airport exit and head toward Bellis Fair Mall, take left on Cordata Parkway, go about 3 miles and take left on Tremont Ave., take Left on Corona Ct.  and go around to end and clubhouse is on the left.

Thursday, November 5, 2015

November Dulcimer Jam 11-14

This month we have a new setting for our meeting. It is the clubhouse in the Cordata neighborhood, address is 4780 Corona Court, Bellingham. We are planning on a jam starting at 1:00. Promises to be a good musical mix of our play tunes listed on this site under posts and favorites as well. Come and play along and call some of your favorites. Meeting is Nov. 14 at 1:00.

Park in front of clubhouse or on the right, or can park at second house on right, it is on of the groups home.

Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Dulcimer For Sale


For Sale: Black Mountain Dulcimer -Model 58 The top of this instument is solid Cedar with heart shaped soundholes, and the back, sides and fingerboard are American Cherrywood. Chrome geared tuners. It has a scroll head, four string set up, nickel/silver fretted fingerboards with strum hollow. Strings were recently replaced and the instrument is tuned to DAD. Length, width, and depth are 32" x 7 1/2" x 2 5/8". Scale length" is 25 7/8". Nice little starter dulcimer.

Price $200. Gig bag and extra set of strings included.
Email: patspry@yahoo.com

Wednesday, October 7, 2015

Fall 2015 Practice Tunes


  • Bile
  • Angelina Baker
  • Whiskey Before Breakfast
  • Shenandoah Falls
  • Over the Waterfall in D
  • South wind
  • Lady Mary
  • Sail Away Ladies
  • Gray Cat on a Tennessee Farm
  • John Stinson's #2
  • Cluck Old Hen

Fall Practice in Bellingham

We will have two weekly opportunities for practice as a group

Mondays.          2:30 - 4:00               2121 Birch Cr., Bellingham

Wednesday.   11:00 - 1:00.              3115 Squalicum Parkway, Willows Retirement Center
                                                                Room 101

N.b. Monday practice is a slower pace group

October Meeting Update

Due to weather predictions we will not be going to Glacier. We will be meeting at 2121 Birch Circle, Sunrise Clubhouse from 1:30 -3:30. Come join us for a song circle on what looks like to be a rainy day. I will bring hot cider and some cookies. Call 360-982-8599 if you have trouble finding us.

Thursday, October 1, 2015

October 2015 Meeting Announcement


Welcome to Fall and isn't it beautiful !

We are meeting on October 10 and we have been invited to spend a beautiful Fall day with Barbara and Walter Roberts at their home in Glacier WA. We are planning on food and music for the afternoon in the colorful woods at the foot of Mt Baker. Barbara and Walter have a cabin in Snow Line around mile marker 35 on the Mt Baker highway. We will carpool from Sunset (Safeway parking area), leaving around 11 and returning around 5. It's a potluck and we are planning on soup, salad and dessert. Please email or call me on or before Tuesday, October 6 if you plan on attending. At that time I will have exact directions. Hope you can make it.

Phone 360-982-8599, email sunsetjam@gmail.com

Wednesday, September 16, 2015

September, 2015 Meeting Report


Thanks to BJ again for hosting at our new meeting spot at the Willows.Thanks to those who attended   and made a good beginning to our 2015 Fall season. Its always a pleasure to play with others. 

To quote Clay," That - short and sweet - is my story, and I am sticking to it. "

Stay tuned for a busy practice schedule. We will be meeting on Wednesdays at the Willows. It's 11:00 - 1:00 in room 101. We are putting together a practice list of songs so stay tuned on this page . We welcome suggestions and also other instruments. Come play some mountain music with us!

Thursday, September 3, 2015

September, 2015 Meeting Announcement


Our next scheduled monthly meeting is on September 12, 2015. 

Our monthly meetings are held the second Saturday afternoon of the month. For the months of September and October we will be  meeting at the Willows Retirement Center at  3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham from 1:30-3:30. We are on the first floor in room 101, you can inquire at the front desk for the location and the building is handicap accessible. All players, both beginners and experienced, are welcome to join in. The first half of the meeting is spent reviewing recently learned tunes, then learning a new tune. The second half of the meeting is "Song Circle", so please come with some tunes in mind. There is a list of our practiced songs further on this site. 

We welcome all new and returning players - we have been growing our club. If you are in the Bellingham area, we are having weekly practices on Wednesdays at the Willows . We meet at 11 a.m. in room 101 at the end of the first floor hallway to the left. The Willows is at 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. 

Wednesday, May 27, 2015

In Memory of Clay Butler

The Bellingham Dulcimer Club mourns the loss of a founding member,  Clay Butler died in his sleep on May 24 at his home in Bellingham. Please see his Facebook page for details from his daughter and you can also write the family a message.

We celebrated 6 years as a club with Clay in March. He has taught many beginners here in the Bellingham area. He really enjoyed seeing people get the strummin going and to be able to read TAB to the music which he also enjoyed writing.

Clay loved to play, especially those old time tunes and there was a story to go with every one. He was involved in the community, loved music, and so enjoyed playing with others. " Bile them Cabbage" was the song that Clay introduced to his many students and we will fondly remember Clay when we play this one along with a few stories.

Clay, you will always be part of us and we'll hear you playing in our hearts.

Thursday, May 21, 2015

Summer Schedule 2015

Summer is coming and so our members have decided to take a break from our Saturday meetings. We will be meeting and practicing weekly on Wednesdays at the Willows and welcome all new and returning players. We meet at 11 a.m. in room 101 at the end of the first floor hallway to the left. The Willows is at 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. We'll be back to BUF in September but lots of playing between now and then, come join us.

Saturday, May 16, 2015

May, 2015 Meeting Report

Missed this meeting, but BJ was there.  She indicated four folks were in attendance, and that they went over several tunes.  That - short and sweet - is my story, and I am sticking to it.  Later . . .

Thursday, April 30, 2015

May, 2015 Meeting Announcement

Our next scheduled monthly meeting is on May 9, 2015. This month there will be a guest host.

Our monthly meetings are held the second Saturday afternoon of the month at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St. from 1:30-3:30. We are on the second floor, there is an elevator and the building is handicap accessible. All players, both beginners and experienced, are welcome to join in. The first half of the meeting is spent reviewing recently learned tunes, then learning a new tune. The second half of the meeting is "Song Circle", so please come with some tunes in mind. There is a list of our practiced songs further on this site. 

We welcome all new and returning players - we have been growing our club. If you are in the Bellingham area, we are having weekly practices on Wednesdays at the Willows . We meet at 11 a.m. in room 101 at the end of the first floor hallway to the left. The Willows is at 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. 


Tuesday, April 21, 2015

April Meeting

We had a great turnout for our Willows performance with 12 musicians and many in audience. It was a lively exchange with audience participating in singing along, asking questions and even filling in background information on our tunes. Thanks to Jerry and Barry for their solo presentations. Also, special thanks to Chris and Bob for the added percussion. Looking forward to more outings by the dulcimer group. If you want to join our practices, we will be continuing at the Willows on Wednesdays at 11:00.

Tuesday, April 14, 2015

Willows Play Out and Parking

There has been a slight change in the room we will be playing in on Sat., 4/18. We will be entertaining start folks at the Willows in the 3rd floor Music Room. Please take the main elevator to the 3rd floor, turn right and go all the way to end of corridor, the Music Room is there. There is also an elevator at that end of building.

PARKING
If you have trouble finding a spot, pull up to front door and go to desk. They will valet park for you.

Arrive:1 for 1:30 start.

Wednesday, April 1, 2015

April, 2015 Meeting Announcement

April showers and we are bringing our sunny playing to the Willows again.
We are having a little community get together on April 18th at the Willows Retirement Facility in Bellingham .( See directions below.) We will not be meeting at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship this month.

We will be playing a program of toe-tapping tunes for the residents of the Willows beginning at 1:30 pm on Saturday, April 18th . (Please arrive early at 1:00 for setup if you are coming.) You are welcome to come play, sing or both and don't feel you have to play all music.

Music List:
Old Joe Clark
June Apple
Yesterday's Treasures
Round by Purcell
Wayfaring Stranger
Black Mountain Rag
Whiskey Before Breakfast
Sail Away Ladies
Acres of Clams/Ros'n the Beau
I'll Fly Away (key of G)
Fiddlin' A Round

The Willows is next to St. Joseph Hospital. You pass the hospital and take left turn going by St. Francis Rehab Facility.

We will be in the Fireside room, second floor. You can ask at front desk.

Willows Retirement Community, 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham, WA 98225.

Monday, March 16, 2015

KG 41 Update

For some updated information regarding KG 41, click here.  Later . . .

Sunday, March 15, 2015

March, 2015 BDC Meeting Report

Several Club members got together on Saturday afternoon to enjoy playing music and recognize our Club's 6th anniversary.  In attendance were Barbara and Walt Roberts, Pat Sabo, BJ Thornton, Cindly Friedman, Bob Travis, Leslie LeVesquez, Barry Cole and Club co-founders Jerry Kramer and Clay Butler.  After warming up with a bit of "Bile Dem Cabbage Down in the Arkan", called tunes in our Song Circle included, among others, "Yesterday's Treasures", "Sail Away Ladies", "Wayfairing Stranger", "June Apple", "Whiskey Before Breakfast", "Cluck Old Hen", "Wildwood Flower" and a revisit to "Over the Waterfall". Cindy and Bob also introduced us to "Wagon Wheels".  For digital pics from this meeting, click here. Later . . .

Friday, February 27, 2015

March, 2015 Meeting Announcement

Our next scheduled monthly meeting is on March 14, 2015. This month BJ Thornton and Barry Cole will be the hosts along with Clay Butler to help in celebrating the club's 6th anniversary.

Our monthly meetings are held the second Saturday afternoon of the month at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St. from 1:30-3:30. We are on the second floor, there is an elevator and the building is handicap accessible. All players, both beginners and experienced, are welcome to join in. The first half of the meeting is spent reviewing recently learned tunes, then learning a new tune. The second half of the meeting is "Song Circle", so please come with some tunes in mind. There is a list of our practiced songs further on this site. 

We welcome all new and returning players - we have been growing our club. If you are in the Bellingham area, we are having weekly practices on Wednesdays at the Willows and are putting together a Spring program. We meet at 11 a.m. in room 101 at the end of the first floor hallway to the left. The Willows is at 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. 

Thursday, February 19, 2015

Kindred Gathering 41

Kindred Gathering 41 (XXXXI) will be held Monday-Thursday, July 13-16 at Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, WA.   The country’s oldest gathering for the instrument celebrates its 41st year.  As usual, there is no charge for the festival though participants are asked to contribute to defray costs according to their financial ability. Workshops are scheduled on the spot to address current interests and abilities.  All instruments are welcome.  Or, come to listen, sketch, recreate.  For more information, left-click here  

Monday, February 9, 2015

February and March, 2015 Practices

Practice Days, place and times
During February and March, practice will continue on Wednesdays at the Willows, 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham,11:00-1:00.
First floor, room 101 (ask at desk if you can't find us)
Call cell phone Judith Akins if need more directions, 360-982-8599.

Tunes we are practicing.

Old Joe Clark
June Apple
Yesterdays Treasures
Black Mt Rag
Whiskey Before Breakfast
Acres of Clams/Rosin the Bow
Wayfaring Stranger
Go Tell Aunt Rhodie
Wildwood Flower
Sail Away Ladies
Fiddling Around
Butcher's Gap

Friday, January 30, 2015

February, 2015 Meeting Announcement

Our next scheduled monthly meeting is on February 14, 2015. Jerry Kramer will be the host this month, and we look forward to his expertise; maybe even playing a little "Groundhog".

Our monthly meetings are held the second Saturday afternoon of the month at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St. from 1:30-3:30, and occasionally we extend for snacks and social time. We are on the second floor, there is an elevator and the building is handicap accessible. All players, both beginners and experienced, are welcome to join in. The first half of the meeting is spent reviewing recently learned tunes, then learning a new tune. The second half of the meeting is "Song Circle", so please come with some tunes in mind. There is a list of our practiced songs further on this site. 

We welcome all new and returning players - we have been growing our club. If you are in the Bellingham area, we are having weekly practices on Wednesdays at the Willows and are putting together a Spring program. We meet at 11 a.m. in room 101 at the end of the first floor hallway to the left. The Willows is at 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham. 

Tuesday, January 13, 2015

Practice Days, place and times

February 4 Practice at the Willows, 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham,11:00-1:00.
First floor, room 101 (ask at desk if you can't find us)
Call cell phone Judith Akins if need more directions, 360-982-8599.

Tunes we are practicing.

Old Joe Clark
June Apple
Lady Mary
Yesterdays Treasures
Black Mt Rag
Whiskey Before Breakfast
Acres of Clams
Go Tell Aunt Rhodie
Wildwood Flower
Sail Away Ladies
Wayfaring Stranger
Lady Mary
Fiddling Around

Sunday, January 11, 2015

2015 Club Tunes

List of Club Tunes (not alphabetical but in order of introduction)

2015
Do You Love an Apple

2014 and prior
Yesterdays Treasures
Nutfactory Shuffle
Farther Along
Crooked Ridge
Cripple Creek
Acres of Clams (Rosin the Bow)
Groundhog
Round
River
Spanish Is A Loving Tongue
Spanish Fandango
Soldiers' Joy
Whiskey Before Breakfast
Wildwood Flower
Old Joe Clark
Ode to Joy
Butcher's Gap
Cluck Old Hen
Harrison Town
Lynchburg Town
Lady Mary
New River Train
A Soalin'
Streets of Laredo
The Three Ravens
You Are My Sunshine
Boil Dem Cabbage Down in the Arkan
Liza Jane
Kumbayah

January, 2015 Meeting Report

It was a good start to 2015 with a 8 players enjoying an afternoon of strummin together. We welcomed back John and Margaret from Oregon, always fun to have them here, as well as 3 new players to our group. I introduced "Do You Love an Apple", a traditional tune, and everyone caught on quickly. We then had a medley of old standbys such as "Old Joe Clark", "June Apple", "Mississippi Sawyer", and, of course, those "Cabbages". We followed this with our song circle and enjoyed playing and listening to some different tunes and discussed various techniques.

We will continue our monthly meetings at Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship at 1:30 on the second Saturday of the month. We will also continue our weekly practices at The Willows, 11:00 on Wednesdays room 101 on the first floor level. All are welcome as we develop a list of tunes that will become our Spring medley.

Our club tunes are also listed on this page and available on the website. If you are looking for a music book, a number of us have bought "Fun Fiddle Tunes" by Dave Haas (available on the web). It has all the traditional tunes played in groups and has exercises along with 2 CD's to play along with.

For the next two months there will be other members hosting, Jerry Kramer will host the February meeting.

Friday, January 2, 2015

January, 2015 Meeting Announcement

Happy New Year 2015
Our next scheduled monthly meeting is on January 10, 2015.

Our monthly meetings are held the second Saturday afternoon of the month at the Bellingham Unitarian Fellowship, 1207 Ellsworth St. from 1:30-3:30, and occasionally we extend for snacks and social time. We are on the second floor, there is an elevator and the building is handicap accessible. All players, both beginners and experienced, are welcome to join in. The first half of the meeting is spent reviewing recently learned tunes, then learning a new tune. The second half of the meeting is "Song Circle", so please come with some tunes in mind. There is a list of our practiced songs further on this site. 

We welcome all new and returning players and we have been growing our club. If You are in the Bellingham area we are having weekly practices and will be planning the schedule at our first practice on January 7 at the Willows. We will meet at 11 a.m. in room 101 at the end of the first floor hallway to the left. The Willows is at 3115 Squalicum Parkway, Bellingham.