Gebhard Woods New Talent Stage

New Talent Stage

This year's festival will include an open showcase stage for dulcimer, harp and autoharp musicians. Pre-registration is strongly suggested - simply click the button below to request a stage time. Once confirmed, your name and biographical info will be displayed here.

NOTE - Pre-register here by May 15 to also have your information printed in the festival program!

Schedule as of 5/16/2012 at 9:04 am US CT

Sat	10:00	Coffeehouse
		Alison Coyer - In August of 2005, Alison discovered the hammered dulcimer at the age of 12 and she was a natural talent. She began studying with Sherri Farley of Sandwich, Illinois and in 2007, she recieved a Master Apprentice grant through the Illinois Arts Council to study hammered dulcimer with Bill Robinson, a third generation, nationally recognized master of the instrument. Alison's studies with Bill Robinson have allowed her the opportunity to play at festivals and events throughout the country. Her solo endeavors have also earned her the respect of fellow musicians and dulcimer players and her love and curiosity for music has encouraged her to begin studying other instruments including bass and guitar. In September of 2009 Alison travelled to Winfield, Kansas to compete in the National Hammered Dulcimer Chanpionships and was awarded 3rd place among 13 contestants. Her winnings included a trophy and a new dulcimer crafted by Mike Huddleson. For her it was an honor to be recognized nationally and have her traditional style of playing recieve such high praise. Traditional music on the hammered dulcimer is easy to come by, but difficult to master. Alison plays with impecable timing, technical accuracy and an infusion of "fun" that makes her style unique and incredibly enjoyable.

Sat	10:30	Coffeehouse
		Margaret O'Brien - Margaret, a disabled chemical engineer has used music and art for the past 12 years as a therapy in coping with health issues and stress. Margaret has played music for most of her life with her family, and started writing songs in 1998. Her music evokes the heart-felt and soul-inspired folk songs of Judy Collins and Joni Mitchell. Margaret bought her first Blue Lion dulcimer 6 years ago after seeing them at a dulcimer festival and falling in love with the instrument. She had always wanted to play the guitar and the dulcimer turned out to be the perfect substitute, and easier to play. Margaret and her dulcimer sing together like two good friends. To hear Margaret play, is to be taken away by song, lyrics and melody...truly inspiring.

Sat	11:00	*OPEN*


Sat	11:30	Alan Richter
		Alan surprised and delighted his audience last year when he used a variety of techniques on the Mountain Dulcimer. Using a hammer, Ebow and jimbow completely altered familiar tunes creating a unique and wonderful expression. Alan, a student and performer with the Old Town School of Folk Music Dulcimer Ensemble in Chicago, will play a selection of contemporary and classic pieces, including several Stephen Foster songs on the banjo-mer.

Sat	12:00	*OPEN*


Sat	12:30	*OPEN*


Sat	1:00	*OPEN*


Sat	1:30	*OPEN*


Sat	2:00	*OPEN*


Sat	2:30	*OPEN*


Sat	3:00	Dick Weinberger
		Back in the 60's Dick discovered his passion for folk music and taught himself to play the acoustic guitar. Within the decade he directed a high school folk groups which performed publicly and received great reviews. His talent remained almost dormant for three decades. It wasn't until the 90's that he revived his musical interest and talents. In 1998 he was introduced to and fascinated by the hammered dulcimer, and in a couple of years added the mountain dulcimer to his repertoire. Combined with his love of folk music and newly discovered instruments, he has spawned a strong desire to bring folk music to the dulcimer world. Utilizing his bass voice and dulcimer talents, Dick brings folk songs and many other types of music to be enjoyed by all generations.

Sat	3:30	*OPEN*


Sat	4:00	*OPEN*


Sat	4:30	*OPEN*


Sat	5:00	*OPEN*


Sat	5:30	*OPEN*


Sun	10:00	Coffeehouse
		John Leenders - John built his dulcimer from a kit in 2006 and started practicing. Now 68 years old and participating in area jams. John plays and sings classical country and some bluegrass music, most of which he learned while a boy, listening to family members play on the front porch and at family gatherings. Much of his music has been passed on and learned via the aural tradition. Listening to John play, one can envision the entire family sitting on the porch, playing after dinner on a warm summer's evening.

Sun	10:30	Coffeehouse
		Nate Pultorak - Nate, a junior at Joliet Catholic Academy, has been playing hammered dulcimer since 2006. He plays for school and church events. Nate especially enjoys writing and performing original pieces in addition to hymns and traditional music. He is mentored by Dave DePasqua. Nate wowed the Open Stage staff at last year's festival when an audience member asked if he knew how to play "Favorite Things" from The Sound of Music. Nate said, "if you give me a minute, I can play it." He spent about thirty seconds testing his notes, then launched into a full three-or four minute rendition of "Favorite Things" that brought audience members to tears. He is an amazing talent.

Sun	11:00	*OPEN*


Sun	11:30	*OPEN*


Sun	12:00	*OPEN*


Sun	12:30	*OPEN*


Sun	1:00	*OPEN*


Sun	1:30	*OPEN*


Sun	2:00	*OPEN*


Sun	2:30	*OPEN*


Sun	3:00	*OPEN*


Sun	3:30	*OPEN*


Sun	4:00	*OPEN*


Sun	4:30	*OPEN*


Sun	5:00	*OPEN*


Sun	5:30	*OPEN*

� 2012 Gebhard Woods Dulcimer and Traditional Music Festival