Music on the Hammered Dulcimer

Description - Few musicians play the hammered dulcimer. Fewer still sing while accompanying themselves on this fascinating instrument. Phil Passen does both, offering traditional American and Celtic music. With rhythmic playing on fast tunes and sensitive playing on slow numbers, Phil’s music often elicits the word “soothing.” And though it may seem contradictory, listeners also dub the music “happy” and “bouncy” as they tap their feet to the beat. Phil frequently performs for the Chicago Department of Aviation’s tourist programs at O’Hare Airport, where travelers often thank him for providing pleasure on a stressful day. Library patrons and staff alike react with delight and enthusiasm to the mix of music and information in these programs. Afterwards, members of the audience, young and old, musicians and non-musicians, come up to take a closer look at the dulcimer and try their hand at it.

Other - Old-Time American Music; Old-Time and Celtic Music; Irish Music for St. Patrick’s Day (and any time of the year); Music of the Winter Holidays; Songs from Carl Sandburg's American Songbag; The Music of Thomas Hardy; Music of the Civil War

Availability - Year-round

Audience - Adults, teens and families

Fees - $250 solo, $400 with accompanist (guitarist or banjoist)

Equipment - Phil provides sound equipment when necessary

Contact - Phil Passen

Address - P.O. Box 617913, Chicago, IL 60661

Phone - (312) 715-0414

Email - phil@philpassen.com

Website - http://www.philpassen.com/