Madison County Dulcimers

The Madison County Dulcimers proudly showcase the state instrument of Kentucky in performances around the Commonwealth. They blend sounds from a myriad of instruments: the Appalachian lap dulcimer, hammered dulcimer played with wooden mallets, upright bass, fiddle, acoustic guitar, bowed psaltry, banjo and banjammer with a twangy banjo sound. You will even hear an occasional trumpet solo. The group performs on cardboard dulcimers constructed from kits, dulcimers crafted by renowned luthiers like Berea’s Warren May or dulcimers made by a member of the group from a piece of wood with sentimental value. The 100 members, in large groups and smaller ensembles, fingerpick and strum Irish jigs and reels and play traditional songs, hymns, waltzes and sing-along favorites. They’ve recorded two CDs plus a cowboy-themed set of songs for tourism promotion in Texas. The group has been featured at the Kentucky Artisan Center in Berea, performed for sister cities delegations and played on stage at a variety of conferences, events and fundraisers for other organizations.

Madison County Dulcimers