Day-Long Dulcimer Jam Coming to the Folklife Center

Fairmont State University’s Frank and Jane Gabor West Virginia Folklife Center will host the Wartz ‘n All Dulcimer Jam on Saturday, May 4 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Lap dulcimer players, as-well-as all other acoustic musicians, are invited to attend. For beginner dulcimer players or those curious about the instrument, the Folklife Center will have cardboard dulcimers to lend. 

Event co-founder Robert Lackey brought the Wartz ‘n All Dulcimer Jam to the Folklife Center in 2023 after a several-year event hiatus. Lackey, a member of the acclaimed Kennedy Barn String Band, touted the special aspects of the gathering, “the lack of a schedule allows the day to progress as an informal jam or casual apprenticeship would, with lots of time for conversation about techniques, tunes, and more.”

Lackey unexpectedly passed away in December of 2023, but the festival continues in his honor. Organizers plan to hold the event at the Folklife Center twice a year.

“The event is free and open to all, regardless of skill level,” says Folklife Center Director Lydia Warren, Ph.D. “We encourage everyone to come ready to learn and share their skills with other folks in the laid-back music community, or to watch, listen, or try out a dulcimer.”

For more information about this event, please contact Folklife Center Director Dr. Lydia Warren at lydia.warren@fairmontstate.edu or call 304.367.4286.