Episode 422 - "Notable 2018 Episodes"

 

Direct Download

An epic ending to the 11th season of “Dulcimerica”! We take a look back at 15 episodes in 2018 that provided a solid, fundamental resource for all skill levels. Plus, some never-before-seen footage from this year’s travel, including the Winter Storm Bruce blizzard in November! Thank you all!

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 421 - "You've Got Rhythm"

 

Direct Download

The focus is on rhythm in this episode as Bing demonstrates a number of exercises to help build up a steady and confident rhythm through strumming, flatpicking and combinations of the two. Selective strumming is covered along with a fundamentally powerful quarter, eighth and sixteenth-note cadence for practice.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 420 - "CGC Tuning Fun"

 

Direct Download

Bing sheds some light on tuning down to CGC, shows what notes live on the fretboard and demonstrates a trick for finding out what chord you’re playing using three different chord shapes.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 419 - "I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger"

 

Direct Download

Bing teaches the tune “I Am A Poor Wayfaring Stranger” and uses the piece to teach simple harmonization and rhythmic support. Download the tablature for this arrangement, and more, on Patreon at: https://www.patreon.com/posts/mountain-i-am-23145505

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 418 - "Farewell, Black Mountain"

 

Direct Download

The final episode from the 2018 Black Mountain Music Festival in Black Mountain, North Carolina features old-time music from Ken Kolodner, Rick Thum, Stephen Seifert and Jim Miller, a rendition of Dean Martin’s “Marshmallow World” by Sissy Dinkle, Dan Landrum and Guy & Sharrie George, and a high-flying goodbye for the week.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 417 - "Traditions Old and New"

 

Direct Download

Coming from the 2018 Black Mountain Music Festival in Black Mountain, North Carolina, this episode catches some sights and sounds around the festival. The title refers to NC’s own Don Pedi, playing old-time with some of his students and a fab trio of Stephen Seifert, Sissy Dinkle and Lydia Brittan performing a late 40’s era torch song.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 416 - "The Essence of Steve"

 

Direct Download

Another look at the 2018 Black Mountain Music Festival in Black Mountain, North Carolina featuring the inimitable Stephen Seifert in action.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 415 - "The O'Rourke Variations"

 

Direct Download

From the 2018 Black Mountain Music Festival, Aaron O’Rourke, at his wryly laconic best, wringing more mileage out of “Bile Dem Cabbage Down” than anyone before him.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 414 - "Legends of the Mountain"

 

Direct Download

The first in a series of videos from the 2018 Black Mountain Music Festival in Black Mountain, North Carolina. In this episode, Bing introduces the new Folkcraft Instruments NT-11 electric mountain dulcimer and performs “The Ballad of John Henry” in the Thursday night concert.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 413 - "This Next Chapter"

 

Direct Download

Bing performs a new tune inside of, and inspired by his travels with, Imua, his Fleetwood Tioga Ranger 25G motorhome. “This Next Chapter” is a bittersweet groove that recognizes the ever-changing landscape outside our highway windows.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 412 - "Stands With Dulcimer"

 

Direct Download

A lesson in how to play mountain dulcimer in a traditional position while standing up with a strap. Bing offers helpful tips to make this tricky skill a real treat! (Boo!)

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 411 - "Booth Shot Lincoln"

 

Direct Download

Bing teaches the tune “Booth Shot Lincoln” in DAD tuning for mountain dulcimer. Capo 4 for the key of A.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 410 - "Barlow Knife"

 

Direct Download

Bing teaches the tune “Barlow Knife” in DAD tuning for mountain dulcimer. Capo 3 for the key of G.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 409 - "Twinkle"

 

Direct Download

Bing teaches the tune “Twinkle” in DAD tuning for mountain dulcimer. Another look at mixing flat-picking and strumming, this song demonstration also covers using pull-offs in place of pick-strokes and selective strumming for dynamics.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 408 - "Nixon's Farewell"

 

Direct Download

Bing teaches the tune “Nixon’s Farewell” by Curt Bouterse. Tuning is DAD for mountain dulcimer. The song study covers flat-picking the melody, incorporating chords and using dynamics in working with both.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 407 - "That Texas Tune"

 

Direct Download

From the 47th Annual Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, Bing teaches a crooked fiddle tune in the key of A called “Texas”. Tuning is DAD for the mountain dulcimer. Bing goes over the tune note-by-note, chord-by-chord, introducing special finger placement techniques and tips on supporting rhythm.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 406 - "Ein Prosit"

 

Direct Download

While on the way to the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas, Bing stops in Van Buren, Arkansas and teaches a quick, fun version of “Ein Prosit” in G major for mountain dulcimer in DAD tuning. A 1+ fret is required for this arrangement and tablature is available through Patreon: http://www.Patreon.com/BingFutch

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 405 - "Interstate Memories"

 

Direct Download

Just a small assortment of memories from the 2018 Interstate Tour including a new tune written especially for this episode called “Interstate Memories.”

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 404 - "Crooked Cat"

 

Direct Download

From the August Dulcimer Daze festival in West Dover, Vermont, Bing teaches “The Old Black Cat Couldn’t Catch A Rat”, a crooked tune in DGD tuning for mountain dulcimer. See the whole two-song workshop on Patreon! http://www.Patreon.com/BingFutch

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 403 - "Advanced: Improvisation"

 

Direct Download

The next segment from The Evart Sessions features cross-picking warm ups and a study of “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic.” All 18 hours of special mountain dulcimer workshops for beginner, intermediate and advanced players are available on Patreon. http://www.Patreon.com/BingFutch

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 402 - "Intermediate: Repertoire"

 

Direct Download

The next segment from The Evart Sessions features cross-picking warm ups and a study of “My Heart Will Go On” from “Titanic.” All 18 hours of special mountain dulcimer workshops for beginner, intermediate and advanced players are available on Patreon. http://www.Patreon.com/BingFutch

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 401 - "Beginner: Technical"

 

Direct Download

In a special sequence of episodes, Bing Futch shares a segment of The Evart Sessions, 18 hours of special mountain dulcimer workshops for beginner, intermediate and advanced players. This very beginning segment features basics for new players. All 18 hours, plus resource materials, are available on Patreon. http://www.Patreon.com/BingFutch

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 400 - "Forever At Evart"

 

Direct Download

Our 400th episode! From the ODPC Funfest in Evart, Michigan comes a celebration of the world's largest dulcimer festival, chock full of music from The Squirrel's Nest, Sam Rizzetta, Maddie MacNeil and Bing's full set from the Friday night concert featuring The Kaiser Family, The Mom Family, Jason Yannity, Sarah Morgan and Micaela Jane Piui as The Unbeatable Squirrel Girl. A special 30 minute episode - thanks to all of you for watching!

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 399 - "John Stinson's #1"

 

Direct Download

Answering the long-asked question “whatever happened to ‘John Stinson’s #1?’, Bing unearths the legendary tune and teaches it on mountain dulcimer tuned to DAD. Recorded at Common Ground On The Hill in Westminster, Maryland.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 398 - "The Music Of The Flight"

 

Direct Download

Bing workshops a new arrangement on mountain dulcimer for “The Music of the Night” from “Phantom of the Opera.” Shot on campus at McDaniel College during Common Ground On The Hill, the episode features a song demonstration, chord and melody walk-through, some arranging tips and a whole lotta airplanes.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 397 - "KMW Moments"

 

Direct Download

A buffet of sights and sounds from the 2018 Kentucky Music Week featuring a quick tip from Dan Evans, a fabulous rendition of “Coleman’s March”, Bing’s “Dulcimers of the Caribbean” class, a fun jam, some instructors answering the question “What’s A Mountain Dulcimer?” and lots of eye-candy and performer cameos.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 396 - "Battle Ground"

 

Direct Download

From the 2018 Indiana Fiddlers Gathering in Battle Ground, Indiana, Bing explores the site of the Battle of Tippecanoe and takes in the sights and sounds of the festival before performing “Tecumseh’s Homecoming”, a new song written at the festival, on mountain dulcimer and Native American flute.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 395 - "Coshocton, Baby!"

 

Direct Download

From The 2018 Coshocton Dulcimer Days festival in Coshocton, Ohio, an aerial tour of Roscoe Village, some jams and classroom instruction and a concert performance by Joe Collins.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 394 - “Traditions In Morris”

 

Direct Download

Here’s a quick look around the Gebhard Woods Dulcimer and Traditional Music Festival featuring Don Pedi, Hugo Kringle (aka Mike Anderson) and a performance by Sarah Morgan of Jean Ritchie’s “West Virginia Mine Disaster” on mountain dulcimer.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Please Excuse Our Dust: We're Looking For A New Server Home

After over 20 years, Finch Interactive has ceased hosting of business servers, which means Dulcimerica is currently in the process of relocating the media files to a new server. This page will remain here at Dulcimerica.com, unchanged. However, the process of updating each post with the new server information will take some time.

The most recent episodes will be transferred first, with the remaining episodes following suit.  With over ten years of entries, you can imagine that this will take some time and you may occasionally encounter a broken link.  We suggest that you view Dulcimerica on YouTube if you have any difficulties with watching the videos through this site.

Thanks for your patience and understanding as we embark on this lengthy project!

Episode 393 - “Wisconsin Wild”

 

Direct Download

The 10th Annual Southern Wisconsin Dulcimer Festival in Janesville, Wisconsin featured Bing Futch, Stephen Seifert and Rick Thum teaching and performing. In this episode, catch Seifert solo and the trio travels to Cafe Carpe in Fort Atkinson and puts on a wild show, including this un-rehearsed take on Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” featuring hammered dulcimer and mountain dulcimer.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 392 - “2018 Florida Folk Festival”

 

Direct Download

A jam-packed episode from the 2018 Florida Folk Festival in White Springs, Florida featuring Bing jamming with blues legend Willie Green on the main stage!

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 391 - “Lee County Gathering Pt. 3”

 

Direct Download

Part 3 from the 2018 Lee County Gathering in Loachapoka, Alabama. To conclude this series of episodes, Bing Futch performs his original blues song “That’s What You Done To Me” on mountain dulcimer.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 390 - “Lee County Gathering Pt. 2”

 

Direct Download

Part 2 in a series from the 2018 Lee County Gathering in Loachapoka, Alabama. Next up, some workshops and a jam in session, plus performances by Dottie and Danny Shepherd and Cheri and Jim Miller.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 389 - “Lee County Gathering Pt. 1”

 

Direct Download

Part 1 in a series from The 2018 Lee County Gathering in Loachapoka, Alabama. First up – downtown Loachapoka, Pioneer Park, high school jazz band music and Anne Lough performing “Coleman’s March.”

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 388 - "Falling In Love"

 

Direct Download

“Can’t Help Falling In Love” by Elvis Presley is the focus in this quick workshop on mountain dulcimer. Bing taught the tune by ear to a group of students over the weekend at the 2018 Lee County Gathering.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 387 - "Up At The Bowery"

 

Direct Download

Bing performs “Promentory” from “The Last of the Mohicans” using a loopstation and a bass pedal in this conclusion of a two-part series from The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center For The Arts in Winnsboro, Texas.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 386 - "Down At The Bowery"

 

Direct Download

Bing returns to The Bowery Stage at Winnsboro Center For The Arts in Winnsboro, Texas. See an overview of the town and a performance of “Sweet River” on mountain dulcimer and Native American flute using a looper pedal in this episode.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 385 - "Zither and Yon"

 

Direct Download

Bing travels to Brenham, Texas and visits Zither Music Company, builder of award-winning instrument stands and stools.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 384 - "Gulf Coast Dulcimers 3"

 

Direct Download

Part 3 from the 6th Annual Florida Gulf Coast Dulcimer Retreat featuring Bing Futch performing “Shady Groove.” PLUS, a look at some moments from the 1st Annual Castaway Cruise which sailed to Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 383 - "Gulf Coast Dulcimers 2"

 

Direct Download

Part 2 from the 6th Annual Florida Gulf Coast Dulcimer Retreat featuring Guy & Sharrie George performing “Da Slockit Light.” Plus, some scenes from around the Homosassa Riverside Resort.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 382 - "Gulf Coast Dulcimers 1"

 

Direct Download

Part 1 from the 6th Annual Florida Gulf Coast Dulcimer Retreat featuring Folkcraft instruments owner Richard Ash playing “Sandy Boys” and “Bonaparte’s Retreat” on the Folkcraft Lap-JO, plus Cap’n Guy George navigating The Black Pearl on the Homosassa River.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 381 - "Fam Jam Pt. 3"

 

Direct Download

Part 3 of a three-part series from the 2018 Celtic Family Jamboree in Brooksville, Florida. In the final installment, Bing performs “Promentory” from “The Last of the Mohicans” with fiddler Matt Miller.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 380 - "Fam Jam Pt. 2"

 

Direct Download

Part 2 of a three-part series from the 2018 Celtic Family Jamboree in Brooksville, Florida. In this episode, Bing must deal with an on-the-spot decision right before jamming “Bricks” with Rathkeltair frontman Trevor Tanner.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 379 - "Fam Jam Pt. 1"

 

Direct Download

Part 1 of a three-part series from the 2018 Celtic Family Jamboree in Brooksville, Florida. In this episode, Bing introduces the segment, which features musical moments from the fest, including Screaming Orphans.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 378 - "A Full Plate Of Cabbage"

 

Direct Download

Bing takes the “Mountain Dulcimer National Anthem” and shares the oft-forsaken “B” part as well as tips to making “Bile Dem Cabbage Down” more palatable.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 377 - "Seventh Heaven"

 

Direct Download

A special episode on seventh chords, those lovely little twists of the screw that create musical tension and release. Bing goes over how to build them and how to use them with plenty of tips along the way!

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 376 - "Pulling Off A Hammer On"

 

Direct Download

With a focus on using hammer-ons and pull-offs as embellishments, this episode features a fun little tune called “Nixon’s Farewell.” Get ready for some great exercises to help you handle the heat.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 375 - "Step By Half-Step"

 

Direct Download

The ever-more-popular 1 ½ fret gets the spotlight on this episode. Bing shows what the extra fret is good for in DAD tuning and demonstrates a number of uses including extra scales, “blue notes” and glorious dominant seventh chords.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 374 - "Let's Get Cross, Shall We?"

 

Direct Download

Bing takes a look at cross-picking on the mountain dulcimer, which isn’t terribly hard with this instrument, and sets up an exercise for developing interesting new patterns with your rhythm hand. The tablature for this exercise can be downloaded from here: https://tinyurl.com/crosspicking

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 373 - "Intro To DAA Tuning"

 

Direct Download

Bing takes a look at the much-maligned tuning of DAA and includes tuning tips, scales, chord shapes and a little music theory background.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 372 - "Lucky In Kentucky"

 

Direct Download

In the first road-trip of 2018, Bing travels to Louisville, Kentucky for Kentucky Music Winter Weekend. Along the way, he appears on WHAS-TV 11’s “Great Day Live!” and performs his new blues song, “Put You Down”, with Stephen Seifert. Gary Gallier and Mark Alan Wade also jam out.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!

Episode 371 - "Making It Up"

 

Direct Download

Bing kicks off 2018, and the 11th season of "Dulcimerica", with some tips on how to make it up as you go. This is for mountain dulcimer tuned DAD and it covers scales, chords and using the capo to switch keys.

Bing Futch is endorsed by Folkcraft Instruments, V-Picks and Zither Stands.

Enjoy "Dulcimerica"? Consider supporting the program by becoming a patron!