Marcy Prochaska

This morning was the first of the third Saturday dulcimer mornings at the Culver Coffee Company, and what a lovely morning it was!

When I arrived, Bob Nowak was starting to hang a new academy faculty art show, including some of his own beautiful frost photographs. A little snow had been falling on my way in, but soon stopped as the day warmed up a bit. By the end of my set, the place was pleasantly full.

We were able to set up a spot for me without having to lose any tables — we just moved two stools and one chair to new locations. It was a good spot visually (anyone in the main room could easily watch if they wanted to, and could see my CDs, business cards, and tip jar) and aurally (one friend said the sound carried around to other rooms, too).

Towards the end I was starting to have trouble thinking of what to play next, and at one point I confused the B part of the tune I was trying to play with the B part of a tune I’d played earlier, but overall it was a refreshing time of music for me. I hope it was refreshing for others, as well; I certainly saw a lot of relaxed and smiley faces.

Thanks to all who stopped in for a listen and some eats or drinks.

See y’all next third Saturday!

Come eat a scone, drink a cup of something sweet, knit, read, or all of the above while I’m playing hammered dulcimer at the Culver Coffee Company this Saturday, February 20, 9:30-11:30.

How lax I’ve been about updating this site! Apologies.

Today I got to play at the Yellow River Festival again. My set was mostly Old Time, with some originals and other things thrown in.

The whole thing was a bit of a whirlwind. It was graduation for my husband’s school, so he wasn’t available to take care of our little girl. I can’t fit the dulcimer and the toddler in the car at the same time, so I first ran her over to a sitter’s, then returned home to fetch the dulcimer, then to the festival, where after checking in I got to visit with a friend and hear some other music, then my set, then take the dulcimer home, then fetch the little one, and whew.

Last night I provided music for a going-away party held at the Culver Coffeehouse.

It’s a nice place with good food, a big fish tank, a corner with a couch and cushions, various teas and teacups and coffees and accessories for sale. One corner by a window is raised up, and that’s where I played. There’s a railing on two sides with a wide top, good for displaying CDs, business cards, and the tips jar.

The party went well — the room was comfortably full and people seemed to be having a good time munching goodies, passing the baby around, and chatting.

I like playing background music; it doesn’t require people to sit still and pretend to pay attention, but adds a little loveliness to what they’re already doing.