# Marcy Prochaska: Hammered Dulcimer

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## Yellow River Festival

Yesterday I performed as part of the Yellow River Festival, which celebrates county history in the mid-1800s.

I don’t know if any of the music I played was written in that exact time period, and I don’t know if anyone in Marshall County knew any of those tunes at that time, but I did play some “old” music — here’s my set list:

Hewlett (O’Carolan)
Carolan’s Draught (O’Carolan) / Sleepers Awake (Bach)
Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring (Bach)
Prelude in Em for lute (Bach)

Sir David Davidson of Cantray / Glenlivet (Scottish)
Staten Island / Julia Delany (Irish)
Banish Misfortune / Swallowtail Jig (Irish)
Easter Thursday (English)

Third Street Market (M. Prochaska)
Kittatinny Tunnel (M. Prochaska)
The Storm / One Wintry Night (J. R. Smith)

I am curious as to how much research other festival musicians did. Did anyone for sure play something either written or just known and played in this county during this time period? I confess historical research is not at all up my alley.

Besides music, there were demonstrations and exhibits and crafts and food — some historical, some modern — as well as a display of plans for a larger park in that area, which has been prone to flooding. I didn’t get a chance to look at the display; I wonder what flood prevention strategies the plan includes, or what the neighbors think of the plan. Some vacant commercial buildings have already been demolished.

Before the festival officially began, I got to do a short TV interview for a local station covering the festival. The reporter asked me what it’s like to learn the dulcimer, and I blabbered somewhat incoherently but enthusiastically. Then I got to play a tune, which was much easier.

Despite being ridiculously nervous and particularly worried about being out of place (unhistorical and all), I had a good time and played reasonably well, and no one ran away screaming. In fact, they’ve asked me to consider opening the festival next year.

Posted on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at 3:17 pm in the Performances category.
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