Quakertown Area Dulcimer & Autoharp Society (QUADAS)

What we're about: The Quakertown Dulcimer & Autoharp Society is a group of good folks who are interested in learning more about playing the hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer and/or autoharp. We come in all different shapes and sizes and skill levels. Some of us are just starting out on one of these instruments and others of us have been playing for years, but all of us can learn from one another. We typically break up into groups based on our level and instrument with one of our more advanced players, learn some good music and playing technique, and then we all come together for a group jam session. Beginners are welcome to join us!

Where we play: The First United Church of Christ in Quakertown, Bucks County has welcomed us to its community. The Quakertown Area Dulcimer & Autoharp Society is easily accessible from Bucks County, Lehigh County, and Montgomery County in eastern Pennsylvania. We also have members from New Jersey who make the short and scenic trek across the Delaware River. You can find directions here.

When we play: We usually meet on the second Sunday of each month from 2:00 to 5:00PM

Next Meeting: NO MEETING IN MAY! Spend the day with your mom and family on Mothers Day, and then attend the Seifert/Dugan workshops on May 19 (see below).
Sunday, June 10 at 2 PM at First United Church of Christ in Quakertown. At our last meeting, we focused on Columbus Stockade Blues, so we'll continue with that tune and add Cripple Creek. Both are in Join the Jam . You can download a version of Columbus Stockade Blues with more chords and some extra effects here. See the Music List for sheet music downloads.

If you would like to buy a copy of the book our club uses, you can get it here. There are versions with and without a CD.

Events

Saturday, May 19, 2012 » Stephen Seifert (Mountain Dulcimer) & Dan Dugan(Hammered Dulcimer) Present Afternoon Mountain Dulcimer & Hammered Dulcimer Workshops and an Evening Concert at Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse.

Workshops  $15ea or $40 for all three ‐ 12:30 Registration & Tune‐Up, 4:45‐5:45 Jam Session
1:00 – 2:00 Workshops:	MD – This is where it all begins (Beginner I) – Norm Williams (Wayfarers & Company)
	MD – Introduction to Chord Melody Style (Novice/Intermediate) –Stephen Seifert
	HD – Deciphering Dance Tunes (Intermediate) – Dan Duggan
2:15 – 3:15 Workshops:	MD – Embellishing Tunes (Intermediate/Advanced) –Stephen Seifert ( Elk River Blues will be the tune to embellish... DAD, Key of G, Capo 3 - download a version here (not tab))
	HD – Forget the Melody (All Levels) – Dan Duggan
3:30 – 4:30 Workshops:	MD – Learn to Read Hands (All Levels) – Stephen Seifert
	HD – Tasteful Hammered Dulcimer Techniques (Intermediate/Advanced) – Dan Duggan
4:45 – 6:00 Jam Session
6:00 – 7:00 Supper
7:00 – Doors open, Concert begins at 7:30

More information at the Perkasie Patchwork Coffeehouse website. View and download the concert flyer here.

Mark your calendars!!!

Sunday, July 8, 2012 » "Dulcimer Night" at Hereford Mennonite Church Outdoor Concert Series featuring Cliff Cole, Norm Williams, and A.J. Bashore II

This 7:00 pm concert will feature traditional music from around the world. Norm, Cliff and A.J. will play a variety of instruments, mostly concentrating on mountain dulcimer and hammered dulcimer, but will also including, banjo, guitar, mandolin and percussion. These accomplished gentleman are veterans of MANY concerts, festivals and private performances. The repertoire will include original tunes written by the performers. It will be a very special evening. Click here for directions and more info about Hereford Mennonite Church.

You can find out more about these musicians at these links:
Norm - http://www.wayfarersandco.net/
Cliff - http://www.daybreakfolk.com/
A.J. - http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/ajbashoreii

Check back here often for future dulcimer and autoharp happenings!