Mark, there was a song circle, too. In some ways the two events resemble each other, but in the song circle it is expected that people will play along with you, whereas in the open mic, there is a clear delineation between performer and audience.

It was my first public performance (not counting playing for my daughter's class at school) and was a good stepping stone for me.

Thanks, Gail. This was the first time an open mic was part of the event, but maybe we'll be better prepared next year. I'm just glad that someone took a picture of me. (It was someone I didn't know, but she contacted me by email afterwards. How nice people are!)

You can hear the song I played here on YouTube .

Nice photo, Dusty. I wish they had gotten a recording of you playing.

Hey Marc. This picture was taken during the open mic. I was the MC of the event and wanted to leave plenty of time for Joellen Lapidus, who I scheduled last, so I only played one song: the Irish double jig "Lilliburlero" (which I learned from the video posted here by Brian G.)

And yes, that Modern Mountain Dulcimer has amazing action and a big, round voice. I love it.

Feelin' good,Mortimer . . . er . . . uh . . . I mean . . . Robin!

Yes, Kristi, serious, if by that you mean too nervous to look up!

So you appear serious....nice photo.

John, the rational part of my brain knew you were right, but that didn't stop the nerves from making my hands shake a bit at the beginning.

Strumelia, I'm really glad someone in the front row took pictures. It's funny,I think that dulcimer is absolutely beautiful, but to afford it I had to sell a few other instruments, including a Laurel Mountain Dulcimer with dragonfly insets in the soundholes. All my non-musician friends miss those dragonflies and think this MMD is just plain looking.

And Ken, if I look intent on what I'm doing it's because I'm petrified of making a mistake and don't want to look up and see how many people are listening!

Thanks for commenting, everyone. It's nice to be able to share that moment with you all here.

Thanks for sharing the photo Dusty. Looks like you are really in to playing that dulcimer.

Wonderful photo Dusty, and what a beautiful dulcimer!

None of us would dream of saying "told you so" As if !!!

JohnH

that reminds me, must get a new battery for my Snark.............

Thanks, Patty from VA and John. Yes, RDD was a great time. Some wonderful workshops and great performances. It was very nice of someone I had never met before to take this picture for me.

Great pic!

Seems I've see that face before except there was a crown on top . Great picture Dusty!!! Sounds like you enjoyed yourself. I'm sure the music was exceptional