I also belong to the Cockburn Facebook group and received numerous responses to my inquiry about when Bruce first picked up the dulcimer. The consensus has been since the early '70s, but only on a few songs such as 1975's "Arrows of Light". The group admin, Daniel Keebler, who has known Bruce, since, like forever, posted this history byte...
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=5488628841150568&set=p.5488628841150568&type=3
I wish Bruce Cockburn had played the dulcimer when I saw him in concert in the early 80s. I would have discovered the dulcimer as a teenager 
instead of as a tired, middle-aged man
.
Wonderful to see the same player over such a long time span, with a glimpse into the past again.
If you click the link to "Forums" you will see various forums for different subjects, and you can pick the forum that applies for your new thread.
(and Thanks Dusty!)
I wonder how many years Bruce C. has played a dulcimer and not used it til now in his concerts? Cool.
Dusty, thanks for moving my forum post to the General category. I confess that, as a new member, I couldn't figure out how to post to the gmd. Advice welcomed!
Bruce Cockburn played a mountain dulcimer last night in a concert that emanated and was livestreamed from Burlington, VT. I've seen him in concert innumerable times over the last 40 years and have never seen him play one. It sounded so sweet to these ears!
Interesting. I had no idea he played the dulcimer. I was lucky to interview him years ago - I think in the 70's - on radio, and he was such a nice guy. And he played some stunning music in the interview too. Good to hear he's still performing - always enjoyed him.
That's really cool. I saw Bruce Cockburn play show many years ago, but his only instrument was the guitar. Had he pulled out a dulcimer I wouldn't have known what it was.
By the way, I moved this discussion to the General Mountain Dulcimer category since the Site Questions forum is for questions about how this site works. I hope that makes sense.
Wow, I would've loved to have heard!
Bruce Cockburn played a mountain dulcimer last night in a concert that emanated and was livestreamed from Burlington, VT. I've seen him in concert innumerable times over the last 40 years and have never seen him play one. It sounded so sweet to these ears!
