Dulcimers at Carnegie Hall

Last Sunday, January 18, 2026, a group of us performed on (mostly) mountain dulcimers at Carnegie Hall in New York City. This was part of the 17th Annual Performing Arts Educators Invitational showcase on the main stage at Carnegie Hall in New York City, mostly dance groups, with at least 1000 people in the audience. The personnel were (top to bottom in the video links below) Elaine Conger (organizer and music director), Thomasina Levy, Rob Brereton, Matt Straub (flute, founder of the organization that presented the event), Carol Crocker, Nancy Galambush, and Sam Edelston.

Our segment of the program was two pieces:

Minuet in G (Petzold - originally attributed to JS Bach) / Lovers' Concerto (originally a 1965 hit by The Toys)

Appalachian Fiddle Tune Medley (which may have been guided a wee bit off the rails by one of our members):

• Cherokee Shuffle
• Soldier's Joy
• Smoke on the Water (riff)
• Angelina Baker
• Pink Pony Club (chorus)
• Old Joe Clark
• Proud Mary (riff)

Carnegie Hall is a deservedly legendary and awe-inspiring stage filled with history and beauty. Being able to get a thousand strangers laughing, singing, and clapping along was a magical, magical experience.

Our full set is on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/reel/1949805212578854

Here's a link to the medley, edited to make my spoken parts a little more audible. (I was edge-on to the microphone, and I forgot to speak up in my stage voice.)

I'm grateful to Elaine for the invitation to be a part of this group, her excellent work as leader, and her openness to suggestions from us.

And thank you to Thomasina's husband, Steve Levy, for shooting the video!