Upcoming 2026 Dulcimer Events
Mountain Laurel Festival - Saturday, May 16, 2026
On Saturday, May 16, 2026, we will play at the Mountain Laurel Festival in Wartburg, TN (415 N. Kingston St). There will be a stage performance from 10:00 – 10:45 am. The regular playout for a walk-by audience will begin when the stage performance is over.
Chairs will be provided. There are vendors there for food but wait times can be long so you may want to bring your own lunch. Hats and water are also handy to have. We will be playing under a tent.
This is always a good festival and it is a perfect time for new players to get in there and give it a try. Come join the fun! We will be using Playout Setlist 2026-3. You can sign up below at the SignUp Genius.
For questions or concerns, you can contact Marie Webb at playoutsVP.kadc@knoxvilledulcimers.org or you can text her at (865)216-7067.
Holston Health & Rehab - Friday, May 29, 2026
KADC has been invited to play for the residents of the Holston Health and Rehabilitation Center located at 3916 Boyds Bridge Pike, Knoxville 37914. We will play from 2 pm to 3 pm on Friday, May 29, 2026.
YOU WILL NEED TO BRING YOUR OWN CHAIR.
We will be using Set List 2026-1. Please have your setlist loaded and be set up, tuned and ready to go at 1:45 pm. Sign up below at the SignUp Genius.
For questions or concerns, you can contact Marie Webb at playoutsVP.kadc@knoxvilledulcimers.org or you can text her at (865)216-7067.
Dam Dulcimer Day 2026 - Saturday, May 30, 2026
Join us for a laid-back day of music, friendship and mountain tradition at Norris Dam State Park, Shelter #2, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. Dam Dulcimer Day will be a relaxed gathering for dulcimer players and music lovers of all levels, set against the beautiful backdrop of one of Tennessee’s most scenic parks. Bring your instrument, a snack to share if you’d like, and settle in for a day of easygoing music and community. Whether you come to play, listen or simple enjoy the atmosphere, Dam Dulcimer Day is all about slowing down, making music together and enjoying the simple pleasures of a day at the park. Come spend the day with us–because music sounds better by the dam.
We will begin our day at 10 am and wind it up by 8 pm. There will be MD and HD workshops with snacks (cheese, crackers & fruit) provided throughout the day. You can also expect some fun activities including trail walks, a team scavenger hunt hike, and a tour of the Lenoir Museum and Grist Mill. A supper of hot dogs with fixings, baked beans, potato salad and cookies will be provided. S’mores for after dinner! Bottled water will be provided. Beef hot dogs will be served and veggie hot dogs available if you sign up for them.
What to bring:
- brown bag lunch
- chair
- your instruments
- music
- snacks or drink, if you want your own
Questions or concerns, please contact Cindy Steighner at president.kadc@knoxvilledulcimers.org
Sign up below at the SignUp Genius. The signup deadline is Wednesday, May 27.
City View Baptist Church - Thursday, June 4, 2026
We have been invited back to perform for the Young at Heart group at City View Baptist Church on Thursday, June 4, 2026. They are located at 2311 Fine Ave., Knoxville 37917.
This group has always been very gracious to us and offer us a delicious lunch at 11 am before we play. (Come hungry) We will play for them after we eat. Chairs will be provided. Please be set up and tuned by 10:45 am. We will be using Set List 2026-1. Have it loaded and ready before you get there.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Marie Webb at playoutsvp.kadc@knoxvilledulcimers.org or you may text me at 865-216-7067. Sign up below at the SignUp Genius.
Cades Cove Pop-Up Playout - Friday, June 26, 2026
Join us for a pop-up playout on Friday, June 26, 2026 at Cades Cove Picnic Area located in the Smoky Mountains. We will play from 10 am – 12 noon, and afterwards, enjoy a picnic lunch there. Bring your jamming chair and your own lunch. Bathroom facilities are available nearby.
Please remember that parking permits are required in the park. A daily permit can be purchased near the Cades Cove entrance for $5.
We will use Set List 2026-2. Make sure you have the updated versions of the songs from the club library.
Sign up below at the SignUp Genius. If you have any questions, contact Cindy Steighner at president.kadc@knoxvilledulcimers.org
Hammer & Strings Workshop with Matthew Dickerson - Tuesday, July 14, 2026
Matthew Dickerson, National Hammer Dulcimer Champion, will be conducting four hammered dulcimer workshops on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, from 9 am to 6:00 pm at Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S. Northshore Dr, Knoxville, TN 37919. This will be an all day event to include dinner and followed by a concert by Matthew. Please see the SignUp Genius posting to view the schedule of the day.
The cost will be a special rate of $35 for club members. Payment can be made at a prior club meeting with either cash or check. Checks should be payable to KADC and can be sent to PO Box 31512, Knoxville, TN 37930
What to bring to the workshop:
- Hammered Dulcimer
- Instrument Stand
- Music Stand
- Tuner
- Brown Bag Lunch
- Any snacks or drinks you may want
- Spending money for Matthew’s merchandise table
- Armless chairs will be provided at the location.
Meals: Attendees should bring a bag lunch. Dinner will consist of pizza, salad & dessert with a donation basket. When you sign up, you can select your pizza topping choice.
For Workshop Content questions, please contact Darlene Brazil at programmingVP@knoxvilledulcimers.org
All other questions, contact Gretchen Edwards at treasurer.kadc@knoxvilledulcimers.org
Sign up below at the SignUp Genius for this day of hammered dulcimer workshops.
Pick & Strings for Mountain Dulcimers - Tuesday, July 14, 2026
In conjunction with the Hammered Dulcimer Workshops by Matthew Dickerson, we will be sponsoring an event for mountain dulcimers at the same day and location. The mountain dulcimer program will take place starting at 12:15 pm and run through 6:00 pm at the Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 800 S. Northshore Dr, Knoxville 37919 and include a pizza dinner and concert by Matthew Dickerson.
There will be workshops for learning newly approved music for the KADC Library, a sharing circle and short jam. Linda Smith and Deby Libby will be the instructors for the day. Please see the information on the SignUp Genius regarding the schedule, the dinner and the concert.
All other questions, contact Gretchen Edwards at treasurer.kadc@knoxvilledulcimers.org
Sign up below at the SignUp Genius for this day of Mountain dulcimer activities.
Upcoming Club Events - Mark your Calendars
Below is an upcoming KADC event you may want to mark on your calendar.
July 8, 2026 (Wednesday) – Foothills Mall Popup, Maryville, TN
More information on this event will be posted soon!!
Popup Playout at Metcalf Bottoms - Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Let’s play music in the mountains!! We are going to have a popup playout at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area in the pavillion from 10 am to 12:00 noon. Set List will be announced at a later date. We will play music for 2 hours and then enjoy a picnic lunch afterwards.
Contact Darlene Brazil at alabrazil1@yahoo.com with any questions or concerns. Sign up below at the SignUp Genius.
Camping at Elkmont - Tuesday, August 11, 2026- August 13, 2026
In conjunction with the playout at Metcalf Bottoms Picnic Area, we will have a group of KADC members also camping at Elkmont Campground from Tuesday, August 11 thru Thursday, August 13. This is a camping event organized by KADC; however, you will be responsible for making your own campsite reservations. Most KADC members will be staying in Loop G at the campground. This signup listing will help us keep track of everyone expected. Please include your campsite number once you have made your reservation.
We will plan evening campfire activities closer to the event. Usually this involves a shared dessert and jamming. On August 12, we will participate in the Metcalf Bottoms Popup and picnic.
Be advised the campground does not have electricity or showers. A bathroom and potable water is available. Each camping site is allowed two vehicles and up to six individuals. You may want to contact your club friends and double up on the sites. Here is the link to make a reservation:
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232487
Indicate your camping presence below at the SignUp Genius.
Past Activities
Watch the Sharing Circle from the November 2 Meeting
Click Here to watch our Sharing Circle from the November meeting.
Susan Gulley, Pam Wynn, Clair Meggs, Sue Bartlett, Laura Van Eps, and Cheryl Phillips provided holiday music on December 12, 2025, at the Mabry-Hazen House Candlelight Event.
KADC members played at the Mountain Laurel Festival in Wartburg, TN, on Saturday, May 17, 2025. And we met Spider-Man and Moana!! Who knew Spider-Man liked dulcimers!! Check out our stage performance and more pictures on our YouTube page.
On Saturday, August 31, 2024, 25 KADC members played played music on the porch of the Heritage Center in Townsend to participate in the International Play Music on the Porch Day. CLICK HERE to hear us play!
On September 16, 2023, KADC members played at the annual Storytelling Festival at Bandy Creek, Big South Fork for a walk-by audience. Weather was good and only had one short shower!
Check out videos from the 2023 Play Music on the Porch Day on the Photo/Video Gallery.
Nine KADC members came out to play at the Butterfly Festival in Oak Ridge at the UT Arboretum on Saturday, September 9, 2023. Viki Rouse, Pam Tice, Claire Meggs, Susan Gulley, Linda Smith, Ruth Rizzie, Laura Van Eps, Sue Bartlett and Mark Reda played.
