You probably know Ken Kolodner as a hammered dulcimer virtuoso and member of the trio Helicon and other collaborations. He plays old-time, Celtic and other ethnic traditions, dance tunes, classical and chamber music, and just about everything in between. While teaching regularly in Baltimore and at far-flung festivals and music camps, Ken continues to perform and play for dances. He?s been heard on NPR, German National Radio, the CBC and Voice of America. His ten recordings (featuring both his hammered dulcimer and fiddle work) have earned significant recognition, as have his five instructional CDs.
Elke Baker has been a regional presence since before she won the 1995 U.S. National Scottish Fiddle Championship. Since then, she has been a competition judge, plays for dances, teaches the history and performance of Celtic music at the Washington Conservatory of Music, and gives concerts across this country and around the world. She too is an active collaborator in duos, trios, a sextet even ? performing traditional and in-the-traditions music from old time to the classic Scottish composers, and dance tunes from contras to tangos. Her four recordings have also been well received.
Brad Kolodner took up clawhammer banjo in summer 2007, inspired by a beginners? class at a music camp. Before long, he?d developed his own style, combining old-time technique with melodic style. Of course, he?s been absorbing his father?s music through the years, and has already begun writing in old-time style. Last summer, as winner of the Old Time Banjo Festival Contest in Takoma Park, MD, he appeared as part of the all-star Festival Concert at the Birchmere.
This concert is a CD release celebration for Otter Creek, the first recording by Ken and Brad Kolodner, released last month. Elke Baker also appears on it. We?ll hear tunes
from this CD, as well as new material by Ken and Elke, whose duo CD will be available in just a few weeks. So come celebrate at this very special event! We?ll leave some room for dancing, at 8 pm on Friday, January 7, 2011, at the Washington Ethical Society Auditorium, 7750 16th St., NW, Washington, DC 20012. General admission is $20, $15 for FSGW members, $10 for students.
