Keith Prairie demonstrating how to make due with pencils when you forget to pack your hammers. Photo by Jane Prairie.

Maine: It’s a Small World!

By Keith Prairie | I have frequently busked in Portland, Maine, and one of my favorite spots is where cruise ships come into port. One day while busking near a cruise ship, a fellow came up, introduced himself and said he was from Winfield, Kansas...
Decoration on the Walnut Valley Festival competition stage. A cowboy hat, two hands, and a guitar cartoon.

How to Win at Winfield

Past hammered and mountain dulcimer Winfield champions share their experiences with the competition and comment on what winning really means.
Decoration on the Walnut Valley Festival competition stage. A cowboy hat, two hands, and a guitar cartoon.

A Case for Contests

Hammered dulcimer player and teacher Mark Alan Wade argues that preparing for contests makes musicians better players.