The Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers

“Let Us Entertain You”

HOKD has been active in the community since June 28, 1992 providing both entertaining and educational programs at festivals, community functions, schools, organizations, libraries, nursing homes, senior centers and other venues in Northern Kentucky and Cincinnati areas.

‘Donations’ from performances helps our club with financial responsibilities and to promote history and music of the Appalachian dulcimer. HOKD give grants & scholarships to schools to educate students by putting the official State Instruments of Kentucky into the classrooms.  

  Performance Donations, Memorials and membership dues, are used to promote the dulcimer’s rich history in several ways, including:     

  1. We provide grants that enable local schools (where the Appalachian culture is part of the curriculum) to purchase dulcimers and related supplies

  2. We provide instruction for members, rehearsals for performances, Beginner and Intermediate level classes, twice a year. (6 classes begin in January and 6 classes begin in September) * Yearly workshops when guest or in-house instructors teach technique and/or new tunes.

  3. Club meetings are on the first and third Thursday of each month. (cancelled if Kenton Co. Schools are closed due to weather), 6p.m. to 8:30 at Notre Dame Provincial House, 1601 Dixie Hwy, Covington KY 41011

HOKD primarily features the Appalachian dulcimer, KENTUCKY STATE INSTRUMENT, (a.k.a. mountain dulcimer, lap dulcimer) However, our club jams include many traditional instruments like the washtub bass, mandolin, guitar, autoharp, fiddle, recorder, banjo and train whistle, just to name a few. Our library of music is extensive and includes a variety of old-time, gospel, and traditional folk music and “special themed" programs.

‘Special Memorials’ would be accepted and appreciated to honor our departed members. The Special Memorials received ‘keep alive' the history and music of the Appalachian culture as we promote to young and old alike through community performances and school programs. We are the “Guardians of Music” Memorials’ can be made out to: Hills of Kentucky Dulcimers. Email AlAnn Feldmann at musicgal225@gmail.com for information on how YOU can donate and keep traditions alive for future generations.

Picture above taken by Elaine Caldwell at Carter Caves.  The dulcimer is one made by the late and beloved HOKD member and luthier, Ed Weiss.