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Joellen Lapidus: Guestbook

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Edmund Venella (aka Loren from Fairfax-early 70's)

January 18, 2010

Hello Joellen,

Hope all is well with you.

Since I recently learned of Laura Allan's passing back in May of 2008...I have been in contact with some of her old friends and associates and I continue to reach out as much as I can to others that I find through shared memories or on the Internet.

I am seriously trying to gather as much info and interest that I can muster so that a Life memorial can be put together in the form of a website dedicated to Laura's life, music, art, and stories that can be shared in an online community to honor her. This is an act of Love, and would be manifest by people's remembrance of her and a way to share how she touched so many people along her life's journey.

I know that the Virtual Memorial set-up by her brother Jeffrey is a wonderful tribute to her, but I believe a dedicated website created through stories, pictures, musings, music, and art would be a profound place to share those memories.

Please let me know if you are interested in providing anything you deem as relevant or of interest to make this happen. I will completely understand if you wish not to participate. I am in the process of gathering as much material as I can, and then I will begin to design and host the website depending on the content I gather and the subsequent interest or lack thereof. Some folks want to leave things as they are...I understand.

Thanks so much Joellen!

Ed
edmundvenella@embarqmail.com

Richard Thomas

December 30, 2009

Interested in discussing your services for my wedding, thanks

Mark Harris

December 22, 2009

Just doing some research. Originally googled Robbie, after Laura Allan. I took a lesson from you in the 70's or 80's, either at your house or McCabes. I'm ol' so I kinda misremembers. Found this link from the JoniMitchell.com site.
Jus' passin' through, still playin'...Peace

Loren (aka E. Venella)

November 30, 2009

Hi Joellen...

I came upon your wonderful site while attempting to track down Laura Allan. Much to my deep regret and sadness I also discovered that Laura had passed away back in May of 2008. My heart sank. Do you possibly remember me...I was the manager at the Good Earth Natural Food store in Fairfax and was a very close friend of Laura's, as well as Caroline's. One of the guests here also mentioned Robbie Long who made me my first Dulcimer which I am proud to say I still have.

I remember the'giggle house' up on the hill in Forest Knolls...it brings back such fond memories. So much laughter, pure spirit, and great music and creativity. I sincerely hope you are doing well and please write back to me if you have the opportunity...I would love to know where everyone wound up and how they are doing. My heart aches for not seeking out Laura earlier before she passed on.

Peace and blessings to you...Loren (Ed)

Pandi

September 7, 2009

Joellen- My name is Pandi and I'm a kindergarten teacher and folksinger from Seattle. I play in a band with my best friend Rachel called The Gloria Darlin's ; she plays fiddle and I play guitar, autoharp, and mountain dulcimer (and now washboard; this woman in Eugene just made me a beautifully painted one). I spent the month of July in Appalachia learning from some great players; and am falling in love with dulcimer over and over. I just watched some Joni performances and am in love with your craftsmanship. Are you still making them? We'd love to have purchase one of your beautifully made instruments. Please let me know how to make this happen;)

Susan Crespi

August 11, 2009

Hi Joellen!
I was reading the book "Girls Like Us" and came across your name and went down memory lane thinking about our time as roomates on 4th street. I looked at your photos, music. You look wonderful and seem to be quite successful. I am happy for you! I'm married in Santa Fe, NM and work as an OT with special needs kids. If you ever come to Santa Fe call me (505)438-0420.
Susan

Peter Engl

August 10, 2009

Hello,

we like your music. Please inform me if you are planing a Europe tour. We would like you to play here
http://www.igkultur.de/

Best regards from Germany

Peter Engl

Marshall Jay Kapell

July 8, 2009

Joellen,

I happened to be surfing the net and found your website. I was looking for some Jewish song for the dulcimer. I am a Cantor in Potomac Maryland and have played the dulcimer since college. I attended the Univ. of North Texas for music. Would love to know if you have any tabs for Jewish folk songs. I listened to the Erev Shel Shoshanim track and I really loved your arrangement. Please let me know. Thanks Marshall

Diane Ippel

July 4, 2009

Hi Joellen.

I met Michael Fluegge at the Winfield festival in Kansas in about 1985. He designed and built a prototype mountain dulcimer for me in 1985 or 86 which he named the "Lainee" dulcimer because that was what he called me. (my middle name is Elaine) This dulcimer is a dead ringer for your Princess Dulcimer. I wonder if you might have met him when he was over here visiting from Germany. My dulcimer has walnut perfeling and filagree mother of pearl fret markers. It looks like it is made from curly maple. Mine has a split back with a strip of wood inlay down the center of the back. I don't have any photos of it yet, but if you are interested I could send you a picture of my instrument.....I have since lost touch with Michael so have no way to ask if he ever saw your design or met you before he made my instrument. I live in Illinois. I am the founder of the Gebhard Woods Dulcimer Festival (we just held our 22nd fest). I founded Hammers and Noters Dulcimer Society of Illinois, Inc. which is the sponsoring not-for-profit organization of the festival, and I coordinated the festival from 1988 through 1990 and 1999 through 2006. I serve as a consultant and mentor for the festival now, and still participate in the organizational meetings. My website is dianeippel.com. I am primarily a hammered dulcimer player and I use the mountain dulcimer when I show the differences and similarities between the hammered dulcimer and mountain dulcimer when I do school programs.

I loved seeing the other instruments you have built - each one a unique work of art.

Sincerely yours,

Diane Ippel
P.O. Box 792
Morris, Illinois 60450
cell: 815-922-2865

joseph of windows to sky

June 9, 2009

hi! I am a singer-songwriter-bandleader and fan of both Joni Mitchell and McCabes for 22 years now. recently I happened upon a copy of "Joni Mitchell Sings the Songs of Joni Mitchell". a little crystalline shard of 1970, just landing there in my hand. such an amazing moment in time.

around 16:45, there's a nice shout-out to you. I found your site and browsed around and decided that on the off-chance you hadn't seen it or didn't have a copy of this BBC TV show from 1970, I must link you. the whole thing is happily online here: http://tinyurl.com/nj7av8 - and if you want a hard copy, I come by McCabes every few months and can certainly drop one off. :)

hooray! thank you for helping make Blue become what it was, which in turn made so many of us be what we became.

Sue Alfrede

June 7, 2009

Dear Joellen,
Do you sell just the CD for your wonderful book: "Lapidus on Dulcimer"? I have an old copy of your books with the two vinyl records (and no record player to play them on). I would love to have the CD to go with it.
Thanks,
Sue

Harry MAslin

May 27, 2009

Do you still make dulcimers or have any available for sale?

Thanks,
Harry M
http://www.myspace.com/mazster

Guy Babusek

May 14, 2009

Are you really going to be building dulcimers again? I'd LOVE to be able to own one, they are so beautiful!

Rick Turner

May 9, 2009

Hey, Joellen,

Your name floated up in my consciousness this evening as I was zoning out on my laptop, so I Googled you, and here you are. I just wanted to say "hi"... I've learned to follow through on names bubbling up...not always sure why, but I'm never disappointed, always rewarded, if only knowing that I paid attention to what was in my head.

Rick Turner

Regina Averman

April 28, 2009

We are non-profit management company. We house low income seniors. One of the building is having it's 25th universary. We are looking for a good klezmer band. Please respond to us.

Mark Richardson

April 21, 2009

Nice to see such a creative force. I've met you a few times, but one that stands out is a couple of years ago, you were one of our beloved instructors at the Dulciimer in the Redwoods in Boonie Doon.. you were showing us different tunings,, and I responded like a kid, very proud of one I had learned from Bonnie Carol.. it was her song about you... and the unusual tuning that you were showing us that hour... it did humble me a bit.. I've been playing since 1970 or so, and appreciate how the mountain duclimer is stronger than ever.. you just can't buy them in very many music stores..
enjoy and mahalo for being you..
mark in sacramento.

skip robertson

April 20, 2009

hi Joellen. we were neighbors in forest knolls in the seventies; i lived across the street with earl kindy. You were living with Laura Allen and Caroline. is Robbie Long still around? i'd like to get in touch with him, and hoped you might have contact information.
thank you, and best wishes
skip

Suzanne Sherman

March 31, 2009

Good Day,
I am writing to you about a dulcimer I use to own when I was living in Santa Cruz, CA about nine years ago (I had actually purchased the dulcimer at McCabe's in Santa Monica way back when I was in college in 1978) I sold this dulcimer to Sylvan Music because I was struggling so financially. I started selling personal items just to make ends meet and I reluctantly sold my dulcimer when there was nothing else left of value...I have never forgiven myself as I loved that sweet instrument...and it seemed after the sale (which didn't amount to much) that all hell broke loose...like a curse had been put in motion.
About six months later I moved to Portland, Oregon and had asked a friend to visit Sylvan Music and inquire if it was still there so I could buy it back but unfotunately it was already gone. I just recently talked with this friend who says he still stops by Sylvan Music and checks up on the dulcimers on hand to see if mine is there by chance. The mere mention of my dulcimer brought tears to my eyes even after all these years. My friend suggested I contact Neal Hellman as he thought he might be a connection to dulcimer players in and out of Santa Cruz...and though a shot in the dark...perhaps a way to find out who may have purchased the dulcimer. Neal Hellman referred me to others in Santa Cruz and now I am trying you.
At this point I would be happy just to know that the dulcimer is living a very happy life being played by an accomplished musician (which I am not)...if there were some way to buy it back that would make me happy too!
My dulcimer was made by Robbie Long...it was signed and dated inside the body...1978, I believe but not totally sure at this point) It had a carved bird head at the top with some mother of pearl inlay on the fret board and was made of two kinds of wood...light on the top surface of the body and dark wood on the bottom and the fret board. I believe the sound holes were hearts.
If there is any way you can help me find it's where abouts I would be so grateful...as I said even just to know that it has a good home. If you need a more detailed description just let me know.

Thanks for your time,
Suzanne Sherman
email: suzanne@fatcathatsandsacks.com
www.fatcathatsandsacks.com

Juniper L'Orange Mainelis

March 28, 2009

Hi Joellen,
Do you remember me? You taught me to play dulcimer in LA over 20years ago. I still am playing! I'm glad to see you are too!
Juniper

Michael W. Fluegge

March 9, 2009

Dear Joellen,
years ago I was very inspired by your book Lapidus on Dulcimer. I decided to copy one of your dulcimers and really enjoyed making it. No exact copy but very much influenced by your art. It is pictured in your book on page 211, I do not know how you called it, we called her 'Marilyn'. Sort of because she looked like Miss Monroe when you hold the dulcimer upside down.
Well, I just received a call from Richard Latker from Hongkong who told me you bought this copiy on Ebay a while ago.
I had sold this dulcimer via a music store in Hamburg/Germany (where else?) about two years ago and Richard said you found that one on Ebay. I am very curious if this is all true and would appreciate if you would answer my mail.
I am planning on doing some more Lapidus-inspired dulcimers this year and it would be a pleasure sending you pictures of them when finished. I do hope I am not offending you by using your ideas of how to build dulcimers in a less raditional fashion. But these ideas you had are definitely refreshing and inspiring to me.
Best regards
Michael W. Fluegge / Osnabrueck / Germany

Karen

January 24, 2009

I have just found your web site looking for connections to klezmer music. I have returned to music at this late stage of my life (40's), no confidence when younger. Love morrocan, arabic, irish music and the klezmer music has just really hit me. I really love your music. Thank you. Because of the drumming in your music it is giving me inspiration because I am learning the drbuka and african hand drumming. I have found it hard to find anything on the internet about drumming in klezmer, I have even found the word "poyk" for drum but this cannot be found on the internet.

Thank you for your inspiration and music that really is fantastic.

Takako Fujii

January 13, 2009

Hi Joellen

I'm a japanese dulcimer performer.
If possible,I'd like to order your dulcimer.
Please tell me how to do about it.

I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

Takako Fujii

Cheryl Alley

January 12, 2009

Laura Devine suggested I contact you regarding your book Lapidus on Dulcimer. Laura is helping me with my personal journey into the Dulcimer and says you were the one that taught her.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Cheryl

Rob Hoffman

December 18, 2008

Hi Joellen,

I work with Wendy Waldman and she told you might be building dulcimers again. Can you let me know ?

Thanks,
Rob

Rebekka Helford

November 19, 2008

Hi Joellen-

We spoke on the phone a little over a year ago. I'm Rebekka, I'm a long-time klezmer fiddler, and I run a klezmer group for kids through the Sholem Community - a secular Jewish organization. Anyhoo, at the time you told me about a recurring klezmer party, and I was wondering if it was still going on and how I could find out about it. I've been hearing my old recordings on the ipod lately and feeling nostalgic about a bisl jamming. Looking forward to hearing from you.

Rebekka

chris rowan

November 18, 2008

Dear Joellen,just heard last night of Laura's passing.So sad.Left some of my thoughts on her memorial site and saw yours.I will never forget my first meeting with you and Laura and the gang out at the Russian?Embassy in San Geranimo in 1970.Have lived up hear in Cotati for the last 18 years and was pleased to run into Carolina at her former bookstore NorthLight books.Love to talk with you and talk of those times when I first met you Laura if the timings right.Hope to say hi when I'm in the southland sometime,very best,Chris

Laura Devine

October 30, 2008

Hello Joellen!
Thinking of you as "Dulcimer Girls" have finally finished their 1st CD. We recorded"Angel of Bells" on it, and would love to send you a check ", and CD! Could you send me your mailing address please?
Wish you could be here for our CD release party, Nov.19th, at Don Quixote's in Felton, CA. I will dedicate this song to you and your fabulous energy, and wonderful mentoring to me of how to really enjoy my dulcimer, and make my own way with the music! Love you! Laura

Mark Bell

October 21, 2008

Why don't you forget this dulcimer stuff and pick up a darbuka? I did and I am still in Marin. And still playing Middle Eastern music.

www.helmmusic.com if you need a memory jog.

Mark

Rachel Jones

October 20, 2008

Hello, my name is Rachel and I am a second year student at The University of Derby, in England, studying Crafts. I have been given a project this month, which in the brief says I must reconstruct a historical artefact or a historically valuable structure, which could be just about anything so I have tried to think of something I may be interested in looking into more for the final year of my degree. I have realised that the thought of being able to make instruments- or at least try- really excites me so have been looking into that. I was struggling a little to decide on an instrument however I struck gold (i feel) after watching Joni Mitchell on youtube playing her Dulcimer which with research I have discovered you made! The reason I feel this would be a good project is that over the past year I have met quite a number of musicians who have all been introduced to the Dulcimer by Joni Mitchell and everyone has found it equally as fantastic!!
I am writing to you to ask if you would consent to me trying to reconstruct 'The Wild Columbine' and if you would have any hints and tips about it -- I would understand if you would prefer me not to but I would really love the chance to try and reconstruct it for this project as it seems you brought the Dulcimer to the main stream-- (in Britian that is-I am under the impression it is quite a popular instrument in America!) which makes it in my eyes quite a 'historically valuable structure' - which is what my brief asks for!!

Again if you would prefer i didn't I understand. Thank you for taking the time to read this!

Kind Regards,
Rachel.

Carla Maxwell

August 31, 2008

Hi Joellen,

I enjoyed meeting you, hearing you perform, and playing your ram dulcimer last weekend. Hope you have fun with your upcoming performances, and I hope our paths cross again in the future!

Strummin' in Memphis,

Carla

Richard Standard

August 18, 2008

Really nice site!
I am Bethhany Argisle's friend, Richard.
I have been using your book for about 25 years now - it came with my Robbie Long dulcimer from the Marin Renaissance Faire as a present from my wife Jean in 1983. I have used the dulcimer for doing Oral tradition programs in schools, in camps and for public events for the last 19 years. I figure I have told stories with the dulcimer to at least 150,000 children of all ages over that time span.
I am looking forward to connecting with you about my NAECY recognized Dulcimer Project work and the 1100 + new young dulcimer maker/players I have created in the last 5 years! I have about 80 new students already booked for fall in three local schools and I am continuing to do my "dulcimer outreach" to turn teachers on to how to use the dulcimer for music in the classroom and how to build them too! I have created a complete one-hour chaptered training program for the project that can be used by any school to train the staff and parents on how to implement and use the program. I am currently trying to get the program into the Boys and Girls Clubs of America.
So thanks for your book and all of your inspiration from the beginning of my journey.
my web site is www.storiesandstrings.com. There you can listen to a story or two and see a lot of wonderful kids at work making dulcimers and the art they have created - inspired by the Oral tradition!
Namaste and blessings!
Richard Standard

James E. Garnett

August 2, 2008

Dear Ms. Lapidus, As I write this I am listening to a very young Joni Mitchell (BBC concert 1970) telling her audience that she is playing a dulcimer made by "this dynamite girl, Joellen, who lives in California". Only the internet could allow me to find out who you are in less than 15 seconds. Your instruments are beautiful and listening to the music made on them,way back when, changed my life.
Cheers
Jim Garnett, Charlottesville, Virginia 8/2008

Jorge Rozemblum

July 17, 2008

Hi! My name is Jorge Rozemblum. I'm a musician and musicologist (I've learned at Tel-Aviv University between 1977 and 1981). I'm also the Musical Editor of a radio station at Internet (www.radiosefarad.com), broadcasting in Spanish. There I manage several weekly reports dealing with many different kinds of jewish music. I want to ask you to send me your CDs to broadcast your music in Spain. If you want to listen to some of my reports , please enter www.radiosefarad.com (then choose the type of conection: ADSL). You will be presented with the contents (in Spanish) of the day. Next to the upper right corner you will find a place "ARCHIVO" (it's a kind of Search button). Type Rozemblum and do the same in the next page in TEXTO and then clic Buscar. You will see some of my "articles", including an interview in English about my work as musician with Klezmer Sefardi. To listen to them, just clic on the little icon at the right.

My adress is:

Jorge Rozemblum
San Pedro de Cardena, 27, 2º izq
28033 - Madrid (SPAIN)

Thanks in advance

KyGreene

July 6, 2008

Thank you for making my older yrs with the dulcimer sound new again. Been playin' since the 70's and you have certianly helped my spark revive. Here's to you and your crew, I owe a goat dance and a thousand votive candles to you all

Richard Latker

June 30, 2008

I'm sure you're asked this a lot ... do you still make dulcimers?

Peter OConnor

June 22, 2008

Hi Joellen, I never realised there was such a MASSIVE dulcimer community! I have just bought my 14 year old daughter a mountain dulcimer and would like to buy your book 'Lapidus on Dulcimer'. Please email me the best way to go about getting this. Thankyou very much Peter.

Jim Probst

May 28, 2008

I was watching an old video of Joni Mitchell on youtube, and she was playing a dulcimer that I am wondering if you made. It didn't look like others I have seen of yours. It had a violin type bridge, a tailpiece, and the fretboard extended out past the body about 6" at the headstock?

Pam Beason

May 18, 2008

Greetings!

I am a eight-week dulcimer player and am thrilled with my progress! After watching all of the festivities surrounding Israel's 60th birthday, I am eager to obtain the dulcimer music for "The Hope."

How would you suggest I go about that.

Thanks, Pam

Carol Green

May 18, 2008

Your baby is back. The Fire Dulcimer has returned to Los Angeles after 30 + years. Yes, it's the very first dulcimer you designed and made. It is still alive and in the possession of me, Carol Green. I was living in West Hollywood on Larrabee in the 70s when you sold it to me lo those many years ago. I just returned to LA and have thought of you a million times over the years. Your/my dulcimer would like to see its mommy as would I. Email me to connect.

All good things - Carol

Steve Brook

May 2, 2008

Hi, Joellen.
The last feature each day on the radio program “The World” is their “Global Hit” segment.
Today’s program (Friday, 5/2/08) featured a revved up klezmer group, with a funk trombone player mixed in, called Abraham Incorporated.
It definitely struck me as something you would be interested in. The link below should take you to the web page where you can hear them play. If it doesn’t, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding it by date at www.theworld.org.
http://www.theworld.org/taxonomy_by_date/2/20080502
Arlinda and I will see you at Vinoteque on Sunday. We are looking forward to it.
Steve
[Transcript of Abraham, Inc. interview follows]

Finally today -- a musical cocktail. Take one part funk trombone. Trombone player Fred Wesley -- formerly with James Brown's band -- will do just fine. Then you add -- and bear with me here because it's kind of like the first time someone poured vermouth in gin - then you add some klezmer clarinet.
The clarinet of virtuoso David Krakauer for example. Put them together, and what do you get?
KARKAUER: "Abraham Incorporated."
WESLEY: "Yeah, Abraham Inc."
Fred Wesley and David Krakauer there who -- along with Montreal-based DJ So-Called -- are the core of the ensemble known as Abraham Inc.
They'll be on one of the world's most famous stages this weekend -- the Apollo Theater in New York. And it's going to sound a little something like this.
That's a tune called "Moskowitz" that Abraham Inc.has been working up. The ensemble doesn't have a CD out yet. But over the past year and a half, they've been rehearsing and playing whenever they can.
The idea germinated in 2001 when David Krakauer was touring with DJ So-called. Fred Wesley's name came up one night. Both Krakauer and So-called looked at each other.
And as Krakauer says, a bulb lit up. Fred Wesley agreed to meet them.
KRAKAUER: "He agreed to work with us and I think he was probably pretty skeptical at first too, he was wondering what this was going to be."
WESLEY: "I wasn't skeptical, I was just wondering how it could work. And once I understood how it could work, it was straight ahead after that, you know."
KRAKAUER: "It was just the three of us: So-Called and myself and Fred. And we started to play together, and there was an instant chemistry, it just combusted."
So just how funky can music from the shtetls of Eastern Europe get?
WESLEY: "It can get as funky as you want it."
That's Fred Wesley again.
WESLEY: "It lends itself to funk because it's very happy, you know. And funk is a very happy music too. And that's why it works so good together."
About that name Abraham Incorporated: David Krakauer's wife comes from Winston-Salem, North Carolina where the two were visiting some time ago. A family friend whose father is a black pastor invited them to his church one Sunday for service.
KRAKAUER: "At one point you know the pastor said "We have guests here," and obviously knew I was Jewish, I have a very Jewish face. We hadn't really officially met, but he said, you know, we can never forget that African-Americans and Jews stood side by side during the civil rights movement, and if it were not for the seed of Abraham we wouldn't have our savior."
For Christians, Jews, Muslims, blacks and whites, as David Krakauer says, Abraham is an icon. The members of Abraham Inc, -- however -- all worship at the church of music.
Fred Wesley again.
WESLEY: "All music can build bridges you know. If there was only music in the world and no politics, it would be a happy world. The beat is constant, and Jewish people and black people can bridge gaps with music. If that's all we had to be concerned with was music, then it would all work, you know."
We'll end today's program with an Abraham Inc. Tune called Tweet Tweet.
The band'll be playing it at tomorrow's show at the Apollo Theater in New York.
They're hoping for more dates later this year.

Bing Futch

April 16, 2008

Hi Joellen! Was visiting with Stephen Seifert in Nashville last month, flipped through your book ("Lapidus On Dulcimer") and flipped out! What an exhaustive resource for any skill level of mountain dulcimer player. I found a copy with the little record still in the back and am going to really enjoy soaking it all in. Big thanks from a new fan! BingFutch.com

John Bole

April 3, 2008

Joellen,
It's great to find you out here on the internet. I took lessons from you 30 years ago - I'm still enjoying my dulcimer.

I was wondering if you had any idea whatever happened to Robbie Long. I have been playing one of his dulcimers since 1975 when I bought it at Bob Baxter's Guitar Studio in Santa Monica. I absolutely love this instrument, and have never met Robbie, but have often felt the need to thank him for making such a fine instrument.

Please let me know if you can.

Thanks,
John Bole

Lisa Chattler

March 30, 2008

Hi JoEllen,
I took your Klezmer class at McCabes a couple of years ago. Now I want to invite you to a KLEZMER CABARET on April 27 from 6 - 8 p.m. at Temple Beth David in Westminster. Featured artists that evening include the South Coast Simcha Band, Cantorial Soloist Nancy Linder, and Stuart Warshauer of the Naples Klezmer Revival Band. And we would love for you to perform as well. This is an opportunity for you to introduce your unique talents to Orange County. The event is open to the public. I can send you a flyer or you can email Renah at renzone@socal.rr.com for additional information.

Best regards, Lisa Chattler

jamie jamison

March 9, 2008

Great site - easy to navigate.

I have a copy of 'Lapidus on dulcimer', bought from McCabes in '86 but no longer have a working turntable to play the records that come with it. Is it possible to buy a CD of the music separate from the book? Thanks, jamie

Julie Middleton

February 18, 2008

Hi, I'm the publisher of "Songs For Earthlings" which came out in 1998, long before the internet. I used a song of yours, "Angel of Bells," without your permission (because I couldn't find you), and I'd like to do the paperwork now and send you a copy of the book.

Jessica (short girl with dark hair...)

December 29, 2007

Just letting you know I like your instruction and plan on returning. Only financial difficulties hold me back...I groom dogs and act and both get slow in the winter....anyway, I practiced Pack up your sorrows but it's pretty hard. I taught myself
Old Blue and practice Aunt Rhody and have gotten pretty good...Still learning to tune though. See you soon I hope! Take care and Happy New Year!-Jess

Charlotte Bruce

October 10, 2007

Hi Joellen,
It's Char from NDS, Blue Mt. Lake, NY. I teach music at our Hebrew school, and this Sunday, I am doing a unit on klezmer music, and will be featuring you!! I have a book entitled "Mendel's Accordion" which I will read to the little ones, then I am going to play selections from "Extreme Klezmer Makeover" which feature the accordion. I will then show them a mountain dulcimer, explain how to play it, tell them about you, and let them listen and dance to other tracks on your CD. I truly enjoy the "Extreme Klezmer Makeover", and listen to it frequently while riding in the car. I'm so glad that I was able to meet you this summer at NDS, and even happier to include you in my music lesson plans!!
Shalom,
Char Bruce
Grand Blanc, Mi

Regina Bartlett

September 27, 2007

Hi Joellen~

I studied dulcimer with you in Santa Monica about 30 years ago!
Then ran into at Pacific Rim Gatherings.
I live in Santa Cruz and always seem to have a gig when you are nearby.

I enjoyed catching up with you thru this website.
I love Kletzmer music!
Thru the years, I have always appreciated the music lessons I received from you!

I have an Al D'Osshe dulcimer and about 6 others and two guitars. I play bluegrass music and hope our paths cross someday!

Cheers

Regina

Loren

August 30, 2007

Hi Jo,

It's me, Loren. Remember?

Wilma Fowler

August 18, 2007

I have a copy of "Lapidus On Dulcimer" 1978 with 33 1/3 records. Is it possible to find these recordings on CD without the book? Thanks, WF

Nancy Thomson Trueblood

August 10, 2007

I came across your website quite by accident today. I was delighted and inspired to read about your musical journey - and to remember your guitar and songs in the dorm at Syracuse some little while back. Now to listen to the music!

Martha Sonnenberg (wife of Ken Lezin of ACC)

June 3, 2007

Joellen,
I met you briefly last night (Sat, June 2) at the ACC concert. I was so impressed with your musicality. This morning I listened to your music again, especially the Klezmer music, which is particularly dear to me, and I guess I would have to say, I have become a fan of yours. Your music is inspired and inspiring. Thank you for following your gift, and giving to others.
Martha Sonnenberg

Patrick Weldon

June 3, 2007

Well, it happened. I was Guest Soloist on my Musical Saw with the San Francisco Symphony Orchestra, Percussion Section.
The event was a Memorial Day Benefit for the SF Recycling Center. The Composer was Nathaniel Stookey "Junkestra In 3 Movements" and the Conductor was Benjamin Shwartz, Resident Conductor with the SF Symphony. Last Monday we went into the Hyde Street Studio "C" to record the music.
Remember, last year at Boomeria? We had talked about getting ahold of David Weiss and seeing if we couldn't do a Saw Playing Trio with the LA Philharmonic?

Patrick

Cathy White

May 11, 2007

Joellen, I had the privilege of being one of your dulcimer students back in the 1970's. I still have the beautiful instrument my ex purchased for me at McCabes. I would love to come hear you in Altadena in July.

Joe Lapidus

April 12, 2007

Joellen:

Wonderful music! It's great to hear about other "lapidae" who play roots music.....certainly, not music encouraged through my Hebrew School experience in Albany, NY.
I'm a longtime bluegrass banjo picker who grew up listening to dulcimer players at Lena's and the Fox Hollow Folk Festival.

Let me know if you ever play in the Pacific Northwest!

My best,

Joe Lapidus, Portland, OR

Jackie Bassan

April 10, 2007

I am the composer/lyricist of an original musical set to run in LA this summer. I am looking for a talented violinist to join our musicians--rehearsals begin in June, N. Hollywood.
Would you happen to know anyone?
Thank you so much

maryann johnston

April 7, 2007

Hello Joellen,

I've just acquired at last a beautifully used copy of LonD, however one of the little vinyl records is missing. I've read on your Purchase page that there is a CD version available with books purchased there. I'm wondering if I might purchase that part separately. Thanks so much!

Julia Devine

April 4, 2007

Dear Joellen,

I work with Yiddishkayt Los Angeles and am also an accordionist. Could you recommend any good teachers in Los Angeles?

Thanks,

Julia
310.367.4199 (cell)
213.389.8880 (work)

Steve Miller

March 7, 2007

Hi Joellen, I am a dulcimer beginner, but I am trying to play A Case of You, using your TAB from the Misses songbook. You give the tuning as AAA, but from the written musical notation I see that this is not Mixolydian AAA (all strings at the A below middle C?) but rather the Bass string at the A below middle C and the Middle and Double strings one octave higher. BUT, when I tried to tune my Middle string (a .010, I think - came with the dulcimer, looks just like the Double strings) to that high A, it snapped!

What now? Hellppp!

Steve

Michael Sheehan

March 4, 2007

Dear Joellen,

I met Andy and Lynn Roth yesterday and your name came up. I have fond memories of you, your dulcimers and your grand spirit. Lo and behold here you are on line.

You may not remember me. I worked with CapriTaurus in the early seventies at The Faire and we connected there.

Everything for a reason rules my philosophy. Hope this finds you happy and healthy and making music.

love, michael sheehan
818 244-9939

Jorge Rozemblum

February 16, 2007

Shalom! My name is Jorge Rozemblum. I'm a musician and musicologist (I've learned at Tel-Aviv University between 1977 and 1981). I'm also a collaborator of a radio station at Internet (www.radiosefarad.com), broadcasting in Spanish. There I have a weekly "aural article" dealing with many different kinds of jewish music. I want to ask you to send me your CDs to broadcast your music in Spain. You can find my "articles" in the archive, every wednesday (http://www.radiosefarad.com/Buscador.php?sTipo=N&chBuscar=&Accion=&Orden=+feFechaDesde+&Direccion=ASC&chTexto=&idSeccionNoticia=&feFechaBuscar=&RegXPag=30&Pag=122) , under "Musica con Rozemblum". My adress is:

Jorge Rozemblum
San Pedro de Cardena, 27, 2º izq
28033 - Madrid (SPAIN)

Thanks in advance

Laura Bagish

February 4, 2007

Fate as is was today to walk into McCabes to buy a dulcimer and you were coming in. I had no idea.... Thank you so much for helping me in the process. I definately will be calling you this week to start lessons. I am so excited!
Thanks again,

Laura

Lisa Moraviera (Lisa Keane)

January 5, 2007

Joellen,I took lessons from you about 30 years ago when you lived behind the Troubador. I was a teenager. Would love to get back into playing...take a couple lessons etc. Glad you are still around here. Lisa (Keane)

jennifer durand

December 10, 2006

Hello, I'm trying to find a dulcimer teacher in San Francisco to no avail, and wonder if you might have any ideas? Thanks so very much,
Jennifer

sophie quest

November 27, 2006

How beautiful your dulcimers are! Thanks for calling. It was truly surprising. Yes, you do look familiar. Your band looks like you are truly enjoying life. I'm completely encouraged to go forward with thinking of how to shape a new musical life. Many best wishes to you, Sophie

Solomon Snyder

October 31, 2006

Hi Joellen, I've just been listening to the clips of your music and thoroughly enjoying it. I'm a musician myself and I'm looking for somebody to play klezmer at my wedding in Hancock Park on Jan 21. I realize you might not do this sort of thing, but if that's the case, maybe you know somebody that might be interested? Its going to be in an apartment, so I'm looking for a smallish group. Thanks so much,
Solomon

Todd Tidwell

September 24, 2006

Hi Joellen,
I'm trying to find a dulcimer. I don't know if you still build them or if you could recommend someone. The beautiful tone and the craftsmanship of yours are astounding. I can't find any that compare.
Thanks,
Todd

Susan Bargh

September 3, 2006

Hello,
Do you still create dulcimers? I am interested in purchasing, or having made to order a model similar to the Princess , as played by Joni Mitchell.
Thank you
Susan Bargh United Kingdom

David Moore

August 20, 2006

Hi Joellen,

Would you be interested in being the mOuntain Dulcimer Instructor at the 26th Annual Northeast Dulcimer Symposium? WE would loveto have you up for a week. The Date are 23-29 June, 2007, in Blue Mountain Lake, NY (Southwest flies from Oakland or San Jose to Alabany -- we'll pick you up).

More information on the festival can be found at:

http://homepage.mac.com/dtmoore/index.html and at http://www.nedulcimer.org

David Moore
Director, Northeast Dulcimer Symposium.

I'll b e posting the shots from this yer in the Fall.

Joyce Glantz

August 10, 2006

Just a note to remind you that Oct. is coming up -- the month when Danny Pearl's World Music Month has performers all over the globe giving tribute to Danny. Remember our conversation both at Skirball and at the choir's evening, and I'm reminding you to check the Daniel Pearl Foundation websiteto add your name to the llist of illustrious performers who have joined in a world of peace through music.
Thanks so much, Joellen.
Joyce Glantz
818/783-5562
gglantz@ucla.edu

Robert Stearns

August 9, 2006

I would be willing to "properly" pay you for your creative version of the dulcimer played by Richard Farina. I still think the world of Richard Farina and also had the opportunity to see him and Mimi play in concert in San Francisco. Thanks. Also, it was great to learn that you were the designer of Joni's dulcimers. Impressive! . . . I also got to go to the Big Sur Festival, but just as a concert goer. All the best.

Patrick Weldon

August 9, 2006

Joellen
I'll be meeting with David Weiss, this coming weekend, at the IMSA Saw Players Festival. Would you like me to initiate the discussion regarding the L.A. Philharmonic "gig"? OR, have you done that already?

Patrick Weldon

July 31, 2006

Joellen
Thanks for doing the RDD event, 7/29/06. Jan and I really enjoyed the entire day (at least from Noon on). Thanks for the CD exchange. You have a knack for syncopation that held my interest throughout the CD.
I hope to meet up again, one Saw/Dulcimer Player to another, and actually be able to perform together.

Mark Richardson

July 30, 2006

Mahalo for your time this past saturday at the Dulicmer in the Redwoods. Sometimes you don't know what inspires your inspiration until you experience or meet the people that open the doors to the wide variety of music. I'm glad I picked up the dulcimer over 35 years ago, and now you've reminded me why. I'ver not really met you or known of your music and instruments before, but now I do, and I'm inspired to expand and grow. (particularly adding my Morrocon reed instrument and russian button accordian box. I can send a picture if you care)

mahalo again.. enjoy and remember, angels fly cause they take themselves lightly

Joseph Besse

July 23, 2006

I am trying to learn to play the blues and some jazz tunes on my mountain dulcimer. I understand that you had a book out on this in the past. Any chance of getting a copy of "Lapidus on Dulcimer" with a copy of the records? Any other help you might be able to throw my way on playing the blues with the mountain dulcimer would be greatly appreciated. Thanks for your help.

Joe Besse
Louisiana Cajun Dulcimerist

Suzanne Langlois

July 3, 2006

I recently purchased a 1978 edition of Lapidus On Dulcimer and I had to relay to you how invaluable the contents of your book are to me. This is the first dulcimer book I've found that includes detailed information regarding transposing music to tab. I love the quizzes!

My copy is musty but I'm working my way through it and learning so, so much more about playing my dulcimer ~ no matter how many times I'm interrupted from sneezing!

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

Wendi Mirabella

June 18, 2006

interested in hiring "extreme klezmer makeover" for a bat mitzvah held at a private home in hancock park on 11/4/06 . . what is the rate? thank you.

Aaron Goffman

June 12, 2006

Hello! I met you on June 11 at McCabes, while purchasing my new dulcimer. I'd like to stay in touch, and also have some lessons. Please call me: (323) 997-7999. thank you. Aaron Goffman

Apprentice Accordion Repairman

May 31, 2006

Do you teach clarinet? I am interested in learning to play klezmer clarinet.

Sheryl Lyons

April 3, 2006

Does Extreme Klezmer Makeover do private parties like Bar Mitzvahs?

Michele Kitchin

April 21, 2005

I love your dulcimers. A work of art! Do you
create/design, and build them?

A dulcimer performer.