For those who would like to fulfill that dream of learning how
to play an instrument used in folk music, to contra dance, or to
“jam” with other musicians or just plain listen to the music, that
chance will come the weekend of Aug. 11-13.

At that time, the Heart of the Alleghenies (HOTA) Folk Music
Festival will be held on the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford
campus.

“It is held in our own backyard!” said one director of the
event, Clark Parry.

Also available at the festival will be headliners such as
“Simple Gifts” provided by the Bradford Creative and Performing
Arts Center. They played for First Night Bradford in 2000.

But the people putting the event on are so excited, they just
want to see people come and enjoy themselves no matter their
preference of the offerings at the festival.

Director Lucinda Durkee said of the teaching workshops, “If you
can breathe you can do it.”

Parry added, “If you can brush crumbs off the table – you can do
it. Our workshops have been called the ‘TLC Dulcimer Day
Care.'”

The two are the founders of the Allegheny Mountain Dulcimer
Players and they previously held two other similar festivals at
Houghton College in New York state.

Howard Blumenthal, another director, said the event should have
an appeal to everyone.

“They can participate or not – whatever they want to do,” he
said. “We would like people to come just to discover this type of
music.”

Workshops include learning fiddle styles, hammered dulcimer,
finger picking styles, playing the lap dulcimer, ornamenting fiddle
tunes and learning the banjo, among a list of others.

For those who like to dance and just make “musical” noise, Keith
Blackmon will be offering a workshop on Old Time Round and Square
Dances, a “Dance Like a Dream” workshop will be held with Dave
McGranahan and the Chubb Family Band, and foot clapping and foot
percussion workshops will also be offered.

Durkee and Parry add that even those who just want to watch are
also invited to sign-up.

“There will be some instruments available for people to try if
they don’t have one. They don’t have to worry,” added Durkee.

Parry said Mitzi Collins, who is listed as teaching a “Friendly
Hammered Dulcimer 1 and 2 class” on Aug. 12, has been to China and
traveled to different parts of the world and has learned the
difference between dulcimers made around the world.

“She will have a Power Point presentation on Sunday, so people
can check out the different versions of a dulcimer in sounds and
rhythms – all kinds of things,” he added.

Other performers on stage include The Doerfel Family Band (which
is truly a whole family band), Tunescape, which features a Bradford
teen on the fiddle – John Siepierski, and dulcimer players Kendra
Ward, Bob Bence, Sterl Van Arsdale and Curt Osgood.

The directors add that Jim Kimball will be on hand working at
his trades of caller, fiddler and historian. Blumenthal and Parry
explained that Kimball is a musicologist who will provide and
academic as well as entertaining session.

A special event will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. Aug. 12 that is
called a Qebec Jam Party, which includes a request of a dish to
pass.

“We are also excited to be at Pitt-Bradford, it is a beautiful
campus ,” said Parry. “And Pitt-Bradford is very hospitable.”

Camping facilities are available as well for those wishing to
spend time on the campus. Tent camping opportunities are available
with access to residence hall showers. Apartment rentals are
available as well.

“People would want to take advantage of that setting,” said
Parry.

Meals will also be available at the university for a fee.

Local entertainers and instrument makers will be also on hand
with open jams sessions on stage and instruments available for
examining and purchase.

One man is Jim Burkhouse of Totten Hollow, who makes dulcimers,
violins and has even made a few harps. His instruments have been on
display in paces such as the Chautauqua (N.Y.) Institute.

John Stoneman will also be showing some of his handy work with
stringed instruments.

Also on Aug. 12 will be an instrument exchange for anyone to
participate in.

People who will perform range from up and coming to those in
their 80s who have been playing for the last 60 years.

“These guys have probably forgotten more than we play,” said
Parry.

Durkee adds, “There will be young and old and in between.”

Blumenthal said, “It will be as close as you can get to 18th
Century music.”

Types of music include French-Canadian, Irish and World Folk
Music.

The Sign-up deadline is July 27. For more information go to the
Hotafest Web site.