04/16/2026
We are so excited to announce that Lazy Mountain Pickers, an authentic dulcimer band, is going to open for Josh and Carolyn Thomas on Saturday, May 23, at the Alaska Homestead Expo.
Plus! They offered to do a demo and hands on class for the family program so the kids can even touch and maybe learn how to play a note or two on the dulcimer.
We have the neatest community. Thank you so much to the lazy mountain pickers for your generosity!
Here’s a little more about the group:
LAZY MOUNTAIN PICKERS is a mountain dulcimer music ensemble based in the Mat-Su Valley. The group gets together weekly in Palmer to play mountain dulcimer tunes, and they have performed at numerous venues across Palmer and Wasilla.
The mountain dulcimer (aka Appalachian Dulcimer) is one of only two musical instruments that originated in the United States, the other being the banjo. It is believed to have been born in the Appalachian Mountains, perhaps in the 1700’s. Early Appalachian musicians played in a drone style using a “noter,” or wood dowel, and often a turkey or goose quill rather than a guitar pick.
Contemporary players employ a variety of styles including fingerpicking, flatpicking, chord-melody, and strumming.
Dulcimer music genres range from traditional fiddle tunes to rock music and everything in between depending on the player’s interests.
The Lazy Mountain Pickers are excited to play a fun mix of instrumental and vocal tunes, traditional and more recent, at the Homestead Expo. They will also play songs for children and provide some instruction on the dulcimers during the family program. They’ll even pass out some turkey quills for a little traditional pickin’.
“Dulcimer” comes from a Latin word meaning “sweet melody,” and so it is! Come and hear for yourselves!
Ensemble members: Julie Feaster, Jerry Troshynski, Marjorie Bellringer, Rev. Leisa Carrick, Mabel Wimmer, Pat Chesbro, Tracy Verrall.
