With a natural energetic ease, Bonnie Carol sings and plays hammered and fretted dulcimers as well as African marimba, bodhrán, folk drums and hand percussion. A performance is likely to encompass traditional music from North and South America, the British Isles, Caribbean rhythms, and even Tex-Mex tunes, all fitting together in that exuberant whole we call World Music.

In addition to her solo concerts, Bonnie can be found playing in an African marimba ensemble, a Celtic ensemble, a square dance band, and accompanying singer-songwriter, Nancy Cook. More about each of these ensembles below.

Bonnie's music has filled concert halls form New York to Nicaragua for four decades. She is an international ambassador for peace in the most artistic sense, a visionary from the high country of Colorado. She has an arresting natural charm, extraordinary talent and energy, acres of instruments and mountains of talent.

CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS
Bonnie appears solo or in ensemble at festivals and concerts world wide, and plays music from her current bag of tricks and interests: just now that is Celtic and American traditional music, music she composes, and music from Latin America. But, look out, she is working as a studio musician on music from Lithuania - who knows what's next.

“We loved the Spring Fling Rendezvous in Oregon last weekend, due in large part to your contributions. We’re voting for your return - may even try to stuff the ballot box!”  Festival attendee, Shan Burchell

“I’m so glad I got to know you at last week’s Bayou Festival. You are such a positive person. That’s great energy that radiates … you are a real musician in every sense of the word: talent, personality, generous  with sharing the stage, confidence and grace. You were a big part of why the festival seemed to work so well. “ Denise Guillory, co-organizer of Bayou Festival in Louisiana.

WEDDING AND PARTIES
This can inlcude Bonnie solo on hammered dulcimer, or Bonnie with other musicians on fiddle, guitar or piano. It's beautiful, elegant music during the marriage ceremony as well as for receptions, and parties from formal to fun.

“Thank  you for joining our wedding ceremony … the music blended so well with the rest of the goings on - I was filled with romantic and happy dreams…the dance music made me feel alive and really in the moment.   I’ve grown up hearing your music and it was so moving to have you playing at my wedding. “ Don and Yoshi Souder.

AFRICAN MARIMBA ENSEMBLE
Bonnie plays in and directs WILD OKAPI MARIMBAS. Nothing can charge an event like colorful, lively, danceable African music. Great for formal concerts, dance parties, weddings, picnics, Zamboni christenings, community gatherings and ceremonies - you get the idea, we play anywhere people are having fun! The centerpiece instruments of the group are the marimbas which Okapi member Max Krimmel built (seven of them; they resemble large xylophones). So… let these crazy cross rhythms transport your thoughts and set your feet to flappin'.

WILD OKAPI MARIMBA

THE SHONA TRIBE OF ZIMBABWE
Much of our marimba music is based on the mbira tradition of the Shona people, the majority cultural group in Zimbabwe. This music is known world wide for its intricate interlocking polyrhythmic melodies. The mbira is the ancient tribal instrumemnt of the Shona peoples, dating back thousands of years.

What does a marimba band sound like? Here are two MP3 files for you.
1. Isu Tauya Pano - 2. Amaxoxo