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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 from 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. |
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Bonnie possesses professional credentials that are some of the most complete in the industry. She has produced, recorded, and distributed half a dozen recordings of her music, on which she plays the majority of the instruments. She put her knowledge of traditional music, dulcimers, and African marimbas into the eight books she has authored. Most of the dulcimer contests across the nation have seen Bonnie win or place. See for yourself - attend a performance or arrange for her or one of her bands to play at your event.
WHAT THE CRITICS
SAY ABOUT BONNIE CAROL, PERFORMER |
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"...Soulful acoustic music..." The Colorado Daily, Boulder, CO "...Bonnie
Carol is one of America's most recognized performers..." John Lehndroff,
The Daily Camera, Boulder, CO |
"...Not
even the great poets have been able to capture the dulcimer in
words, especially when it's played by a master such as Bonnie
Carol..." Tri-Town News, Sidney, NY "...Bonnie is one of the most dynamic and entertaining performers in the acoustic music field today..." Arvada Center for the Arts and Humanities Newsletter, Denver, CO |
HOW TO ARRANGE FOR BONNIE CAROL TO PLAY AT AN EVENT
Bonnie's decades-long association with the stellar musicians of the Colorado acoustic music scene allows her to put together the perfect, individually tailored, solo or ensemble presentation. Get in touch and let's see what can be dreamed up to fit your event and budget. Call (303) 258-7763 or E-mail.
Here are a few combinations:
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CONCERTS AND FESTIVALS “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. “Again and again, THANKS, MERCI, DANKE, ¡GRACIAS! You have been Colorado’s soul of dulcimer for so long, I’m honored now to be part of this state and tradition. “ Steve Eulberg, Colorado State Dulcimer Festival organizer. |
| With Deb Schmit-Lobis on piano, Bonnie on hammered dulcimer, and Phil Norman on cello we play instrumental music. Deb is a prolific composer of pieces echoing her experiences in nature, I contribute some elegant Celtic music, and Phil contributes some classical and jazz pieces. The only requirement of the music is that it be interesting and different, and in the end it's an elegant mix appropriate for the most soaring of tastes. We celebrate those days of old when folks would come over to have a glass of lemonade or iced tea with a cookie and listen to music while enjoying the summer breeze. Bonnie has just returned from Ireland with some new tunes at hand. Deborah Schmit-Lobis on piano is back from the Dakota's where she was off exploring her Swedish roots and now can't stop writing tunes. Phil Norman on cello is a dynamic and innovative player who does everything from Mahler Fest to pop, jazz, rock and eclectic indie music. They come together to share some fun Celtic music, Seven Spanish Folksongs by composer De Falla written for cello and piano, Vaughn Williams to Gershwin AND original music. |
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Tamra Hayden, Gregg Hansen, and Bonnie have been working on an album of Celtic vocal music together and take some time out of the studio to present the music. Tamra's stunning voice has her singing everything from blues to Broadway; she's as inviting as the girl next door, and has a voice that delivers passion to poignancy. She explores the roots of her ancestors with this concert of Celtic vocal music. Tamra performed starring roles on Broadway in Les Miserables and Cabaret, and toured through the US in Phantom of the Opera, Les Mis, It's Ainh't Nothing But the Blues and Fiddler on the Roof. She's recently back from Europe singing sacred music with one of the beautiful old European pipe organs Gregg Hansen is well known in Colorado as part of the Celtic ensemble, Peace & Love & Jigs & Reels. He is particularly prolific as a solo recording artist, releasting three recording of captivating finger stuyle guitar in as many years. Those who know Gregg in person are especially drawn to his natural leprechaun smile and talent in inspiring good will and laughter. And Bonnie Carol, well she plays (guess what?) hammered dulcimer in this ensemble. |
SQUARE AND
CONTRA DANCES A live caller / dance teacher and band teaches you and your friends to dance American community dances such as the Texas Star, Waltz, Schottish, or Virginia Reel. Great fun and good for introducing strangers at weddings and parties. |
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WEDDING AND PARTIES |
AFRICAN
MARIMBA ENSEMBLE
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THE
SHONA TRIBE OF ZIMBABWE |
The OKAPI, our namesake, is a very decorative endangered relative of the Giraffe with a 14 inch long, blue tongue! |
 There’s little more fun than an African music concert or dance party as you see from this photo of some scarey marimba friends on HALLOWEEN, 2001. |
What
does a marimba band sound like? Here are two MP3 files for you. |
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©Bonnie Carol 2009 * Bonnie@BonnieCarol.com * www.BonnieCarol.com * 15 Sherwood Road * Nederland, Colorado 80466 * 303.258.7763