Down East Dulcimers

Elaine Berberich 

Beacon Staff Writer

Nov. 2021

The weekend of October 8, 9, and 10 was rainy and windy, but the music played on at the annual Ol’ Front Porch music festival in Oriental.  The festival has been going on since 2014, but was cancelled last year due to the Covid virus.  The festival featured three days of music as well as local food and crafts, and featured groups such as the Chatham Rabbits, Cain Mill Road, and Salty Paws.    

Among the performers were the Down East Dulcimers, based in Fairfield Harbour.  This local group has been playing at the festival for five years. This year their music included Sea Shanties, Cajun selections,  bluegrass, and finished with the ever popular “When the Saints Go Marching In.”  

In addition to the dulcimers, the group includes a flute, clarinet, ukuleles, drums, fiddle and a few other instruments.  The group is led by Dee Dricks, and a dress rehearsal concert was held Wednesday October 6 at the Community Center for FH residents.  

Christmas is just around the corner, so it’s time for the Down East Dulcimers to start playing the music of Christmas.  There are often concerts at the Community Center, as well as other venues in the area, so stay tuned for more music.