Sweet Island Dulcimers play American ballads and songs of the British Isles

The Shelter Island Public Library hosted the Sweet Island Dulcimers on April 13 at St. Mary's Community Hall, where the ensemble performed British Isles and American ballads on mountain dulcimers. The group was founded in 2020 by music director Linda Betjeman and continues to perform locally while welcoming new members.

The Sweet Island Dulcimers performed an evening of traditional music on Monday, April 13, at St. Mary's Community Hall presented by the Shelter Island Public Library. The program featured ballads and tunes from the British Isles and early American repertoire, played on mountain dulcimers in a close-knit ensemble style. The group began gathering during the pandemic and has since become a regular presence at local venues on Shelter Island. Performers harmonized on gentle melodies that lingered after the final note. Event details: - Date and place: April 13 at St. Mary's Community Hall, presented by the Shelter Island Public Library. - Repertoire included British Isles tunes and American ballads such as "Greensleeves," "Wabash Cannonball," and "Banks of the Ohio." - Performers named in the program included Linda Betjeman (music director), Susan Ahlborn, Cindy Belt, Wendy Clark, Anne Danforth, Vicki Kotula, Linda Kraus, Charity Robey, and Marianne Baird. - The ensemble was founded in 2020 by Linda Betjeman, who started informal, socially distanced sessions during the pandemic inspired by Appalachian community music traditions. - The group has performed at local venues including Union Chapel and continues to welcome new members. Summary: The dulcimers’ gentle harmonies reflected storytelling traditions from both American and British sources and filled the hall with close harmony. The ensemble remains active on Shelter Island, appearing at local events and maintaining an open, community-centered approach to membership and performance.