Music in Bass Hall: Ken and Brad Kolodner

Join us for an evening of lively yet subtly crafted traditional and original Appalachian folk music performed by Ken & Brad Kolodner, a nationally-acclaimed father-son duo from Baltimore, MD. Ken is a world-class hammered dulcimer player and old-time fiddler who recently joined forces with his son, Brad, a rising star in the old-time music community. Brad is a contest-winning clawhammer banjo player who also plays fiddle, guitar, gourd banjo and sings.

“This is old time music played in the purest way: at home, with family, with heart, and with a creative curiosity that lets all listeners know that a passion for traditional music yet thrives in every generation.” – Dulcimer Player News

“Ken Kolodner is a world class instrumentalist. Otter Creek is a joyous recording featuring two fine musicians who playing excellently together. There must be something special to that father-son thing.” – Sing Out!

“Father and son have reached that musical telepathy that family members can sometimes achieve. The blend of the hammered dulcimer and banjo is exceptional.” – The Old Time Herald

In 2010, Ken and Brad recorded their first studio album: Otter Creek. The album is a mixture of original and traditional Appalachian old-time tunes. However, this album is by no means “traditional.” The recording showcases Ken’s mastery of the hammered dulcimer with Brad’s expressive clawhammer banjo playing, a unique combination seldom heard in old-time music. Not only did Ken pass on the musical gene to his son, he passed on the art of writing tunes. Nearly half of Otter Creek is comprised of tunes written by Ken or Brad. The title track, Otter Creek (Brad Kolodner), was the most-played instrumental song on the FolkDJ-L charts for 2011. The father-son duo is joined by Scottish National Fiddling Champion Elke Baker and guitarist Paul Oorts. Ken also plays the rarely heard hammered mbira (on Swift House) while Brad adds the banjola on Rocky Beaches and Needle Case.

The 2016 Season for Music in Bass Hall is sponsored by Waterhouse Restaurant in Depot Square, Peterborough. Concert goers are encouraged to enjoy dinner before the show (or brunch before our Sunday afternoon shows), or libations and snacks after the concert. For reservations call 603-924-4001

Open Tuesday – Sunday
Lunch/Sunday Brunch 11:30am – 2pm
Dinner starts at 5pm