Artist Spotlight - Mike Anderson

Mike Anderson

Just next week, Mike will be here at Folkcraft for our Second Saturday Clinic series, so this is a great time to introduce folks to this special entertainer. For me, the thing that sticks out the most about Mike's style is the way that he blends story telling and dulcimer playing to make a great performance. When you hear him in concert, you truly are entertained.

Below, I've copied Mike's biography from his website. More information about Mike can be found at www.dulcimerguy.com.

Mike Anderson is one of the most versatile folk performers and educators
in the Midwest. Under Mike’s leadership, the New Salem Storytelling
Festival, and the Clayville Music and Storytelling Festival before that,
events of national renown. Mike is also nationally renown, appearing at
the Nat’l Mt. Music Festival, holding a prestigious position on the faculty
of the Mt. Dulcimer Workshops at Appalachian State Univ., Boone, NC
and West Carolina Univ., NC, Dulcimer Workshops, and
presenting workshops and concerts across the US.

Mike’s children’s concerts are very popular. He received a National
Children’s television award for his show "Mike’s Music Works." Under the
auspices of the Illinois State Board of Education, Mike has conducted
many teacher and parent workshops for developing literacy through the
art of storytelling. His Early Childhood shows are legendary.

Mike plays guitar, banjo, jaw harp, noseflute, bones, and more. He is
best known as an outstanding mountain dulcimer player - one of the very
best in the state and indeed the entire Midwest.
As an author and elementary school teacher, Mike has honed his skills as
a storyteller and is one of the best yarn-spinners and worst pun-tellers
anywhere.

The combination of music, storytelling, humor, and educational
background has made Anderson one of the most sought after performers
and speakers in the Midwest. Mike Anderson is a driving force on the
Illinois folk scene and is one of the people we can thank for
keeping traditional music and storytelling alive.