Cynthia originally attended Mary Lynn’s beginner’s class at The Black Mountain Music Festival in 2020, subsequently took lessons from ML, and soon attended Sandbridge for the first time in 2021. She quickly became a huge fan of the retreat. In that first retreat in the middle of Covid, we only allowed three players to attend: Cynthia, Linda Koffenberger, and Denise Chamberlain. The trio bonded and quickly became great friends. During Spring “relaxed week” of 2023, Cynthia was ecstatic after performing “By the Waters of Babylon” at our “coffeehouse”. She was a huge advocate for Margie and Ray’s! She had much fun playing cards at Sandbridge despite totally confounding Ken with her approach to bidding! Mostly, she loved the Sandbridge experience and especially the community. She was a wonderful example of determination. She received great satisfaction in taking small steps forward in her learning. Her family donated her instruments to support the scholarship fund. We will so miss Cynthia.
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Cobey England attended Sandbridge for just one week (2009) but left his mark. Cobey was notorious for his breakfast of Wheaties sprinkled with peanut M&M’s. Cobey’s love of music was reflected in his non-stop playing at Sandbridge requiring our instituting “The Cobey Rule!!” Cobey was a young man of so many diverse talents and interests (playing the hammered dulcimer, ball-room dancing, riding motorcycles). Cobey's family donated Cobey's instrument to be used partially to fund The Sandbridge Scholarship Fund. Obituary
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Barb attended Sandbridge for many years: 2008-2017. She was even our chef in 2011. You couldn’t help but love Barb! She was never afraid to speak her mind about a musical issue but always with a smile and with kindness. She played music with such love, caring, delicacy, intelligence, and musicality. We especially loved her coffeehouse performances! Her playing and teaching and just her presence in the world influenced many. Barb was Mark Grobner’s first teacher on the HD and clearly contributed to Mark’s gentle touch.
Barb especially loved a party. She hosted The Monee Hammered Dulcimer Weekends (in Monee, IL at Barb’s home) for many years dating back to 2008 and running through 2017. Here is a performance of Ken’s way back in 2010 at Barb’s house. Ken is playing on Barb’s hammered dulcimer made by Sam Rizzetta. You will see Barb sitting in a stool on the left at the screen at around :30 and then again at the end of video, flashing that famous smile! There are a few Sandbridge alums in the crowd (Kim Huston and Donna Woerth). |
Rosemary Hornak loved the music of O’Carolan and writing poetry. In addition to attending Spring and Fall Sandbridge for many years, she was a regular at the Swannanoa Gathering. Rosemary was so devoted to Sandbridge! In 2019, Rosemary came up with the idea of an A to Z jam where we had to play tunes following the alphabet in sequence. Obituary
One of Rosemary's favorites: Loftus Jones, from Ken Kolodner & Elke Baker's On a Cold Winter's Day (Dec 2020).
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Adie Carlyle attended both Spring and Fall Sandbridge for many years. Adie took fiddle and hammered dulcimer lessons from Ken for many years. Adie donated her instruments to launch The Sandbridge Scholarship Fund. Adie especially loved minor tunes. Ken and Mary Lynn dedicated their composition Out from the Shadows (in Am) to Adie. Adie was often found sharpening her skills on the pool table at Sandbridge!
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Ken Kolodner and Mary Lynn Michal playing Out from the Shadows.
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Gary Shayne attended Spring Sandbridge for many years. Gary loved Spanish guitar music and Brazilian waltzes. Gary motivated Ken to learn and teach a Sandbridge favorite: Saudade de Uberaba. He loved sharing his music with others and performed in the Baltimore area. A student of Ken’s for over 10 years, Ken & Gary also shared their love of soccer. They played soccer on a variety of teams and countless pick-up games for 39 years! Gary was a well-loved physician’s assistant in the Baltimore area. Obituary
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