Saline County library to feature award-winning musician

The Saline County Library will present a mountain dulcimer concert by musician Linda Brockinton, of Alexander, at 6 p.m. Thursday, March 29 at Herzfeld Library and at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 31 at Boswell Library. The events are open to the public.

Brockinton began playing flute at age 11 and eventually played flute and piccolo with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. She began playing mountain dulcimer in 1988 and has taught dulcimer lessons since 1990. In 1994, she formed Heartstrings with some of her music students and continues to play harp, guitar, hammered dulcimer and bodhran with the group. She teaches private dulcimer and flute lessons in addition to teaching at numerous venues across the country.

Brockinton says instruction, combined with her original tablature books and CDs, allows her to follow the folk music tradition of passing on songs and the art of playing the mountain dulcimer to those who want to share in the adventure.

She holds many accolades for her music career, one of the greatest of which is her win at the 2001 National Mountain Dulcimer Championships, the first woman ever to accomplish that feat in 30 years.

Registration is not required for these events but space is limited, so seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

Library Director Erin Waller said Brockinton has proven to be a crowd pleaser time and time again.

“I think those who attend will not only benefit from a relaxing environment but also learn a lot about how diverse a genre of music can be- in particular, the folk music genre.”

More information about Brockinton and her music can be obtained at www.lindabrockinton.com. For more information regarding these performances, call 778-4766. For general library information, call 778-4766 or 847-2166, or visit www.saline.lib.ar.us.