Featured Closing Concert Announced
The Ted Yoder Band will be the featured closing performance for the Victorian Chautauqua weekend on Sunday, July 10, 2022, at 6:00 PM. The four-piece ensemble was built around Ted Yoder, who was named a National Hammered Dulcimer Champion in 2010. Ted has released seven beloved and critically acclaimed solo albums, including his 2019 album Feels Like Home, which was nominated for Best Instrumental Album by the Independent Music Awards.
In 2016, Ted became a household name when his Facebook Live version of Tears For Fears’ “Everybody Wants To Rule The World” went viral. The video rocketed to 53 million views in just 4 days and continues to circulate on social media reaching over 101 million views.
“Dulcimer Dad”
When a barefooted Yoder performed the hit on his hammered dulcimer in his Indiana family’s backyard with his wife, kids, and a pet raccoon named Gidget in the audience, he immediately became an internet sensation known as the lovable “Dulcimer Dad.”
Although Yoder captured the world with his solo performance, his ensemble of stellar musicians includes his hammered dulcimer, marimba, percussion, and fretless bass. Primarily instrumental, the music sways from cinematic to classic rock, pop, and folk favorites, and original tunes.
Kristi Wooten, with the Huffington Post, said, "In many ways, Ted Yoder is the perfect musician for the 21st century; his passionate playing style and easy-going personality make him a natural online star. It’s impossible to imagine that one wooden stringed instrument can sound like an entire rock band or a whole symphony orchestra all in one."
Based in Goshen, Indiana, booking the band was a bit of a long shot – 473 miles, to be exact. The request was warmly received by Sarah Haag, who plays marimba in the group, arranges gigs, and promotes the band. She was gracious and quite excited to make the trip with her bandmates and their families, who all traveled together. They are eager to be part of the 2022 Victorian Chautauqua lineup, and if time allows, they hope to explore the local sights while they are in the area. Just don't be looking for Gidget, the raccoon who was released back into the wild shortly after her YouTube debut. She may still be tapping a toe in Goshen's backwoods.
For Garrett County residents, the surname Yoder is well-known and commonly linked to the Amish community. Haag can neither confirm nor deny a family connection, but she says there are plenty of Yoders in Goshen, some of which are Amish or Mennonite. As the band heads east, one can only imagine long-lost relatives reuniting through music; perhaps it will feel like home.
Meet The Band
Ted Yoder and his crew make touring a family outing. Traveling together joined through their love of music makes each new gig an exciting adventure.
Ted Yoder | Hammered Dulcimer & Vocals
Sarah Haag | Marimba
Toby Hazlett | Fretless Bass
Doug Haag | Percussion
With his wife, Donna, Yoder has created a family culture of creativity and teamwork that puts his music-making at the center of its activities. From website and social media to music distribution and touring, Yoder’s family has helped him build an authentic life as a working musician. His blueprint for the lives of young musicians who want to learn what it means to play an instrument for a living in the second millennium is inspirational.
The Ted Yoder Band will be the closing act of the Victorian Chautauqua weekend. The family-friendly, free outdoor concert will be held under the Martin Tent in historic Mountain Lake Park. Following the concert, the band will offer CDs and fan merchandise.
For the best seats, arrive early or bring a lawn chair for overflow areas in the park. Plan on hearing some of the best talent in the country at the epicenter of Maryland's first Chautauqua that began over 140 years ago.
