Volunteer instructors and performers came from across the mid-western and eastern United States to share their talents and provide their books and recordings to assure that you had a wonderful experience!

     Most returning festival attendees feel they’ve been to a “family reunion.” The only bad part of the festival is that it’s over after the hymn sing on Sunday morning. But the memories last a lifetime! Come join the brightest and best, the beginners and the pros, at the Ohio Valley Gathering! You can even bring your non-musical family members as we will have a game room and other activities (such as knitting and stitchery) for them. 

     After being managed for 20 years by Maureen Sellers, the festival now has a new coordinator, Nora Schoen, also the club's vice-president. Nora is an effective organizer and we appreciate her fine leadership in this event! The OVG is run by an all-volunteer staff of Louisville Dulcimer Society members and visitors. Contact Nora if you want to help. Last year’s Gathering was a tremendous success. We thank everyone who put the time and effort to make this possible. You can see a slide show of the 2009 Ohio Valley Gathering here.

     The 2010 OVG was held at the same place as 2009, on Feb. 26 – 28, 2010 at the Hilton Lexington/Downtown Hotel in downtown Lexington, Kentucky, right smack dab in the center of downtown, across the street from Rupp Arena (see map here).

     Here are some pictures from the 2010 event:

[All of the above photos are courtesy of Judy Pitcock. Thank you, Judy.]

     The fees for registration for 2010 were only $7 per person (spouses were free if they did not attend any of the workshops). Louisville Dulcimer Society members have no fee (you can join here). Lodging costs at the hotel were at your expense, but be sure to mention the "Ohio Valley Dulcimer Gathering" when you make reservations to receive a room discount [2 queen beds for $99+tax]. The discount code for a room was LDSOVG. Phone numbers are 859-231-9000 (hotel), 877-539-1648 (after hours) and 859-281-3709 (Donna Robertson's direct line, during business hours, if you have any trouble making a reservation). Special room rates were guaranteed until 2/9/09.

 

     One reason why the rates are so reasonable is that we do not pay our speakers (although you do get a free t-shirt if you conduct a workshop). There is no charge for vendor space, but items for sale must be dulcimer related.

     The registration form for the 2011 Ohio Valley Gathering will be available in December or January.

 

Ohio Valley Gathering 2011 

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      The 2011 Gathering is scheduled for March 25, 26, & 27, 2011 at the Radisson Airport Hotel in Indianapolis, Indiana. This will be the OVG's 25th anniversary.