Biography
2007 NATIONAL MOUNTAIN DULCIMER CHAMPION!
3rd place - National Mountain Dulcimer Championships - 2003, 2004, & 2006
1st place Mountain Dulcimer - Mid-Eastern Regional Championship - 2005 & 2002
1st place Vocal - Coshocton Dulcimer Days - 2005 & 2002
1st place Dulcimer Duet (w/ Gary Sager) - Coshocton Dulcimer Days - 2005
1st place Mountain Dulcimer - Kentucky State Championship - 2003
1st place Folk Singing - Bryson City Fiddlers' Convention - 2001
Joe Collins has been a folk musician and mountain dulcimer player since the late 70s. He is a songwriter, vocalist, and an occasional guitarist originally inspired by artists like Simon & Garfunkle, Gordon Lightfoot, Bob Dylan, and Kris Kristofferson. However, now that he is older and "pudgier," he realizes that Burle Ives was a much stronger influence than he ever imagined. His performances are sprinkled with a lot of humor and some excellent mountain dulcimer playing - sure to bring a smile to audiences of all ages.
Joe graduated from East Carolina University with Bachelor and Master degrees in English, from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary with a Master of Divinity with Religious Education, and from NC State University with a Doctorate in Adult Education. He has worked in Religious Education for most of his professional career and is an assistant professor of religion at Gardner-Webb University in Boiling Springs, NC. And, of course, he continues to build dulcimers, write songs, and accept as many opportunities to perform as he can!
As much as he loves sharing his music and craft, he loves the opportunity to share his faith in Jesus Christ even more. Without being pushy, he is open and honest about his faith in all kinds of musical venues. He currently resides in Shelby, NC with his family of four.
Joe often plays with his good friend and guitarist Mike McGee. They began playing together in 1988 and have "cross-pollinated" one another with their varied backgrounds.
Serving together on the same church staff for over eleven years as the Minister of Education and Minister of Music respectively, they had plenty of time to develop a unique folk sound with dulcimer and guitar. They play a variety of music which includes their interpretations of well-known and lesser known Celtic tunes, modern folk arrangements of traditional hymns, fun fiddle tunes, and a host of original pieces they have written over the years. However, they have also dug into their pasts to dig out classical, beach, James Taylor, and classic pop tunes for their repertoire.
Whether as solo acts or as a duet, their performances are varied and fun for all types of audiences.
Joe has also become a popular teacher in mountain dulcimer festivals around the country and welcomes any inquiries from festival organizers that includes opportunities to teach. FOR A LIST OF MOUNTAIN DULCIMER WORKSHOPS ALREADY DEVELOPED BY JOE COLLINS, GO TO
http://www.jcdulcimer.com/DulcimerBio.htm#workshops
Instrumentation
Joe Collins - mountain dulcimer, guitar, nose flute, jews harp, and other off-the-wall instruments
Discography
Hymns for the Hearth (1994) – folk arrangements of traditional hymns
The Dancing of Time (1999) – a mixture of Celtic, hymns, and original pieces
Erin’s Wish (2002) – a collection of Christmas instrumentals
For the Fun of It (2003) – a collection of funny and feel good songs w/ vocals
Looking Ahead (2008) - some wonderful instrumental arrangements of original, Celtic, and popular music including songs by Carole King, James Taylor, James Horner, and Chet Atkins.
Included on Great Players of the Mountain Dulcimer (2001) – a collection of players from all over the country.
Links
| http://www.jcdulcimer.com |