Biography

Tom Jolin plays traditional American music, mixing vocals with the hammer dulcimer, banjo, button accordion, harmonica and more; he has produced eight recordings. Jolin has been a solo performer since 1978, performing a mix of traditional Americana, old timey and civil war tunes. His solo performances are loaded with humor… sometimes intentionally. In 2007 he was the Arts for a Lifetime Speaker for the Adams County Arts Council. Jolin was also a solo performer for the Pennsylvania Speaker of the House Millenium Lecture, which honored Pulitzer Prize winner, John Updike.

Jolin was a founding member of The West Orrtanna String Band, a six-member ensemble specializing in old timey string band music from Southern Appalachia. The band was active from 1972 through 1987 and recorded two albums on Revonah Records as well as several short historic folk music segments for National Public Radio. 

Jolin is also an instrument builder. He specializes in the hammer dulcimer, the mountain dulcimer, and the bowed psaltery --his instruments are heard on his albums.

Presentations

• Traditional folk music concert/lecture, including the use of the following instruments: hammered dulcimer, mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltery, harmonica, button accordion, banjo, plus vocals
• Family/children’s concert, interactive with hammered dulcimer, banjo, button accordion, jug band instruments, plus vocals and humor
• Civil War Era Music

Contact

Interested in having Thomas Jolin speak to your group? E-mail him.