Neal Peck Memorial New Talent Stage

The festival includes an open showcase stage for musicians of dulcimer, ukulele, harp, autoharp, and other traditional instruments. Pre-registration is strongly suggested - simply review the schedule on this page and then click the SIGN UP button below to request a stage time. Once confirmed, your name and biographical info will be displayed.

SPECIAL OPPORTUNITY FOR DULCIMER PLAYERS: Download information HERE


Stage Schedule as of May 25, 2026

Sat 10:00    OPEN

Sat 10:30    OPEN

Sat 11:00    OPEN

Sat 11:30    OPEN

Sat 12:00    Jam with Greg Rouse

Sat 12:30    Jam with Greg Rouse

Sat 1:00    Dawn Zeller

Dawn Zeller has been playing the Hammered Dulcimer since late 2019 under the teachings of Katie Moritz. Dawn enjoys playing a variety of genre music such as Christian worship, classic rock and Irish jigs and reels. Her goals are to continue to learn and grow in her abilities on the Hammered Dulcimer and bring this wonderful instrument to a variety of audiences. Dawn is honored that her instructor Katie Moritz will be accompanying her today at Gebhard Woods.

Sat 1:30    Pete Cholewinski with David Patterson

Pete Cholewinski is a singer/songwriter and acoustic guitarist. His music is a fresh mix of folk, country, and roots, pairing poetic but relatable lyrics with strong guitar rhythms and fingerpicking. Pete enjoys sharing his music at open mics and released his first album late last year. Pete is joined by David Patterson on autoharp. David is a musicologist who - among myriad musical interests - emcees for the Lakeside Pride Symphonic Band in Chicago.

Sat 2:00    Ravenscroft Musicke Guild

Old Musicke for new ears. The (most excellent) Ravenscroft Musicke Guild has been entertaining and edifying audiences at renaissance festivals in the upper midwest since 2015. (Hammered dulcimer, cello, violin)

Sat 2:30    Renaissance Jam with Chris Mortika

Sat 3:00    Sweet Melody Strings

Sweet Melody Strings was started in 2019 by Mary Jensen. The group came together and has grown as Mary teaches people how to play the hammered dulcimer. Based in the Racine Wisconsin area they meet the first and third Saturday every month at St Michaels Episcopal Church in Racine WI. Other instruments included are mountain dulcimer, bowed psaltery, guitars and bass ukulele. Sweet Melody Strings welcomes any acoustic instruments.

Sat 3:30    Hammer Toss

Come try a fun new game and win a prize! No skill needed. Equipment provided.

Sat 4:00    Jam with Chris Foss

Sat 4:30    Jam with Chris Foss

Sun 10:00    OPEN

Sun 10:30    OPEN

Sun 11:00    OPEN

Sun 11:30    OPEN

Sun 12:00    Jam with Greg Rouse

Sun 12:30    Jam with Greg Rouse

Sun 1:00    Jim Bond-Harris

Eclectic, varied repertoire, featuring Scottish, Irish, and American tunes. Jim enjoys playing chromatic, adventurous pieces, in original arrangements. Jim started playing about a decade ago, inspired by Max ZT and House of Waters. Most commonly heard: "Now that would sound good on the dulcimer!" (Hammered dulcimer)

Sun 1:30    OPEN

Sun 2:00    Jam with Chris Foss

Sun 2:30    Jam with Chris Foss

Sun 3:00    Jam with Elwood Ukuleles

Sun 3:30    Jam with Elwood Ukuleles

Sun 4:00    CLOSED

Sun 4:30    CLOSED