Bio Aaron D. O’Rourke (that’s me in third person), was born September 22, 1985 in Schenectady, NY. After that...not a whole lot really worth mentioning here happened until the summer before high school when my best friend Derek insisted I learn to play bass and start a punk band. It was through playing in that punk band that I found the dulcimer from my friend and band mate’s dad playing one on the front porch and then sitting it in my lap and telling me to try it out. I began performing on dulcimer in 2003 and began teaching at festivals the following year. I’ve been fortunate enough to enjoy teaching at dulcimer camps across the country and perform occasionally at new grass/rock, bluegrass, and folk festivals as a solo performer and alongside Mike Snelling and Mickey Abraham in the The Aaron O’Rourke Trio. After winning a small number of contests and earning a few credentials making me feel much more important than I really am (Florida Old-time dulcimer Championship, Southeastern Regional Dulcimer championship, the 2010 World Picking Federation Dulcimer Player of the Year, and the 2010 National Mountain Dulcimer Champion) I recorded two solo CDs and one with the Aaron O’Rourke Trio which received high praise from the likes of David Grisman, Dulcimer Players News, The World Picking Federation, and also my mom. At this time I am lucky to have the opportunity to travel, perform and teach on Mountain dulcimer as well as fingerstyle guitar, and banjola. In my travels, it is my goal to bring the dulcimer to an audience that might not get to experience the instrument and hopefully represent the potential of where this instrument could go. I love the dulcimer for its ability to create an enjoyable musical outlet for someone who may not have the benefit of putting a lot of time into working out the technical demands required by many other instruments. I also love the technical challenges this instrument demands when played in certain contexts. The broad possibilities of this instrument on an artistic and technical level support the potential for the dulcimer to play a more central role in the broader music scene today in America and the world. I very much appreciate having the opportunity to help in making that happen as well as meeting the many fine individuals along the way and through teaching and performing, being a part of their own individual musical journey. What other’s have had to say... "I love how you have cowlicks, Aaron. It's like a cow just made out with your head." - Casey Carron “Aaron O’Rourke makes a mountain dulcimer do things it shouldn’t be able to do.” - St. Petersburg Times “Aaron O’Rourke is not yet cool enough to talk about himself in third person.” - Aaron O’Rourke “Utilizing a unique acoustic blend never heard previously, the Aaron O’Rourke Trio has made a fine debut recording that is sure to please old and new grass fans alike.” - David Grisman Old Bio worth saving..... I'm a pretty plain guy. In fact, I believe that if I were a flavor of ice cream I would probably be vanilla. I consider that a good thing. There's nothing wrong with a little predictability. I for one like vanilla ice cream. I've got nothing against other flavors. I'm just a little guarded before really opening myself up to a new flavor. I have low expectations of flavors I'm not familiar with unless they are made up of something that would be impossible to screw up like oreos or reeses pieces. Still I'm willing to try almost anything once and if I decide it is not up to the high standard and consistency of vanilla I move on. This is not metaphorical of anything. I'm really just talking about ice cream. Also sometimes I wish I were an elf....and I play dulcimer. -Aaron D. O’Rourke, I
Me and my face
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Aaron O’Rourke