Content of Lois’s performances:

The styles of music Lois plays include old-time Appalachian, Celtic, Cajun, Classical, World Folk Music, and original humorous songs. Lois’s programs contain elements of Appalachian dulcimer history and culture. Her playing styles include traditional strummed style, fingerpicking, flatpicking, and her mountain dulcimers run the gamut in musical keys and models, including the epinette des Vosges, an ancient French “cousin” of the Appalachian dulcimer.

Some reviews of Lois’s playing:

“Lois is an incredible talent. When I sit and play the music with her I see and hear the passion she has for it.”
… Al Berard, Basin Brothers, 1992 Cajun Fiddler of the Year, Cajun Music Association.

“She is giving a new dimension to our [traditional Irish] music.”
… Dan Coen, EVENING HERALD, Dublin, Ireland

“Lois is a very expressive dulcimer player … The passion and power she puts into “Believe Me, If All Those Endearing Young Charms” … is sure to move anyone.” (Her fiddle tunes) …”are played with great spirit - sometimes delicate, sometimes more firey, but always with superb control of the dynamic range of this subtle instrument.” … Jerry Rockwell, DIRTY LINEN MAGAZINE

“I heard Lois Hornbostel play at a dulcimer festival in Cosby, Tennessee, and fell in love with the dulcimer’s sweet sound.”… Mary Lawrence Breinig

Representative Performances & Teaching:

. Smithsonian, Washington, DC
. Cecil Sharp House, London, England
. John C. Campbell Folk School, NC
. Western Carolina University, NC
. Appalchian State University, NC
. Warren Wilson College, NC
. Augusta Heritage Center, Davis & Elkins College, WV
. Sidmouth International Folk Festival, Devon, England
. Whitby Folk Festival, Yorkshire, England
. Mardi Gras Dulcimer Festival, LA
. Foothills Dulcimer Festival, GA
. Downeast Dulcimer Festival, ME
. Housatonic Dulcimer Celebration, CT
. Redwood Dulcimer Day, CA
. Common Ground on the Hill, MD
. Ozark Folk Center, AR
. Southwest Acoustic Festival, AZ
. Lone Star State Dulcimer Festival, TX
. Gebard Woods Dulcimer Festival, IL
. Claremont Folk Festival, CA
. Silver Dollar City, MO
. Winter Festival of Acoustic Music, TX
. National Symposium on Multicultural Music, TN
. Active artist with SC Arts Commission. Arts-in-schools residencies since 1986.
. Clinician for Silver Burdett Gin (textbook publishers)
. Workshops & performances at dulcimer clubs across the U.S.