Shaker Shopping

Shaker shopping to the sweet sounds of Dulcimer Nation Champion, Nina Zanetti. She and her 3-string dulcimer and electronic amp welcomed shoppers to America's First Shaker Settlement this weekend.

Every Christmas season Shaker Heritage Society invites 50-60 local artisans to display their crafts. Nina Zanetti fills the busy hall with arrangements that she and her dulcimer partner Bill Collins put together on CD. She played enough harmonies for me to buy a CD of my own. Others recognize her as the Siena College Biology professor.

Irish inspirations like "Danny Boy" lead to "The Londonderry Air" and appreciation for the Shakers spiritual medley's lead to "Mother's Tongue." There's even a composition in this mix from the 1962 Broadway musical "All American."