On Monday afternoon, sweet old-time melodies filed the dining hall at Fountain Villa as the Christian Strings strummed their mountain dulcimers and plucked the strings of a viola.
Group members Carol Paddock, Dee Kieffaber, Regina Broyles, Virginia Jackson, Carolyn McGee and Amanda Rewa began performing together about four years ago at Wall Street Christian Church in rural Mound City. The women live in the Blue Mound and Mound City area.
The group was in Iola to perform for Paddock’s stepmother, Marjorie McLaughlin, who is a resident at Fountain Villa.
The concert began with “Amazing Grace,” followed by other hymns and favorites like “She’ll Be Coming Around the Mountain” before closing with “Victory in Jesus.”
The women meet each Tuesday to practice and Paddock said, “We’d welcome anyone who would like to join our group.”
The dulcimer is an easy instrument to learn to play. It only has three strings, Jackson said.
“It was amazing. Once I brought out my dulcimer several of the other women said I’ve got one of them under my bed. I’m glad they pulled their dulcimers out, because we enjoy getting together and making music. It’s like therapy for the soul,” Paddock said.
The women said they enjoy bringing their music to nursing homes, senior centers, churches and nutrition sites. Anyone who would like to book the group for a visit may call Jackson at (913) 795-2676.
“We don’t charge for our concerts. The smiles on people’s faces are our reward,” Jackson said.
