The Skaryds started playing music in 1992, making them relative newcomers to the music scene, but their involvement with music has become the most important focus of their lives.

John plays the Webster chromatic dulcimer seen here. They also have an older, lovely Brazilian rosewood Webster dulcimer and Sharon's dulcimer, of course, is a Rick Thum (This isn't the one I have now, but similar.). They also have two other dulcimers: another Webster and one John built. That brings their total of dulcimers to FIVE!! -- A tuning nightmare!!

John also has fun playing a tenor banjo (a 1920's Bacon and Day Silver Bell) with the Flint Banjo Club, dabbles at upright bass, occasionally plays a "tenor lute" (which is over 70 years old), and has a 1928 Gibson tenor guitar in his instrument collection.

Although she prefers the sound of other instruments (dulcimers and harps), Sharon's primary instrument is the autoharp, which she uses as back-up to John's melody playing. It was built by George Orthey and it's a truly lovely instrument. (Click here to visit the Orthey's website: Orthey Instruments.)

Sharon also has a pretty 34-string cherry Celtic harp John built. (Click here to see "the harp John built".) Her first love is still the hammered dulcimer and she's determined to spend more time on the dulcimer especially since she retired June 1, 2004. Their life is filled with lots of music.

You'll find the Skaryd's every year at the Evart Funfest, where Sharon has been the workshop chairman since 1996. (2007 was the 12th year she's organized the massive workshop schedule.) Don't let her kid you, you does it only so she'll get to drive a golf cart around the fairgrounds.

At Evart, look for their fifth wheel (a '94 Jayco) immediately to the left of the entrance to Tent City adjacent to the "Workshop Leader Rest Area". (They'd love it if you'd stop and say "hi".) Your always welcome to pull up a chair and "sit a spell."

John's co-chairman of the Midland Dulcimer Festival, which is held late in August at the Midland Fairgrounds, Midland, MI.

They have a lovely black and white fur-child, Willow, a sweet 5 1/2-pound long-coat chihuahua. Named for Les Raber's Willow Waltz.

As a two-some, the Skaryds enjoy playing for small gatherings. Their music can be presented as a background, or as a program. They are featured favorites at Warmbier Farms Christmas Open House and other similar venues.

Additionally, the Skaryds are directors of a performing club, Saginaw Subterranean Strings Hammered Dulcimer Club. The club plays frequently in the Saginaw (Michigan) and the Tri-City area. Generally 12-20 musicians make up a Sub-Strings performance.

The Skaryd's have also joined with three other musician friends and created the small group, "Live Music." The group consists of John on dulcimer, Sharon on autoharp, George Horny on sax, clarinet,fiddle, and recorder, Randy Laurenz on guitar and Bill Harrison on bass. This is a unique blend of wind and string instruments. Their repetoire consists primarily of dulcimer/fiddle tunes, and some show tunes, tunes from the 40's and others, but all are with a twist!

To arrange for performances by the duo of "John and Sharon," "Live Music," or "Saginaw Subterranean Strings Hammered Dulcimer Club," click the button below or use the phone number at the top of this page.

The sunrise photo is from John and Sharon's deck in the Upper Peninsula. They rarely get up there (maybe once a year), but when they do, this is their view of Lake Michigan.

Sharon says, "If you are interested in buying a discounted dulcimer (from dulcimers.biz), but feel better speaking to a "real" person, you can reach me at 989-781-0849. I never neglect my "dulcimer" business. If we are on-the-road, when you call that number, you may get a message which will suggest that you email me and I'll get back to you."

In the spring of 2006, the Skaryds took a 6,000 mile trip across this beautiful country. They hit about 14 states in six weeks. As they traveled, Sharon kept a travel blog. She's continued to use this tool as a way to keep family and friends advised of what they're up to. You'll find it at http://dulcimers.com/sharonsblog.

Since 2005, the Skaryds have been in Florida a great deal of the time, where Sharon's mother has resided for more than 25 years. "Mom" has very advanced Alzheimers, and Sharon is the one designated to care for her mother. With "Mom" in a lovely facility (the Courtyards at Aston Gardens) in Sun City Center, and an aide (companion) to help, she's receiving the best care possible and has actually improved. This situation has required two or three lengthy trips each year to Florida, but John and Sharon's visits are duo purpose: while caring for Sharon's mother, they have a great time. The condo where they reside is in Kings Point (a lovely gated community). The people are warm and friendly. In 2007-2008, their stays in Florida have extended to more than six months of the year. If you're in the vicinity, give them a call - you'll probably find them in the pool at the South Club (the largest heated pool in Floria). They welcome company and will take you dancing on Thursdays to Rockin' Rondevous in the Club House.