“Bringing It Home,” SFMS’s program featuring local folk artists, is celebrating this year’s PCA Apprenticeships in Traditional Arts and you are invited to the party.

Join us for performances, demonstrations, and stories shared by this year’s apprentices and the master artists who mentored them.

Feeling inspired? Ask SFMS folklorist Amy Skillman, who will be hosting the event, about submitting your own apprenticeship application in spring 2025!

Nepali Harmonium with Bhagirath Khatiwada and Muskan Balampaki Magar

Bhagirath Khatiwada loves the rich, beautiful culture of his homeland in the Himalayas. Originally from Bhutan, he is passionate about sharing that culture with his family, with other Nepalis in the area, and with his new community in Central Pennsylvania. Bhagirath (bah-ga-REET) is learning to play the harmonium from master musician Muskan (moos-KAHN) Balampaki Magar.

Contemporary Black Gospel with Anthony Jackson and Reverend Moses Jackson

The Reverend Moses Jackson and his son Anthony Jackson are two founding members of the Harrisburg-based “Spiritual Messengers Warriors for God.” Founded in 1991, the ensemble is a unique amalgam of tradition, innovation, varied musical influences and diverse backgrounds. In this apprenticeship, Anthony is learning skills needed to move from his current role as the group's drummer into a larger leadership role as vocalist and spiritual messenger.

Irish harp with Mary-Kate Spring Lee and Grainné Hambly

Master performer Grainné Hambly lives in Ireland, but Zoom made this apprenticeship possible. Already an outstanding player, Mary-Kate has progressed even further. This spring she placed first in Irish Harp in the Mid‑Atlantic Comhaltas Celtóirí Éireann competition (fleadh, prounounced flah), making her eligible to compete for an All‑Ireland title this summer.

Irish Music on Hammered Dulcimer with Mary-Grace Autumn Lee and Lexie Boatright

The hammered dulcimer is an uncommon instrument in Irish traditional music, but Grace is an accomplished player, well versed in the Irish repertoire. Studying with Lexie Boatright is helping Grace find a true “Irish voice” on the dulcimer and become more confident in gatherings of Irish music players. Grace has placed first in the "Miscellaneous Instruments" category in the Mid-Atlantic fleadh for the past two years, making her a candidate for an All‑Ireland title of her own.