Bill Robinson and Friends visit Our Front Porch

The Western Illinois Museum is pleased to welcome Bill Robinson, a hammered dulcimer player and instrument maker to perform and share his family’s musical history as part of the Museum’s music series held on Our Front Porch. He will be joined by his cousin Marvin Robinson, and long-time collaborator Rod Tippy, both on guitar and upright bass, as well as other friends. In the Robinson family, playing the dulcimer has been handed down from generation to generation, a tradition of informal education that has kept this style of music alive.  On Our Front Porch, guests can experience this tradition on Sunday, July 30th at 2:00 pm. There is a suggested $5 donation at the door. 

Since the age of six, music has been part of Robinson’s life when, with the help of his father, Ross Robinson [1900-1976], he began playing the dulcimer, dobro, guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin. When Robinson was 19 years old, he decided to become serious about playing music. Playing his grandmother, Emma Van Fossen [1868-1944], instrument, he formed a band called Full House, which included Jim Whitehead, Duane Sorrells, and his wife Ann. A few years later, he joined the Illinois Country Opry in New Salem, Illinois, and played with the group for three years.  In 1975, Duane Sorrells organized the Wagon Wheel Opry in Macomb, Illinois, and Robinson played piano, banjo, fiddle, and dulcimer for the show’s 25-year run.  In 1980 he formed a new band called Bill Robinson & Friends, which still plays together today. Robinson’s daughter, Monica, is carrying on the tradition as well.

By the 1960s, hammered dulcimers were rare and difficult to repair. Taking what he learned from his dad, Robinson began building dulcimers with the help of his friend Roy Foley. Joining them was Dick Waterbury who assisted them with many instruments. After building 75 instruments, Robinson became allergic to wood. Fortunately, Ken Harris, a student of Robinson’s, who had a love of woodworking, joined Robinson and they formed H & R Dulcimers. Together they continue to design, build, and string custom dulcimers.

The Our Front Porch series is set in a truly convivial space with gorgeous windows, and great lighting, set among historic artifacts. Come early to view the current exhibit, explore our collection, socialize with friends and family, and enjoy our casual atmosphere.  This program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Arts Council, with additional funding from an Illinois Humanities Council grant and from the State of Illinois American Rescue Plan Act.

The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit organization celebrating and nurturing the history, culture, and traditions of McDonough County, and is quickly becoming a vibrant community hub that features exhibits, an open collection, lectures, music, and other programs in a historic building. The Museum is located at 201 S. Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square. 

A full schedule of events can be found at wimuseum.org or follow us on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org.