Bill Robinson and the Western Ramblers perform on Our Front Porch

The Western Illinois Museum, in partnership with the Western Illinois School of Music, is pleased to welcome back to Our Front Porch dulcimer player Bill Robinson for a program with the Western Ramblers. On Thursday, October 19th at 5:30 pm the musicians will offer an evening of lively roots music on the Museum’s indoor porch. The doors and bar open at 5:00 p.m. with music starting at 5:30 p.m. There is a $5 suggested donation at the door.

Dulcimer player and lifelong, self-taught musician, Bill Robinson, will return to the Museum for a unique performance with the Western Ramblers.  The group, made up of WIU Music faculty, students, and community members was formed as a result of the American Traditional Music Ensemble course that is offered at Western Illinois University. The band shares an interest in exploring music in both the country-western and bluegrass genres and came together to play and craft their interpretation of where these two musical styles meet. Rambler’s members include Julia Brandtner, Ragean Lough, Isaac Weese, Randy Smith, Jennifer Jones, Matt Hughes, and Istvan Szabo.  Guests will experience a multi-generational group of musicians who have a passion for and tradition of passing on well-known songs.

This program is funded in part by grants from the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Humanities.

The Western Illinois Museum is a non-profit community hub celebrating and nurturing the history and culture of McDonough County, featuring 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 on social media @wimuseum. For further information, call 309-837-2750, text 309-837-2613, or email info@wimuseum.org. channels.

About Bill Robinson

Since the age of six, music has been part of Bill Robinson’s life.  Bill learned the dulcimer, dobro, guitar, banjo, fiddle, and mandolin with the help of his father, Ross Robinson [1900-1976]. When Robinson was 19 years old, he decided to become serious about playing music and playing his grandmother’s, 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.