The Skaryds started playing music in 1992. 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 several other dulcimers and usually two or three that are for sale. (Call if you want to stop by and check them out.)

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, whistles 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. She retired June 1, 2004. Their life is busy and filled with lots of "live" music.

You'll find the Skaryd's every year at the Evart Funfest, where Sharon has been the workshop chairman since 1996. (2010 will be the 15th 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."

For many years, John was the co-chairman of the Midland Dulcimer Festival, which is held late in August at the Midland Fairgrounds, Midland, MI. After a rough year health-wise, John submitted his resignation in November 2009. The festival had a very successful "run" under the direction of Margaret Loper and John.

Willow is John and Sharon's lovely black and white fur-child. Willow, an aging 5-pound long-coat chihuahua, was named for Les Raber's Willow Waltz. Willow's getting old and has a heart condition and one eye that's blind, but she's still an important part of the family. Charlie (the cockatiel) also goes with the family to festivals and when traveling.

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.

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. No matter where we are, this number will be forwarded to us."

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://sharons-blog.com.

In addition to music, John enjoys gardening and wine making. Sharon enjoys anything techie, especially computers and web design. She is also an avid reader and enjoys photography.

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. It's nothing fancy, just an old trailer.

The Skaryds Michigan home is on a small man-made lake west of Saginaw (in Thomas Township off M-52). As with any 24-year old house, it was time for some up-dating, so in 2009, they "survived" several major home improvement projects and more are scheduled for 2010.

In October, 2008, they purchased a condo in Kings Point (a lovely gated community within Sun City Center). If you're in the vicinity (which is south and east from Tampa), give them a call. Their phone number is 813-398-4135, their address is 2604 Newcomb Court, Sun City Center, FL 33573. (The photo on the left is of the closest of the Kings Point pools within walking distance.)