Paul
Imholte is known as the 'musical stringman' because he brings nearly
a dozen string instruments to every performance. Paul's repertoire blends country
hoedowns, enchanting Celtic melodies, classical transcriptions for folk instruments,
humorous songs, and treasured ballads.
Paul started his musical career playing on his grandfather's fiddle. In high school, he and his older brother, Frank, formed a dance band that played most weekends throughout Minnesota. From those early days of playing, Paul learned that music is a courting and dancing charmer, whose welcome seldom wears thin.
One of Paul's featured instruments is the hammered dulcimer. The hammered dulcimer is trapezoid-shaped and played by striking light wooden hammers against strings. Originally from the Middle East, the hammered dulcimer influence the creation of the piano.
Besides the hammered dulcimer, Paul sings and plays the fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, autoharp, viola, harmonica, jaw harp, and spoons. His artistry is based on a love for the beauty of acoustical music and his enthusiasm for sharing that passion with the audience.
Paul's strolling music is great for setting a relaxing atmosphere for receptions or dinners. At outdoor events, Paul uses a cart filled with his instruments so he can smoothly move across the grounds and offer spontaneous mini-concerts. His stage show features upbeat, family entertainment of folk songs, lively instrumentals, and audience participation. He has performed for audiences of all ages at concerts, festivals, schools, and corporate events across the United States.
