A dulcimer wizard and a pure-voiced poet are the heart and soul of Jubilant Bridge. Pure harmonies and a sense of fun are the hallmarks of every Jubilant Bridge performance. Although they come from a rich aural tradition, they surprise audiences with counter melodies, changing time signatures, and well-chosen dissonance. The instruments go beyond simple accompaniment; the arrangements and the songs themselves are meshed.
Mountain dulcimer wizard and vocalist Willie Jaeger takes what is often thought of as a “simple” folk instrument and discovers its complexity. He has also been a finalist in the national mountain dulcimer championship at Winfield, Kansas. An engaging singer, he also plays hammered dulcimer and guitar, and composes instrumentals and the occasional song.
Vocalist and guitarist Carol Van Alstine provides Jubilant Bridge with most of its distinctive original songs. Her voice has been described as striking and ethereal Her musical experiences range from performing at the bottom of the Grand Canyon to singing soprano in Renaissance choirs.