Professor Strings, a.k.a. Phil Lancaster, will demonstrate the history and versatility of stringed instruments and the varying styles of playing them. His instruments include fiddle, mandolin, mandocello (a rare instrument from the turn of the last century), banjo (including frailing, claw-hammer and bluegrass styles) and guitar (including finger-picking, flat-picking, blues, gospel and country styles). The Professor's different instruments will be featured in topical songs principally relating to Arkansas history. This educational and entertaining program is geared for both children and adults to improve musical and cultural awareness.

To note: Out of State performances will not necessarily center on Arkansas History.

Phil Lancaster was born in Texarkana, Arkansas and studied art and music at L’Ecole De Beaux Arts in Angers, France. He became a member of a bluegrass band that traveled and played throughout France and produced an album entitled “Bluegrass Oldies Ltd./Traveling Show.” He also worked as a stage theatre technician for La Coursive Theatre Nationale in La Rochelle, France. After returning to the U.S. he met three Arkansas musicians and the acoustic quartet “Still on the Hill” was formed in Fayetteville. They released their first CD in 1997, the second in 2000. The group performs at national and international folk festivals. As a member of the Arkansas Arts on Tour roster he has given workshops in Arkansas public schools on the Roots of Traditional Ozark Music in Contemporary Songs. Phil is a co-producer, film Gospel, Biscuits & Gravy Co-producer and presenter for “Riders on the Orphan Train” public program in Arkansas. Phil placed third at the Chris Austin Songwriting Contest at Merle Fest in North Carolina in 1998. He was a second place winner for songwriting at the 2003 Eureka Springs Folk Festival in Eureka Springs, Arkansas.

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