Singing Tree is an acoustic duo playing folk folk music with a classical twist. Singing Tree is Ray Belanger, Hammered Dulcimer and Lloyd Goldstein, Double Bass. Singing Tree’s first CD Singing Tree: Folk Music with a Classical Twist is available at CDBaby.com. Singing Tree performs a wide variety of folk music from around the world employing traditional, classical and contemporary styles of arrangement and performance. Ray’s approach to the hammered dulcimer ranges from lyrical and melodic to energetic and exciting. Lloyd’s bass playing covers a wide range of styles, often employing the bow in a way that suggests the sound of a huge cello. Together they perform a unique and varied program that consistently leaves audiences surprised and elated with both the vibrant acoustic sound of their fine instruments and the originality and inventiveness of the arrangements. They even include some of Lloyd’s original compositions which are charming and accessible to anyone. Singing Tree is available for both concert performances and special events like festivals, receptions, wedding ceremonies and other celebrations. More info is available at www.lloydgoldstein.com.

Lloyd Goldstein completed Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees at The University of Miami, studying with Dr. Lucas Drew. After graduation, Lloyd played with The Florida Orchestra in Tampa, Florida for 21 years. In 1998, he began new work in double bass technique with revolutionary bassist Francois Rabbath. In 2005, Lloyd began working as a volunteer at The Moffitt Cancer Center playing solo double bass in the public areas of the hospital. Two years later, he completed his training as a Certified Music Practitioner and since 2008 has been employed as Artist In Residence with The Moffitt Cancer Center Arts In Medicine Program where he offers therapeutic music at the bedside for patients, families and visitors. Lloyd met Ray Belanger at Moffitt and together became Singing Tree. Lloyd loves the sound of the bass and hammered dulcimer together, and enjoys creating new and unique arrangements in collaboration with Ray. In addition to his musical pursuits, Lloyd has recently published his first book titled Inside Yoga: The Gift of Practice. For more info on this and all Lloyd’s projects including Singing Tree, visit www.lloydgoldstein.com.

Ray Belanger has been playing hammered dulcimer for more than 2 decades. He is recognized as one of the leading hammered dulcimer performers and teachers in the southeast. In addition to Singing Tree, Ray also performs with his wife Cheryl in their musical folk group Simple Gifts, and is part of the southern mountain string band group The Twang Gang. Since he first started teaching the hammered dulcimer nearly 20 years ago, Ray has maintained a strong core of private students. He is admired for his patient and sensitive teaching style, with emphasis on proper technique and musicality. Ray taught at John C. Campbell Folk School for 11 years, at the Sunshine State Acoustic Music Camp for 18 years, and continues to teach at many workshops, festivals and dulcimer gatherings throughout the south. As a long time volunteer at the Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, Ray plays in clinics, waiting rooms and lobbies where the beautiful sound of his instrument offers a sense of hope and renewal to patients, visitors and staff. Listeners have said that Ray’s playing is masterful, sensitive, tender and reflective or sunny and cheerful. His concert performances with Singing Tree truly showcase his wonderful versatility.