Bob & Phyllis Dunne

Bob's Biography

Robert Dunne plays an Aboriginal wind instrument called the didgeridoo. The didgeridoo, made from a Eucalyptus tree hollowed out by termites, has been used for at least 40,000 years in Australia. Its mesmerizing drone and bass rhythms are traditionally used to accompany song and dance imitating native animals. Dunne also demonstrates the bullroar and clapsticks.

In 1995, Dunne became the Old Time Country Music and Pioneer Exposition Miscellaneous Instrument Champion. He is a member of the Nebraska Humanities Council’s Speakers Bureau through which he performs throughout the state of Nebraska. Bob has performed at the prestigious Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas with recording artists Tommy Emmanuel, Beppe Gambetta, Stephen Bennett, Phyllis Dunne and Marley’s Ghost. Bob introduced the didgeridoo in Winfield’s Odd Instruments Workshops. Dunne is also an integral part of the Carp Camp and is featured on their CD Best of Carp Camp Sad But True. His didgeridoo playing may also be found on the “best local recording of 1995” (Omaha World Herald) Christmas CD Joyously Dunne and a CD by award winning singer/songwriter Dave Crossland.

Dunne has performed at the Old Time Country Music and Pioneer Exposition and the Prairie Network in Iowa , The Omaha History Center, the Neihardt Center and the Folkfest at the Fort in Nebraska. The Omaha Metropolitan Community College, Cooper Village and Girl Scouts of America have repeatedly requested his presentations.

Dunne was a member of the acclaimed band “Akita Mani Yo” (Observe While You Walk) which featured world-beat music and “Mad Sweeney” which performed Irish music. He frequently performs with his wife Phyllis Dunne who plays the mountain dulcimer.

Dunne works as a utilty service representative for Metropolitan Utilities District of Omaha. In his spare time, Dunne carves his own instruments and does landscaping.

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