Banjo Workshop with Steve Rosen (intermediate)-Volo Bogtrotter Steve Rosen will help you sharpen your technique while learning a few class old-time banjo tunes. For intermediate clawhammer banjo.
Circle Singing, with elizaBeth Simpson-Circle singing is a community art form that tends to generate an altered space and leave participants elated. Through a combination of conducted loops and spontaneous improvisations, circle song leaders create parts on-the-spot so that we make inspired (whether goofy … Continue reading →
Fiddle Workshop, with Chirps Smith and Paul Tyler-Get your Midwest fiddling on! Lynn “Chirps” Smith and Paul Tyler of the Volo Bogtrotters will share tunes learned directly from master fiddlers in Illinois and Indiana over the last 40 years.
Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop with Pop Wagner (all levels)-In this workshop, Pop will address all levels of playing ability. He will first present a familiar, entry-level tune and demonstrate methodic ways to syncopate and vary the arrangement, bringing it to a higher level of interest and expertise. These … Continue reading →
Folksongs of Illinois, Workshop with Bucky Halker-Illinois has rich and diverse folk music traditions that are little known to most people. Since the beginning of the 19th century, the many peoples who have made Illinois their home produced a huge body of folk music from historical … Continue reading →
Grant Writing Workshop with Bucky Halker-Bucky’s workshop will focus on opportunities available through the Illinois Arts Council and the Illinois Humanities Council, and may also touch on other fundraising measures including the National Endowment of the Arts.
Harmonica Workshop (beginning), with Dave Witzany-It’s easy to begin to learn to play harmonica! Dave will lead the group using key of C diatonic 10 hole harmonicas to help you learn about the instrument and to begin playing melodies and blues. Come at 10:30 and learn the … Continue reading →
Harmonica Workshop (intermediate), with Dave Witzany-For this intermediate workshop, Dave will teach some simple effects and give an introduction to the blues. If you attended the beginning workshop, you are welcome to stay for this session too. Dave will also have a petting zoo of his own harmonicas … Continue reading →
How to Make an Udder-Bot and Play it!-This workshop will discuss the history of the udder-bot and how the art of udder-bot construction has evolved to the present day. You will see how to construct the “SanbitterBot” (an udder-bot created from the Sanpellegrino Sanbitter non-alcoholic aperitif soda … Continue reading →
Kids Songwriting Workshop with Dana Sipos-Join us for an inspired song+writing workshop! First we will explore methods and techniques on how to exercise our songwriting muscles. Putting pen and hearts to paper, we will then compose a song together to be brought to life at a festival … Continue reading →
Mandolin Workshop, with Don Julin (Beginner/Intermediate)-This is a fantastic opportunity to learn from a mandolin master and author of Mandolin for Dummies! Beginning and intermediate players, please bring your mandolins for a hands-on instructional experience.
Penny Whistle Workshop (beginning), with Dean Karres-Come for a low stress introduction to the tin whistle (penny whistle). This workshop is for the complete novice. You will be shown correct hand and finger position; a simple scale; and, we will work through one or more very simple melodies. A … Continue reading →
Quebecois Fiddle Workshop with David Boulanger-In the Québec fiddle workshop, David Boulanger will teach different bowing techniques and ornamentations as well as how to “swing” — things that makes Québec fiddling one of a kind. These techniques will be taught through the teaching of two … Continue reading →
Telling Personal Stories, Workshop with Dan Keding-Personal stories are signposts in our journey. Through them we share the funny, sad, and important times of our lives. This workshop will help you prepare and present these stories whether you are telling them on stage or to your … Continue reading →
Tunes from Our Travels Workshop with Laura Cortese-Learn three tunes from some of Laura Cortese and Mariel Vandersteel’s favorite fiddling traditions. We will focus on stylistic and groove differences as well as ways to explore your personal expression of these tunes. Depending on the interest of the … Continue reading →
