Flat Pick Guitar

By Robert Shafer of Blue Yonder

One of few to win the prestigious Winfield Walnut Valley national flat-picking contest more than once, Shafer is also known as a “spectacular rockabilly guitarist who also brings swing and bop influences to his playing” (Washington Post).

Yodeling 

By John Lilly of Blue Yonder

All levels of experience

Yodeling – This unique vocalization was an important part of country music for many years and still generates considerable interest and curiosity today. Workshop leader John Lilly will demonstrate the basic country yodel - or “Blue Yodel” - as popularized by early country music star Jimmie Rodgers and teach it in several keys. Everyone is encouraged to try their hand at this fun and surprisingly accessible singing technique. More advanced yodeling will be demonstrated and taught as time permits. This is definitely a participatory workshop!

Finding the Rhythm Around Us

By Evie Ladin & Keith Terry

No previous experience necessary

Using the oldest instrument on the planet -- the human body -- we clap, slap, snap, step and vocalize our way through some very fun and funky, original and traditional rhythmic music.  BODY MUSIC is an effective way of internalizing rhythmic work, enhancing time, timing, phrasing, listening skills, independence, coordination and ensemble awareness. There are traditional Body Musics around the world, from African-American Hambone and Flamenco Palmas from Spain, to Sumatran Saman and Ethiopian Armpit music, as well as contemporary work.

Keith Terry is a pioneer in contemporary Body Music,  and with Evie Ladin, founded the International Body Music Festival, this summer celebrating its 10th year in Ghana. The international body music world is the other half of Evie & Keith's creative life, melding easily with their folk music, as you will see in their concert performance.

Arranging Songs

By Rachelle Garniez, Amanda Homi and Terry Radigan of Vicki Kristini Barcelona

Arranging songs - bring out the best in a song by experimenting with instrumentation, structure, tempo, feel and dynamics.