2019 Workshops
Workshops are provided by the festival performers and are free with admission
Come learn from some of the finest and most unique musicians of North America... Develop your songwriting with a Grammy nominated songwriter. Or, storytelling from one of the finest, most succinct songwriters in the biz. Develop your improvisational singing. Learn about the music of Quebec, and more.
Bring Your Instrument
We start the festival with an open drop-in jam at 12:30 pm on the Workshop stage. Bring along your acoustic instrument and pick some tunes with local string band the Go Bailers. All are welcome.
The Art of Songwriting
By Mary Gauthier
Art is a step in the known towards the unknown, and the noble goal of the art of song is to create deep resonance with listeners. I push myself and encourage my students to take risks and become emotionally honest to create an emotional connection. I will encourage you to break through fear-based ruts, and most of all, work on taking greater risks so that you may know and use your own voice in your writing. My hope is to encourage you to write the songs only you can write.
Sam Baker
The Music of Quebec
By Rosier (aka Les Poules a' Colin )
Les Poules à Colin offers an introduction to Québec’s music and song traditions. The five members of the group will present the different tune types common in Québec (reels, jigs, waltz, «call and response» songs) and the different instruments they play using various instrumentations. With historical information, funny stories, playing and singing, the workshop is both educational and entertaining. The repertoire is traditional but also includes compositions by musicians from the band.
Mary Gauthier
Storytelling
By Sam Baker
Sam Baker is a revelation—his songs are powerful, insightful, perfectly-worded movies. Not a single word is misspoken. His songs hit me like a hammer swung by John Prine—succinct in nature, but huge in impact. This workshop focuses on the development of the song's story...
Once upon a time
Stories. When I was a kid, our ranch was out on the prairie. We were mostly alone. My parents had four small children. They lived on boiled coffee, hard work and stories around the ranch house table at night - rattlesnake bites, men caught in grain augers, high school football.
No one ever said ‘Once upon a time’, but they didn’t have to. Someone started a story. Always sometime in the past and everyone was hooked.
Like a drug.
Once upon a time.
Improvisational Singing
With Ben Silver, Jan Hittle, Jeannette Miller, Jesse Goldman, and Onome
All levels of experience
Inspired by the improvisational singing of the great jazz singer, Bobby McFerrin, many singers began learning about the techniques of improv. This workshop welcomes all, from beginners to professionals. Prior experience in music improvisation is not necessary.
- Renew your musical and creative inspiration
- Increase your skill and self-confidence in improvising
- Receive a multitude of enjoyable practice techniques for continued musical growth
- Play with other creative, supportive musicians
