Workshops and Activities

The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass

Founded by Chick Rose, who passed away in 2012, it lives on in his memory and in the music of the many children who participate.

iThe ntensive workshop is led by Stacey Harnew and crew – gather in lobby of main auditorium. The Chick Rose School of Bluegrass is a very special program for kids who want to play bluegrass music. Founded by Chick Rose, who passed away in 2012, it lives on in his memory and in the music of the many children who participate. Children are divided into small groups according to their musical ability and are coached by advanced musicians. The program culminates in a special short performance of all the kids on Saturday.

Workshops

Play an instrument or a big fan of the teacher(s)? This is an opportunity to learn in an relaxed setting. Instructors share techniques, anecdotes, and performing philosophies, and answer your questions. Workshop locations will be posted in the lobby of the main auditorium. – Please note that they may be subject to possible changes/additions.

Attendance at the workshops is included with your Saturday, Sunday or weekend pass. Whether you play an instrument or are just a big fan of the teacher(s), it’s a great opportunity to learn in an intimate setting. Workshop instructors share techniques and anecdotes, their philosophy about performing and answer questions you might have.

Slow Jam with Marv

Have you ever tried joining a jam where they played so fast you couldn’t keep up? We all need time to learn. If you are new to an instrument or just haven’t picked with others, play with us in a welcoming group setting.

Fiddle tunes are first played slowly and then repeated at a faster tempo. Learning to play songs cleanly and on-beat, along with gradually stepping up the tempo on the second try is one of the best ways to improve. The slow jam is led by Marv Sobolesky, music teacher and owner of Marv’s Music.

Banjo Contest

Each contestant plays two songs, (3 minute max.each) and may have one backup instrument (must be acoustic except for bass). Entry fee: $10.00; Winner will play one song on Main Stage at 6:53.

PRIZES: 1st: $50; 2nd: $30; 3rd: $20; Certificates awarded to all entries, Good luck!

Open Mic

A whole lot of folks meet up at Bluegrass From the Forest and end up creating wonderful song arrangements. Some even bring original tunes. How about getting up and sharing them at our Open Mic? It’s so much of fun and there is lots of support from fellow festival goers. It could be the beginning of your newband!

Band Scramble

Sign up for the band scramble until 12:20 AM, Saturday. Participants have 40 minutes to prepare two songs which they will perform at a performance on the Showcase Stage at 1:00 PM.. The winner performs on the main stage at 1:55.

The band scramble is a time honored tradition at bluegrass festivals. If you’re not familiar with them, here’s the deal: Anyone who plays an instrument (at any level) can sign up to participate. Names will be drawn for the bands. Ideally, each band will end up with a bass, a banjo, a mandolin, one or two guitars and possibly some instrument hardly anyone has heard of. Hopefully there will be some some singers among them. It’s not an exact science and it’s mostly a lot of fun. The newly formed bands have 40 minutes to meet, come up with an instrumental and vocal tune that they all happen know (or can learn quickly). Then they take it to the Showcase Stage for a live contest performance. It’s a great way to meet folks, mingle and get up on stage. And it’s kind of like musical potluck–you never know what you’re going to get! Even if you’re not ready to join the scramble and brave the stage, just watching the show is worth the price of admission. It’s like a bluegrass reality show (if there was such a thing). The Band Scramble is hosted by Jana Van Amburg.

Mandolin Tasting

SAT | 11:00 AM Band Room

Hosted by Alan Bibey of Grasstowne this brings together talented and knowledgeable mandolin players with some very nice mandolins. This differs from a Mandolin Workshop in that the focus in less on playing techniques and more on understanding the features of the instruments.