2024 Instructor Bios

joey arcuri

Intermediate/Advanced Upright Bass, Song Arrangement

Joey is a professional double bassist and strings teacher from Ithaca, NY. He has a Bachelor of Music in Double Bass Performance from Ithaca College (2009) and a Master of Science in Music Education from Syracuse University (2023). In the interim between both schools, Arcuri established himself as a contributing force in (and beyond) the Central New York music scene. His musical endeavors span broadly from popular music, singer-songwriter folk, classical, jazz, and musical theater.

Although always active in his freelance performance career, Arcuri is most widely known as being the bassist of Driftwood, a folk-rock band from Binghamton, NY. Arcuri joined Driftwood in 2011 and has shared stages with Donna the Buffalo, Old Crow Medicine Show, Rusted Root, Greensky Bluegrass, and Marty Stewart.

In 2023, Arcuri started his first year as an elementary orchestra teacher at two schools in the Ithaca City School District - Cayuga Heights and Caroline Elementary. Life is busy but rewarding for Joey as he inspires the youth with his teaching and continues to dazzle crowds with his high-spirited musicianship.

Alicia Aubin

Trombone in the Johnny Nicholas Band for Jump Blues Night Dance

Alicia Aubin is a music educator, vocalist, and trombonist currently based out of Ithaca, New York. Originally from Rhode Island, Alicia was recognized for her outstanding teaching and performing abilities while attaining her Bachelors degrees from Ithaca College in Music Education and Trombone Performance. Alicia has received many awards, has toured around the globe including China and Russia, and has had many notable performances in the US including Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Since 2006, Alicia has also held various music teaching positions in Colorado, New York City, and Ithaca. In 2014, she launched her Little Beats music and movement program for young children incorporating singing, dance, and beat comprehension. Alicia is currently the owner and Director of Caterpillar Early Care at Aspen Grove Preschool in Ithaca. Alicia is passionate about bringing music to people of all ages and is a strong believer that music education is integral in human development.

gregor Sayet-bone

Main street, side paths and detours: the journey of a song, Songwriting

Born in Willseyville NY, I have spent the better part of my days within the process of artistic forms. From art exhibitions to short films, from novels to songs, I have tried to remain true to the art of art…

the glory of expression.  I am presently the writer and singer in Yet To Be Gold.

Michael "Leroy" Bram

Drums with the Johnny Nicholas Band for Jump Blues Night Dance

Michael “Leroy” Brami s currently the drummer for Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter JASON MRAZ and served as Mraz' Musical Director from 2008-20010 during the "We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things" world tour.

Michael has also recently joined THE WEIGHT BAND as their new singer and drummer, singing and playing the parts of the legendary Levon Helm! The Weight Band performs the iconic music of "THE BAND" and features former members of THE BAND, as well as former members of Rick Danko, Garth Hudson, and Levon Helm's respective bands.

In 2012, Michael teamed with producer and friend DAVE GROSS and released a "uniquely diverse album of classic and original Blues, Country, and American Roots Music titled 'SUITCASE IN THE HALL' on the VIZZTONE LABEL GROUP. Bram sings, plays drums, guitar and harmonica, and reveals himself to be a fine songwriter with an ear for the classics."

Bram has also recorded or performed with WILLIE NELSON, JOSS STONE, JOHN POPPER, G.LOVE AND SPECIAL SAUCE, JAMES MORRISON, ZAC BROWN, RAUL MIDON, CHRISTINA PERRI, LISA HANNIGAN and COLBIE CALLAIT. He has toured the world several times, performed at countless festivals and made numerous national and international television appearances on shows like Saturday Night Live, The Today Show, Conan O'Brian, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Ellen, Jimmy Fallon, and more

Michael is a regular on the national blues and roots scene and has performed and recorded with blues and roots greats such as BOB MARGOLIN, MARK HUMMEL, STEVE GUYGER, WATERMELON SLIM, NICK MOSS, DEBBIE DAVIES, MARIA MULDAUR, JOHN SEBASTIAN, AUGIE MEYERS, BILL KIRCHEN, JOHNNY NEEL, and JOHNNY NICHOLAS.

JEREMY BYRD

Songwriting

From Major label releases to acclaimed Indie efforts, Nashville’s Jeremy Byrd, A.K.A “Mr. Byrd,” has been gripping the ears and pulling at the heartstrings of listeners for nearly 15 years. By crafting meaningful lyrics and soaring melodies, Byrd explores the matters of love, loss and longing.

Clare Byrne

Intermediate Old Time Fiddle, Song Arrangement, Songwriting

Claire is best known as the violinist/singer for Driftwood. She joined the band in 2008 and has been writing, recording and touring with them ever since. Claire picked up the violin 30 years ago and grew up playing in orchestras. In college she joined her first band and remembers well their first show. “It was a divey, dingy bar and it was pure magic. I knew then that performing was my calling.” Aside from playing in Driftwood, Claire and her husband Brian Vollmer perform in a bluegrass duo. Claire is also the founding member of The Silver Wings, a country band she has dreamed of starting for years. She considers music her life’s work and one her greatest passions (besides being a Mama to two beautiful boys).

HILARY DAVIS

Anusara Elements Yoga

Hilary believes that movement is an inherent form of inquiry; a way to ask the deepest questions about who we are. She was brought to yoga by her mother and grandmother when she was ten. These women and her teachers Amy Abelson, Rachel Bush and Denise Hatch inspire her to offer yoga as a liberation practice. With over a decade of teaching experience, her classes are routed in the Anusara tradition and aimed at enlivening our human experience.

Hilary offers - Yoga based in the Anusara system, a heart-centered, alignment-based practice that blends physicality with story, the body with spirit and attitude with action. This class will be medium-paced and mindfully designed to cultivate awareness. Use the body as a terrain to explore universal principles and better know yourself. Accompanied by live music with Richie Stearns.

THOMAS BRYAN EATON

Improvisation, Harmony Singing, Honky Tonk Band Lab, Pedal Steel Symposium

Thomas Bryan Eaton has been honing his skills as a musician since he first fell in love with sound at the ripe old age of 3. That fateful Christmas, he got an old gray walkman with a record button on it that set his imagination running into a wild world of sonic explorations that continue to this day. Thomas can often be seen coaxing sweet sounds out of a telecaster or pedal steel, working his melodious magic while singing his own songs or chiming in on harmony vocals when called for. Behind the scenes, there’s even more. An avid songwriter with a lifetime love of the recording process; there’s never a dull moment at Thomas’ home studio. Whether it’s demoing a new honky tonk tune, twisting knobs for an avant-garde synth noise experiment or mixing a freshly cut live band rock ’n’ roll track, there’s always something happening. Thomas is also an avid music educator, having taught private lessons for 15+ years and at various music camps around the country, notably as a staff member of Augusta Heritage Center’s “Classic Country Week” for 9 years now. While mostly on the road as a featured member of Miss Tess & the Talkbacks, Thomas can also be found fronting his own band, Hobson’s Choice; as well as lending his talents to J.P. Harris, Kristina Murray, Western Centuries & more.

fabi world music

Afro-Latino Rhythm Section, Vocal Improv in a Live Setting, Songwriting

Fabi is an International touring artist from Oaxaca Mexico.

Fabi is an original world music artist and a seasoned Grass Roots artist since 2014. Versed in Afro-latin rhythms and folklore styles from around the globe, his music is a powerful, fun groovy experience! Fabi incorporates well-rehearsed structures with adveturous improv flights, making every audience embark on a journey of discovery and joyful dance!

MOLLIE FARR

The Business of Getting Your Band Out There

Mollie Farr, singer and songwriter from Nashville, TN, grew up singing in jazz ensembles and in the theater. She graduated from the New College of Florida with a degree in Music and French language. After writing her thesis on the ethnomusicological tradition of the accordion in southwest Louisiana, Mollie began working with Ann Savoy to compile, transcribe, and translate her upcoming book on the subject. Now Mollie is working on her debut record in addition to running her own booking and management company, Lost Buffalo Artists. Mollie has taught singing/culture classes at Virginia Key culture camp as well as at Blackpot camp in Lafayette, LA and has shared the stage with artists such as Donna the Buffalo, Richie Stearns, and the Duhks.

KEVIN FINN

Country Rhythm, Covers, Country Music 101

Hailing from Colorado, this Nashville-based musician has been performing country music for the last fifteen years. Since 2022, he has been a member of Joshua Hedley and the Hedliners, bringing their unique talents to the forefront. In addition to his work with Hedley, he has worked with artists such as Casey James Prestwood, Zephaniah O’Hora, and a variety of other Nashville musicians. The Hedliners versatility and dedication to their craft has solidified their reputation as standout performers in the industry.

DAN FORSYTH

Song Arrangement, Songwriting

No stranger to writing original songs for the stage, Dan is a founder and one of the main singer/songwriters for the folk band, Driftwood. "One of my earliest musical memories was listening to Neil Young on my Mother's record player when I was 3 or 4. I loved him. When I was 16, my grandmother gave me her old guitar. At the time I was really digging stuff like Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan, The Band and was trying to figure out how to play those tunes. Within a year or two, I started writing my own songs." After playing In a rock band in and after high school, he moved to Colorado where a roommate introduced him to Bluegrass and Old-Time American Folk music. A year later he moved home and attended College at Suny Broome where he studied music. Forsyth has been one of the primary songwriters for Driftwood since its inception In 2005.

PRESTON FRANK

Creole Accordion, Zydeco Dance

The Frank family, from the small rural community of Soileau (pronounced “swallow”) in Allen Parish, is one of the great Creole musical families. According to Michael Tisserand, author of The Kingdom “I don’t play that new zydeco or Acadian music. I play Creole zydeco. It’s in between both of them. It’s got a good drive and a good swing to it.” — Preston Frank of Zydeco, Preston Frank, father of Keith Frank, can trace his musical lineage at least as far back as his great-grandfather Joseph Frank Jr., an accordion player, and his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Frank Sr., who played fiddle. Neither ever recorded. His great-uncle, Carlton Frank, was one of the last Creole fiddlers of that generation.

According to Preston Frank, “My dad’s grandfather was a fiddle player and he played with Dennis McGee. My grandfather played accordion but I never heard him play. He saw me when I bought my accordion. He played music, but some of it… he just let it all go. If you don’t practice, it leaves, you know? You gotta keep working at it. If you don’t work at it, it leaves.”

“My mom and dad never did speak Creole French, always English. I learned French after I had got more grown like 18, 19 because my grandmother on my mom’s side couldn’t speak English and my grandfather on my daddy’s side couldn’t speak English. To get your point across, you had to learn how to speak French and Creole in order for them to understand you and talk to you. So, that’s what made me more interested in trying to learn, because my grandmother would cook food for me in the evening-time when I got off of work and I had to tell her what I wanted for food. I learned it quick. It didn’t take me long to learn how to say some of the food stuff.”

“I bought some records to try and learn but what I was hearing was not the same thing I was doing on accordion. My dad helped me to learn to like the way I played the accordion, because he knew the music and I didn’t, “I bought some records because I had never even listened to it. He helped me and he would show me. I’d go to work in the daytime and in the evening time, I’d come back home to try and learn but what I was hearing was not the same thing I was doing on accordion.” — Preston Frank and I’d go meet him and he’d show me some songs, step by step. He showed me step by step and I learned from what he had showed me, and I’d go back home and practice, practice, practice. The only thing I was doing was, I was memorizing the song, what he had showed me. I’d just memorize it and, sometimes, I wouldn’t quite get what he had showed me the night before and then, go back the next night and get some more. That’s how I learned to get to where I could understand him, go listen to him and what he had showed me, step by step. I’d just memorize what he was showing and from there, I started doing this stuff on my own.”

THE PRESTON FRANK FAMILY BAND formed about 1977 as a way to bring the family together making music. Keith Frank actually got his musical start with the band when he was four years old playing drums. According to Preston Frank, “I wouldn’t say all zydeco music comes from families, but it’s better when the family is all together. I guess it’s about how you started. The Frank family has been doing it. That’s why I started my kids playing with me because we were all together. We were practicing and rehearsing right in the house. When the family is together, Keith plays guitar and Jennifer the bass and Brad drums. I got my grandson play scrub board with us now.”  1981 recording by Preston Frank and The Swallow Playboys

PRESTON FRANK RECORDED some in the early 1980s. The band was known as Preston Frank and the Swallow Playboys when it recorded the song “Why Do You Want to Make Me Cry?” in 1981, written by Preston and drummer Leo Thomas. Thomas made it his signature song. A vinyl album of seven songs by Preston Frank’s Swallow Band and six songs by Ambrose Sam’s Old

Time Zydeco Vol. 2 was recorded and released in 1985 on Chris Strachwitz’s Arhoolie Records, the same label that discovered Clifton Chenier. The Swallow Band cuts featured Preston Frank on accordion, Paul Washington on bass, Leo Thomas on drums, Carlton Frank on fiddle,

Rodney Thomas on lead guitar, Hampton Frank on rhythm guitar, and Preston Frank or Leo Thomas on vocals. The tunes on this recording included “Shake What You Got,” “Bals de Lake Charles,” “Mon Chere ‘Tite Monde,” “Tanta Na-Na,” “Ton Aller La Bas,” “Font Kilo,” and “Why Do You Want to Make Me Cry?”

SALLY FREUND

Scrubboard

Sally Freund has been dancing and festival teaching for 30 years. Her style is easy and her classes are about connecting and moving to the beat so you can be nothing but happy when your dancing. She keeps close traditional ties with Louisiana where the heart of Cajun and Zydeco pulses and brings that joy back north. Sally currently plays Scrubboard and Triangle with Rose and the Bros.

James Gascoyne

Guitar for Irish Tune Accompaniment

James Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Originally from Louisville, KY, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups, at times performing on bass, guitar, drums, and vocals, all the while maintaining an active local performing schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows.  James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo, Drank The Gold, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs, as well as original compositions and arrangements. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music, Dance Flurry Festival, and Winter Village Music Camp.

Oona Grady

Beginning Irish Fiddle

Oona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs, New York.  She performs with the duo Drank The Gold, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music, folk songs, and original compositions, as well as other projects including The Grady Girls, StepTune, and Folk Club Kids.  Oona grew up in Ithaca, NY, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music.  After receiving a solid foundation in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle, she began performing with her family band as a teenager, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008.  Oona manages an active programs, includiprivate music studio and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music.  She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer including GrassRoots Culture Camp, The Flurry Festival, and Winter Village Music Camp.

Rosie grady savetz

Line Dancing

An Ithaca local, Rosie has been dancing a variety of dance styles since childhood. In 2011 Rosie moved to Austin, TX where she spent 7 years immersing herself in dance. In addition to performing with Ballet Austin, Rosie could be found dancing all over town in a wide variety of styles: Texas 2-Step, Line Dance, Swing, Tango, Zydeco, and a variety of Latin dances.

Rosie is delighted to be here for her second year as a culture camp instructor, to share her love of dance with you all.

GARY GRAEFF

Cajun Jam

I spent forty years playing every kind of music in my home town and around Lafayette,LA.

I moved to the northeast in 2008 and have been playing dance music from Akron, OH to Martha's Vineyard, Ma to DC and everywhere in between with the likes of Zydegroove, Zydeco Trail Riders, Planet Zydeco, Lil Anne and Hot Cayenne, Preston Frank, Jesse Leger, Curley Taylor, Dennis Straughmat and various other music groups,

LEO GRASSl

Country Music 101, Country Lead Parts and Fills, Pedal Steel Symposium, Covers

Since his youth Leo Grassl has been immersed in traditional American music. His first love was old time Appalachian string band music. After bouncing around on various instruments he started playing old time fiddle in his late teens. Around age 21 he became fascinated with country music ranging from the 1950’s through the 1990’s and decided to learn pedal steel guitar. He has been living in Nashville and performing professionally since 2015. Bands and artists Leo has worked with include 90’s country recording star Doug Stone, Joshua Hedley and the Hed-liners, Luke Bell, The Western Centuries and many others.

Lee Hamilton

Tenor Saxophone in the Johnny Nicholas Band for Jump Blues Night Dance

Lee has been touring and playing Tenor sax professionally for over 30 years. Specializing in his horn section and composition work he has led and composed for many bands over the years. Going way back to The Tribulations in the early 90’s then on to a founding member of John Browns Body into the 2000’s. From Jsan & The Analogue Sons to Double Tiger and countless projects in between. Amongst others you can currently find him on stage with The Analogue Sons or hear his current album work under the name The Super 20. Nice Nice Vibes…

JOSHUA HEDLEY

Joshua Hedley and The Headliners Honky Tonk Dance, Country Music 101, Country Fiddle, Country Lead parts and fills, Country Songs Old and New, Songwriting, Covers

Joshua Hedley is “a singing professor of country & western,” he declares on his raucous and witty new album, Neon Blue. It might sound like a punchline, but it’s not. An ace fiddle player, a sharp guitarist, and a singer with a granite twang, he’s devoted his entire life to the study of this genre. Ask him about it and he’ll explain: “When all my friends went off to college, I went to Nashville. I was 19 years old playing honkytonks and getting an education.” His 2018 debut, Mr. Jukebox, showcased his deep knowledge of country’s history, in particular the beery ballads of the 1950s and ‘60s. His mentors were George Jones, Ray Price, and Glen Campbell, but his most remarkable accomplishment was putting his own spin on their style.

Neon Blue, on the other hand, examines a very different, often forsaken era: the early 1990s. “The last bastion of country music,” says the professor, “was the early 1990s, roughly 1989 and 1996. You could turn on the radio and immediately know you’re hearing a country song. You could still hear steel guitar and fiddle. But there was a hard fork around 1996 or ’97, when country veered off into pop territory.

Hedley has been a presence in Nashville for nearly twenty years, although you have to know where to find him. You have to brave the tourists on Broadway, bypass the three-story bars blasting Journey, and make your way to Robert’s Western World, a time-capsule honkytonk from a different era, an oasis in a town where twang is constantly being run down by pedal pubs. “It’s the last holdout. It’s exactly the same now as it was when I started playing there seventeen years

ago. It never doesn’t feel like home because it never doesn’t feel familiar.” He’s got tenure at Robert’s, playing hours long sets full of his own songs and country classics, and he hates to miss a show. In 2018, when he opened for Jack White at the Bridgestone Arena (the largest venue in town), the next night he was back at Robert’s playing to a boot-scooting audience. “I don’t plan on ever, ever leaving that place! They’re going to either have to fire me or I’m gonna have to die. I don’t see either of those things happening anytime soon.”

Hedley’s got a voice that could sing the phonebook and make it sound like a Sixties gem straight from Billy Sherrill’s lost 1960s archives...

— Rolling Stone

Hedley, an old-school country singer, songwriter and fiddler whose sound recalls Johnny Paycheck and Merle Haggard, has spent years paying his dues in Nashville. Now it’s time for the rest of the world to take notice.

— The Tennessean

BOBBY HENRIE

Electric Guitar with the Johnny Nicholas Band for Jump Blues Night Dance

Bobby ( from Middlesex NY ) is a musician of exceptional ability and range. A guitarist, singer and multi-instrumentalist, steeped in a wide variety of roots music. Flatpick guitar, old-time fiddle, bluegrass, cajun, irish, hillbilly, country, western, rockabilly, rock n’ roll, blues, jump, jazz and swing etc. At first playing rhythm guitar with oldtime stringband the Henrie Brothers ( formed 1974- ) , he later added flatpick tunes and songs, fiddle and banjo. As the music grew more eclectic, he learned mandolin, mandola, bass and drums to expand his creativity. The Henrie Brothers performed consistently for 16 years spreading the word of old-time music where they could: square dances, parties, weddings, festivals and entered in a few Fiddlers Convention Contests down south, remarkably winning First place in Oldtime Band at Galax, VA in 1976. In 1985 he formed Bobby Henrie & the Goners, rockabilly style trio exploring all kinds of vintage rock n’ roll, swing and everything in between. They have performed countless events, venues, concerts and festivals, notable is their long run at the Trumansburg Grassroots festival since ’92. And have recorded two CDs. Bobby has been involved in many projects in the finger lakes/upstate region. The Djangoners, (formed 2007) a four piece gypsy jazz band, is an in depth study of the music of Django Reinhardt and his constituents. They have 1 CD “Djangoners-Live and swingin”. Cornerstone, (joined 2000) contemporary Bluegrass style band from Ithaca, NY. Paris Texas, duo with Rick Manning, traditional fiddle music, bluegrass, western and gypsy swing. Lonesome Hillside Brothers, duo with Aaron Lipp, flatpick guitar, old-time fiddle/banjo duets and original music. CD: “ Lonesome Hillside “. Speer/Specker/Henrie, acoustic singer/songwriter vocal group recorded 2 CDs. Bobby has often performed solo, drawing on his vast repertoire from different genres and a good number of original songs and tunes. He has a solo CD: “ Doc Remembrances, Flatpick tunes and songs “, A tribute to flatpick guitar pioneer, Doc Watson after his passing. Bobby’s early interest and passion for jazz came from listening to his parents swing band faves and a friend’s record collection of old music. Louis Armstrong, King Oliver, Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Benny Goodman and especially string swing, Eddie Lang, Joe Venuti, Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grapelli and Charlie Christian. College opened his ears with jazz theory and harmony, developing a love of the “modernists”, Wes Montgomery, Charlie Parker, etc. Bobby has a deep respect for the masters and what it takes to play this music (well). Bobby Has a BFA in Jazz Guitar, { SUNY Geneseo, 1988 }

KYLE HUVAL

Cajun Accordion, Cajun Song, The Mardi Gras Tradition

Kyle Huval began playing Cajun accordion at the age of 11, with inspiration coming mostly from watching rural Mardi Gras in his hometown of Eunice. There were no family members with a musical past and no history of music in Kyle’s immediate family, with his father and mother not particularly involved in the culture. The only familial inspiration came from sittings with his grandmother, Pearl, and her assortment of old, Cajun tapes. From there, Kyle self-taught himself how to play an old Hohner accordion, he borrowed from an uncle. By 14, he was playing his first professional gigs at places like Fred’s Lounge in Mamou. By his early 20s, Kyle began playing the pedal steel guitar, guitar, and drums professionally, later recording two albums with Valcour records, where he plays a variety of instruments. Kyle is likely most well-known for his powerful and aggressive, dancehall style, one influenced by players like Austin Pitre and Andrew Cormier, as opposed to the more traditional and relaxed players. As well as playing a variety of instruments, Kyle is also known for his singing and songwriting, writing 90% of the songs on both of the aforementioned albums. He and his band, the Dixie Club Ramblers, provide a high energy, intense ride of original, Cajun songs and unmatchable energy. Since 2017, they have traveled the country playing from California to Massachusetts spreading Cajun culture to a broad audience and re-introducing the aggressive, dancehall sound to a national audience. Straight Allons!!

SARAH JAMISON

Old Time Jam

Sarah Jamison grew up steeped in the rich traditions of North Carolina old time music. She is a rock-solid yet dynamic guitar and bass player passionate about building community through old time music and dance. Her playing can be heard on Anna Roberts-Gevalt's New Young Fogies collection with Rosie Newton and on Brian Vollmer's album Old Time Music projects.

CAROL ELIZABETH JONES

Beginning Old Time Guitar, Famous Country Duo’s, Harmony Singing, Country Songs Old and New, The Singing Jones’, Honky Tonk/Country Band Lab

Carol Elizabeth has made her mark as a singer of traditional mountain music, a guitar player, and as a writer of new songs in the traditional style. She has many albums to her credit including those with Jones & Leva, The Wandering Ramblers, Laurel Bliss, and the New Reeltime Travelers. Rounder Records featured Carol Elizabeth on several anthologies including the bestselling O Sister – Women In Bluegrass collection. She was a member of the Hopeful Gospel Quartet with Garrison Keillor and Robin & Linda Williams on A Prairie Home Companion.

Carol Elizabeth toured Africa and Southeast Asia as cultural ambassador for the U.S. Information Agency and has performed and taught at festivals throughout North America. Originally from Berea, Kentucky, Carol Elizabeth now lives in Lexington, VA. Dave Higgs of Bluegrass Breakdown says

“…Carol Elizabeth has one of the most haunting and honest voices in acoustic music.”

KELLI JONES

Country songs Old and New, Songwriting, The singing Jones’s, Honky Tonk/Country Band Lab

Kelli Jones moves so effortlessly between genres, traditions, and musical concepts that it’s clear she was born with an insatiable artistic curiosity. As a teenager, she emerged from a deeply musical Appalachian family to become an amazingly apt singer, guitarist, and dancer in old-time music. Moving to Southwest Louisiana, she quickly learned Cajun French and began writing preternaturally gifted original songs in dual languages with progressive Cajun bands like GRAMMY-nominated Feufollet, T’Monde, The Daiquiri Queens, and as a duo with Joel Savoy. Both of these jumping off points, what she casually refers to as “obsessions,” have fueled the music on her debut solo record, Queen of the In Between, recently released on June 18, 2021, but she also seamlessly references so much more, everything from classic country to psychedelic rock to contemporary indie roots singer-songwriters. Jones is a fearless bandleader, weaving together an opus that sounds remarkably cohesive. She’s roaming the halls of 20th century Americana synthesizing a century’s worth of music with ease. It’s not simply a meld of seemingly disparate influences; every one of her projects dazzle in their ability to speak to the universality of human emotion.

KIDBESS

Songwriting

KidBess is a musician and visual artist based in upstate New York.

Recognized for passionate performance, warm-textured vocals and open hearted lyrics, KidBess (Bess Greenberg) debuted as a solo performer in the summer of 2017, performing on upright bass and electric guitar. She released a self-produced debut studio album in November of 2022, entitled PEARLS, featuring 21 original tracks. She is the songwriter of KidBess & The Magic Ring -- a five-piece, lyrically based, psychedelic space rock band, featuring two guitars, cello, electric bass and drums. They are due to release their debut studio single & EP, entitled ELECTRIC SOUL, in 2024.

TRAVIS KNAPP

Singing for Adults: Voice, Breath & Song

Annie Sumi and Travis Knapp are folk singer-songwriters who live in the Ithaca area. Between them they have seven studio albums, which dig deep into our connection with the natural world and to one another. They both enjoy singing in a multitude of styles, from jazz to musical theater, pop, and folk.

Annie hails from Ontario, Canada, and creates an ethereal spaciousness with her heartfelt music. Travis studied at Ithaca College, plays piano, banjo, and guitar, and loves getting folks singing together in harmony.

JOE KOLLAR

Song Arrangement, Songwriting

Joe Kollar of Binghamton, New York is a founding member of the indie-folk band Driftwood. A prolific band both on the road and in the studio, their latest album, Tree of Shade, was produced by Simone Felice (The Lumineers, Jade Bird) and engineered by Pete Hanlon (The Lumineers, O.A.R.). As a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer, Kollar completed his much anticipated solo record Side Street which was released in September of 2020, and plans to release another LP in the Fall of 2024 under the self-proclaimed genre of “space folk”.

CODY “fleur” LAFLEUR

Cajun drumming, Cajun Song, Triangle, Mardi Gras Tradition

Growing up in Reddell, Louisiana just north of Mamou, Cody’s parents introduced him to drumsticks made up of tree limbs at the early age of two. Cajun music was constantly played on the radio around the LaFleur home & he would beat on a bucket using his sticks right along with it. Coming from a family of house jammers, he often kept the beat & sang alongside his dad who played accordion. At the age of eight he played his first gig on drums. Around 2006 Cody became the drummer with The Dixie Club Ramblers winning numerous awards over the years & is still keeping the beat today.

TREVOR MACDONALD

Casual Looping

Looping is using a pedal that can record any instrument or voice to create a sonic experience. By using the layering effect, we can explore how things fit together. This tool allows songwriters to work on ideas without a band or simply just practice your musicianship.

This will be a fun and productive class for any level of musician.

Description:

Explore the creative benefits of casual looping with Musician Trevor MacDonald.

No pedals required !

nate michaels

Country Songs Old and New, Songwriting

Upstate NY born and raised, Nate Michaels has always been a person that strives to be creative. He has a deep passion for music. A full time musician since 2017, he plays all over the Finger Lakes region. Country music is his main focus, but he has many different kinds of music in his repertoire ranging from Classic Rock to Oldies. He also has a unique way of getting a “full band” sound using live looping, despite being a solo act.

Influences include 90’s alternative rock such as the Gin Blossoms, Green Day, and Foo Fighters. Country music artists such as Kenny Chesney and Brad Paisley have also impacted the style, and content of his writing.

“I just want to write meaningful music that really catches the ears and hearts of whomever is listening” - Nate Michaels

https://natemichaels.bandcamp.com/track/whats-going-on

SIT FOR A SPELL: Nate Michaels | Lifestyle | fltimes.com

TARA NEVINS

Songwriting

Although a college graduate trained in classical music, when Tara Nevins became captivated by the more elemental sounds of traditional music and embraced a somewhat bohemian lifestyle to follow its calling, her parents approved and supported her decision. Tara fell in love with fiddle music and turned in that direction right after college. She started going to fiddle conventions in the south where she met and became part of a movement, a community of young folks from East and West who traveled far and wide to emerge themselves in Old Time String band music. She left classic violin far behind and dove head first in to the Old Time music world, playing her fiddle and winning contests at fiddle conventions such as the Mt. Airy Fiddle Convention and Galax Fiddle Convention, in North Carolina and Virginia.

Before Donna the Buffalo, Nevins co-founded The Heartbeats, an all-female old-time band. Playing hard driving fiddle tunes and semi pop songs and arrangements, The Heartbeats stood front and center in the beginning of the all girl bands so prevalent today. Together for ten years, they still get together occasionally. Now Nevins, co founder and twenty-five year veteran of Donna the Buffalo, touring the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, sharing stages with too many artists to name but for example Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, JohnPaul Jones, Levon Helm, Larry Campbell, Keller Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Anders Osborne, Bill Kreutzman, Nikki Bluhm, the Wood Brothers, just to name a few, travels and lives on the road touring town to town city to city playing original songs and music penned over the years with fellow band originator Jeb Puryear. Tara has also recored two solo albums, “Mule To Ride”, and “Wood and Stone”. Tara produced Mule To Ride and Larry Campbell produced Wood and Stone both for Sugar Hill records. A multi-instrumentalist, she moves between fiddle, accordion, guitar and scrub board in Donna The Buffalo. Tara continues today playing Old Time fiddle, traveling to fiddle conventions, and writing songs for and touring with Donna The Buffalo.

Rosie Newton

Advanced Fiddle

Rosie Newton is a passionate fiddle player, singer, and accordion player. She is influenced by the many roots traditions in America, and creates a new spin on those sounds through her various musical projects. Newton tours internationally with her musical partner Richie Stearns, in their duo, Richie and Rosie, as well as with her Zydeco band, Rose and the Bros. Newton has also toured with The Duhks, Preston Frank, Kristin Andreassen, Red Dog Run, Home Remedy, the Evil City Stringband, and The Pearly Snaps. She has recorded four CD's with her duo projects: The Pearly Snaps, self titled, in 2010, Tractor Beam, 2013 and Nowhere in Time, 2017 with Richie and Rosie, and Home Remedy self titled, with Lydia Garrison in 2018. Newton also put out a CD with Red Dog Run in 2015 and Rose and the Bros self titled CD in 2019. Her fiddling and singing can be found on the Duhks record, Beyond the Blue, the Western Centuries recording Weight of the World, Chas Justus' solo album Straight Ahead, and the Okee Dokee Brothers' various grammy nominated children's records, among many others. Newton has been called upon to produce string arrangements and vocal harmonies in recording projects. She has taught fiddle at workshops around the world, at Sunshine Coast School of Celtic music, the Taylor Music Festival and the Black Pot Camp. She has appeared at major US music festivals; Rhythm & Roots, Rocky Grass, Newport Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, MerleFest, and DelFest, sharing a stage with Natalie Merchant, Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers), Jefferson Hamer (Anaïs Mitchell/Child Ballads), Pete Seeger, and the Mammals.

JOHNNY NICHOLAS

The Jump Blues Dance, Blues, Boogie Woogie, Honky Tonk Piano, Country Songs Old and New, Traditional Blues: Chicago to the Delta, Songwriting, Cooking Dinner for Honky Tonk Night

Johnny has spent a lifetime soaking up the flavor of such vibrant music scenes as Chicago, Southwest Louisiana, and Texas (which he’s called home now for 45 years). While he is primarily thought of as a blues legend and gifted storyteller, his music is full-spectrum Americana — a rich gumbo of blues, Southwest Louisiana soul and Texas swing and honky tonk. His 2018 release “Too Many Bad Habits” reissue project and double vinyl package received a 2019 Grammy Nomination.

Time is a river and you can never step in the same river twice. It’s all gonna change, but what came before shapes what comes after. There are certain people who seem to be in both places at once. Johnny Nicholas has played music and rambled with some of the most original and artistically powerful individuals of the American 20th century. just to name a few….. Big Walter Horton, Mississippi Fred Macdowell, Koko Taylor, Jimmie Vaughan, Nathan Abshire, Houston Stackhouse, Carol Fran, Lightnin Slim, Roosevelt Sykes, Arthur ‘big boy’ Crudup, BB King, Bonnie Rait, S.P. Leary, Marcia Ball, Lazy Lester, Snooky Pryor, Robert jr. Lockwood and Johnny Shines. music, myths, trains and rivers. they’re all a journey. in the individual sense and in the greater continuum.

Johnny’s live performances and the music on his nine solo albums attest to this journey along these age old paths. there’s no way that they couldn’t be with the life that he’s led and the people he’s known.

As I said, there are people who seem to be able to stand in two places at once. Where they are now and where it all began. Destroy the illusion of time and live in the truths that spoke to you as a child. the sounds of the summer night, the train whistle and the open tuned guitar. surely you are there at least as much as you are here.

Johnny will take you there every time he takes the stage.

ELIJAH OCEAN

Bass with Josh Hedley and the Hedliners Honky Tonk Dance, Country rhythm(relationship between bass and drums and the basics of different rhythm patterns), Country Songs Old and New, Songwriting, The Nashville Number System, Covers

Americanafest, and SXSW. He was praised as an artist to watch in Rolling Stone, Saving Country Music, LA WElijah is an artist, storyteller, multi-instrumentalist, producer, folk-singing honky-tonk man with six full-length solo albums, countless singles and EPs, multiple side projects and collaborations, and a hefty history of touring behind other artists such as Joshua Hedley and Zephaniah Ohora. He’s opened for acts like Charley Crockett and Dale Watson and put in well over ten thousand hours on stages from coast to coast. Born in a cabin in the woods of New York State’s Hudson Valley and raised in a farmhouse in Midcoast Maine, Ocean began writing songs in his parent’s barn at a young age. Pursuing that passion, he went on to study music in college and then to play in several regional rock bands before moving to Brookyln in ‘09. It was there he honed his voice and vision, establishing himself as a unique and authentic musical talent with the release of his folk-rock debut Tumble & Fall in 2012. A steady regimen of national touring followed, with Ocean recording two sessions for Daytrotter and playing to packed houses from Mercury Lounge in NYC to the Troubadour in LA.Ocean eventually landed in the City of Angels and remained anchored there for six years, releasing four more albums while staying busy on the road. He began working as a bass player in dance halls, honky tonks, and casinos, playing country standards and learning the nuances of traditional dance rhythms. These influences seeped their way into his style, with the music sounding both contemporary and nostalgic. He played festivals like Stagecoach, Americanafest, and SXSW. He was praised as an artist to watch in Rolling Stone, Saving Country Music, LA Weekly, Uproxx, Wide Open Country, and beyond.In 2021, Ocean moved to Nashville where he quickly found his place and has remained busy writing, performing, and producing records out of his home studio, Back Cabin Sound. Self-reflection has been a consistent theme in his writing, but with age comes lived experiences, and his commentaries on timeless themes of devotion, divorce, and drinking have become more tangible and heartfelt. His gift lies in faithfully constructing melodies and lyrics that are rooted in the traditions of the genre, but are undeniably modern and fresh at the same time. Ocean’s aim is to take the baton from the forbearers of the straightforward American storyteller model and extend its reach to old and new fans alike. Stay tuned, there’s way more to come.

The Daily Country said he was a “songwriter’s songwriter”

Rolling Stone dubbed him a “journeyman.”

Angelo peters Paradiso

Electric Bass

Angelo Peters Paradiso is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist of many mediums.

He has founded and led many groups including Big Mean Sound Machine and New Planets, and Has been seen with Donna the Buffalo, Rose and the Bros, Dom Martyr and many more. In 2018 he opened Black Bear Recording, a recording studio he designed and built in Ithaca, NY.

Angelo received an Anthropology/Musicology degree in 2010 from Ithaca College, giving him a unique perspective on recording and being a touring musician.

RACHEL AND JUSTINA PARSONS

JUST HENNA

Henna artists Rachel and Justina Parsons of JUST Henna would like to offer you an opportunity to make your own henna tattoo paste. Learn more about this ancient artform, make your own paste, and learn tips and tricks for applying and making your own beautiful body art.

Making the paste is a 24 hour process, make sure you can join us on two of the days!

LORA PENDLETON

Old Time Jam

Lora has been playing and singing old time music since 1998 and gets around on banjo, bass and guitar. Lora has performed in several old time bands over the years including and most recently the River City Rippers based out of Binghamton, NY. Lora is also a singer-songwriter and relocated to Trumansburg, NY from Asheville,NC in 2011. Her songs have a definitive folk rock flavor and are mixed w a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll. Lora’s solo album Waiting For Light released in 2019

JEB PURYEAR

Guitar, The Art of Reading Your Musical Partner, Songwriting, Country Songs Old and New, Main street, Side paths, and Detours: the Journey of a Song

Jeb grew up in Brooktondale, NY surrounded by music of all kinds. Most prominent was Old-Time Stringband music. Influenced by The Correction Stringband and The Highwoods Stringband, Jeb learned to play the fiddle at a very young age. His brothers learned to play banjo, guitar and mandolin and together they formed The Bubba George Stringband. Traveling to fiddle festivals in the south Jeb met Tara Nevins and Jim Miller, fellow Old -Time Stringband musicians. As time and years would have it the relationship between them all led to an evolution in to new territory- electric music and songwriting. Jeb took up the electric guitar, teaching himself and developing his unique style in which he plays and grooves, picks and jams with his fingers, without the use of a pick. He and Tara started writing songs and it was then that Donna The Buffalo was born. Here now 25 years later Donna The Buffalo has become a major force in the world of Americana Music. Touring the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, Donna The Buffalo has shared stages with an endless list of artists such as Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, The Wood Brothers, The Duhks, The Avett Brothers, Emmy Lou Harris, Merle Haggard, Rickie Lee Jones, Los Lobos, John Paul Jones, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emanuel, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Anders Osborne to name only a few.

HANK ROBERTS

Intermediate/Advanced Cello, Improvisation, The Art of Reading Your Musical Partner

Over his five-decade career, Hank Roberts has forged a compelling original voice as a cellist, vocalist and composer, encompassing Jazz influences, abstract improvisation, soulful folk melodies, intricate New-Music compositions and vigorous rock songs. He is considered a major innovator as a cellist.

ALEJANDRO RUIZ

Introduction to Cuban Music, Afro-Latino Rhythm Section

I grew up in a small village in Las Tunas, Cuba and have been in the United States for just two months. My main instrument is the Tres Cubano. I have played in different bands, the tres and bongos, since I was 19 yrs. old. I understand the roles of the instruments played in traditional Cuban son, salsa, and bolero. I love playing and would like to teach people about the different rhythms of Cuban music.

MITCH SCHEXsNYDER

Intermediate/Advanced Cajun Fiddle, Cajun Fiddle Seconding, Cajun Song, The Mardi Gras Tradition

I began playing fiddle at the age of 17. Inspiration and my desire to learn Cajun music came from finding out that not only my grandfather, Raywood Schexnyder of Kaplan, but my great great grandfather, Fernest Schexnyder of Cow Island, both played fiddle. I was intrigued at continuing on our strong French speaking and music playing heritage.

As a lifelong resident of Vermilion Parish, Louisiana, also deemed “The Most Cajun Place on Earth,” It is my duty to preserve my fading culture. Without the constant push and motivation from my parents, Kenneth and Darlene, my ever evolving life in Cajun music would not be possible. With both of my parents being the last of a fluent generation in the Cajun French language, they have instilled in me not only what it means to be Cajun, but have also encouraged me to keep the language alive through daily conversation.

As far as music goes, I am self-taught and have incorporated my own style that has been completely learned by ear. With idols such as Robert Bertrand, Red Touchet, and Lionel Leleux, I have a huge appreciation for the Cajun dancehall sounds of the 60's, 70's and 80's. I have taken what I have heard on record and then incorporated that into my own unique style of playing. My fiddle is not by the book, nor polished. It is a heartfelt and emotional replication of the greats that have played before me.

I originally started out first with the Fa-Tras Cajun Show Band of Abbeville. As I learned and progressed, I have played hundreds of gigs over the past decade and a half for many bands such as Blake Miller and the Vermilion Playboys, Jr. Hebert and the Maurice Playboys, Robert Jardell and Pure Cajun, Kyle Huval and the Dixie Club Ramblers, Ryan Simon and Acadien Cajun Band, Ervin Frey and Cajun Prairie, and Cajun Strong just to name a few.

I always seemed to be Blessed with many opportunities to play for festivals and people out of state, share my culture, and pass on what has been given to me by blood. If we don’t continue to use the traditional Cajun French language and play our traditional Cajun French music, it will surely die out fast.

KEITH SECOLA

Native Americana, Songwriting

Keith Secola is an icon and ambassador of Native music. He is one of the most influential artists in the field today. Rising from the grassroots of North America, he is a songwriter of the people. Critics have dubbed him as the Native versions of both Neil Young and Bruce Springsteen. NDN Kars (Indian cars), his most popular song is considered the contemporary Native American anthem, achieving legendary status and earning him a well deserved cult following. It has been the number one requested song on tribal radio since the 1992. In 2011, he joined the ranks of Jimmy Hendrix, Hank Williams, Crystal Gale, and Richie Valens, and was inducted into the Native Music Hall of Fame.

Born in 1957 in Cook, Minnesota, Secola is affiliated with the Anishinabe tribe. He graduated from Mesabi Community College with a degree in Public Service in 1979, and completed a BA in American Indian Studies at the University of Minnesota in 1982. He is married and has two children Secola is an accomplished artist, garnering awards and accolades as a musician, a singer, a songwriter, a composer and a producer. He is highly skilled with the guitar, flute, mandolin, banjo, harmonica, and piano, and has played in venues from the halls of the Chicago Urban Indian Centre, to the walls of the bottom of the Grand Canyon. He has also performed at the Olympic Games in Atlanta 1996 and Salt Lake City 2002, and toured Europe several times. Released a four albums with European record company in the 90, songs charted throughout Europe.  Did concert dates with Towns Van Zant  and Nirvana. Among his numerous appearances he has graced the stages of the Rockslide Festival in Denmark, the Grand Opening Gala of the Smithsonian Museum of the American Indian, The Kennedy Center and the SXSW in Austin, TX, and is a staple at the Grassroots Festival in Upstate New York, North Carolina and Florida.

A seven-time Native American Music Award winner, Secola has earned NAMMYs not only for his music, but also his abilities as a producer, to include The Best Linguistic Recording for producing ANISHINABEMOIN (2007). A well respected musician, he has worked with music legends such as Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead. Secola has also teamed with academics like author Dr. Tom Venum of the Smithsonian Folklife Institute, collaborating on the CD, AMERICAN WARRIORS: SONGS FOR INDIAN VETERANS, and with elders such as Karen Drift, a speaker of Anishenabemoin.

shape note singing

Emily Thompson, Lloyd Graves

Join Lloyd Graves and Emily Thompson for an old-fashioned yet new-fangled shape note sing. This acapella, polyphonic choral tradition arose hundreds of years ago as an American hymnsigning tradition, distinguished by its unique solfege notation, and was used to quickly teach young people how to sing in harmony. Lloyd, Emily, and friends lead these old songs in a secular, relaxed, humorous, community-building-rather-than-performance-preperation environment, preserving many of the old "singing school" traditions and breaking plenty of rules. Loud, raucous, and good for your brain.

CHRIS STAFFORD

Cajun Fiddle Seconding, Cajun Song, The Mardi Gras Tradition, Songwriting, Beginning Electric Guitar Improvisation, Pedal Steel Symposium

Chris is a musician and producer/recording engineer based in Lafayette, LA. He is a four time grammy nominee, playing on albums with Feufollet, Cedric Watson et Bijou Creole, and Racines. As a session musician he has contributed to recording sessions with Dr. John and to the score of the to the film Baraboo by long time David Lynch collaborator, Mary Sweeney. Stafford has engineered and many albums by a variety local artists and operates a recording studio in Lafayette, La. He is a founding member of the progressive Cajun band Feufollet with whom he has toured around the United States, France, Canada, Mexico, and England.

RICHIE STEARNS

Beginner Clawhammer Banjo, Yoga with Hilary Davis

He’s been described as one of the major innovators of 5-string banjo playing, a wonderfully idiosyncratic musician. Fellow musician Tony Trischka calls him“a transcendentally clawhammering force of nature” and Bela Fleck says simply, "Richie is a wonderful musician. I love his mantra-groove spooky-banjo style." For Natalie Merchant, it’s his ability to blend traditional technique and repertoire with contemporary and original material that sets him apart: says Natalie, “I have been amazed by Richie Stearns’ musicianship…the banjo in his hands can bd plaintive sounds I have ever heard.”

A founding member of the neo traditional alternative rock band THE HORSE FLIES, he’s toured extensively over the last three decades, recording eight albums with The Horse Flies, including releases on MCA and Rounder Records. (The Horse Flies have been featured on MTV, Prairie Home Companion, All Things Considered, World Café and Mountain Stage, and have been written about in Rolling Stone, the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, and other major publications.)

The list of musicians Richie’s recorded, toured, and performed with is long and diverse: among them, jazz guitarist BILL FRISELL, Malian bluesman VIEUX FARKA TOURE, North Indian Gypsy band MUSAFIR, Tibetan singer YUNGCHEN LLAMO, pop legend LINDA RONSTADT, country and bluegrass musicians (including PETER ROWAN, VASSAR CLEMENTS, TONY TRISCHKA, and JIM LAUDERDALE), Cajun groups (Michael Doucet & BEAUSOLEIL, REDSTICK RAMBLERS), Celtic bands (DE DANNAN, John Doyle of SOLAS) and Australia’s KASEY CHAMBERS as well as SAMITE of Uganda and South African Afro-pop star JOHNNY CLEGG.

Three major long-term musical collaborations involve NATALIE MERCHANT (three recordings and multiple tours), BELA FLECK (workshop presentations and performances on concert stages throughout the US) and folk hero PETE SEEGER, who recently invited Richie to score original music for an album that will feature Pete telling his life story over a music background. (Over the past two decades, Richie’s performed with or for Pete on numerous occasions.) Past performances and recordings also include work with a wide variety of other musicians, including DAVID BYRNE, BILLY BRAGG & WILCO, OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW, JOAN BAEZ, and the Tuvan throat-singers, the ALASH ENSEMBLE.

In addition to his ongoing tenure with THE HORSE FLIES, Richie’s best known for his current work with his own EVIL CITY STRING BAND (repertoire based in the world of old time and country music, with some originals) and the improvisational trio TI TI CHICKAPEA, which includes critically acclaimed cellist HANK ROBERTS and respected violinist ERIC ACETO. (Their music, while rooted in tradition, involves a wide range of improvisation and musical experimentation.) He’s a founding member of the roots rock outfit, DONNA THE BUFFALO.

Annie Sumi

singing for Adults: Voice, Breath, and Song

Annie and Travis Knapp are folk singer-songwriters who live in the Ithaca area. Between them they have seven studio albums, which dig deep into our connection with the natural world and to one another. They both enjoy singing in a multitude of styles, from jazz to musical theater, pop, and folk.

Annie hails from Ontario Canada, and creates an ethereal spaciousness with her heartfelt music. Travis studied at Ithaca College, plays piano, banjo, and guitar, and loves getting folks singing together in harmony.

rodney sutton

Clogging, Passionate about Possums, Cajun Two-Step

For over 50 years, Rodney Sutton has arguably taught more folks the basics of clogging and flatfooting than any other dancer! He was a member of the two-time World Champion Green Grass Cloggers from 1972-1979 and again from 1990 until the present. Rodney was the director of the GGC’s from 1977-79, during the period when they became a professional touring dance company. In 1979, he co-founded the Fiddle Puppets (now known as Footworks) and served as their road manger and a principal dancer for 11 years. During his time with the GGC’s and FP’s, Rodney danced and taught workshops at nearly every major folk festival in the US and Canada and he also toured internationally!

Rodney has taught clogging and flatfooting classes at many of the United States’ summer camps, such as the Grassroots Cultural Camp, Swannanoa Gathering, Pinewoods, Augusta Heritage Workshops, Fiddle Head, and Ashokan Southern Week!

In January 2022, it was announced that Rodney Clay Sutton was selected as a member of the Blue Ridge Music Hall of Fame’s class of 2022!

Rodney continues to teach locally, online, and nationally at workshops and festivals! He currently is an adjunct professor in the East Tennessee State University Bluegrass, Old-time and Country Music Studies program.

Rodney prides himself on being able to teach anyone who can walk how to do clogging and flatfoot dance steps that will turn them into percussive dancers and allow them to be a foot drummer to any kind of music!

He can be reached on the web at https://rodneyclaysutton.com

MISS TESS

Beginning Bass, Honky Tonk / Country Band Lab, Harmony singing

When most people think of defiant music, they think of punk rock or outlaw country. But defying genres while transcending eras and resisting clichés is hard to pin down when it comes to artistry—unless you’re talking about Miss Tess. Swinging for the fences and from the branches of jazz, country, blues and old school rock and roll, she has employed all of her influences and talents on a tour-de-force, while cleverly taking standard perspectives and ideas, like the definition of a love song, to task. After over a decade on the road, now making her home in Nashville — by way of Baltimore, Boston, and Brooklyn — Miss Tess has found a creative community that encourages and embraces wide artistic exploration and expression as much as she does.

“Miss Tess swings and swaggers, rooted in a retro groove that’s equal parts blues, mid-century rock & roll and Booker T-worthy R&B.” – Rolling Stone

“Old-time warmth, 21st-century sass. It’s a potent recipe for that few artists successfully pull off — and Miss Tess is one of them.”–No Depression“A distinct old-timey flair.”–Billboard

PETE THOMPSON

Old Time Jam

Pete Thompson is a passionate fiddle player living in Ithaca, New York. Growing up in the Southern Tier, he attended Trumansburg GrassRoots as a young kid, running around the festival grounds and soaking up the sound and vibes. Fast forward 20 years, and he’s found his way into playing old time music in this area and all over the southeast at fiddlers conventions. He enjoys playing in string bands and has worked with friends to play, organize, and host community square dances for the last couple years. Picking up the fiddle as an adult, he's learned a lot from community old time jams and understands their importance. He's eager to team up with some friends and share tunes and lead sessions this year at Culture Camp!

Taryn Thompson

Hatha Vinyasa Yoga

Taryn was first introduced to yoga when she was 14 and soon began taking vinyasa classes at her local gym. She was drawn to the grace, fluidity, and integrity that yoga demands, and quickly became inspired to commit herself to the study of yoga. Taryn has developed a strong understanding of anatomy and movement over 13 years of dedicated practice in the Iyengar, Ashtanga, Bikram, and Anusara schools. When guiding students through asana and pranayama, her style is inspired by her teachers and by the exquisite nature of the human body. Taryn’s classes are characterized by thoughtful alignment instructions that promote safety while building strength and body awareness. She offers adjustments and modifications for people of all levels, and aspires to create a safe space for self-exploration and encourages students toward self-inquiry, self-respect, and mindfulness.

gail VANDERHAYDEN

Art in an Hour

I’ve been a fiber artist most of my life , learning to embroider my clothes in junior high. I moved on to quilting, up cycling clothing, and  tie dying. I’ve done stained glass, felting and other crafts as well.

Art in an Hour is designed for participants to create a painting in 1-3 hours.  There will be canvases or wooden forms available for painting, paint and brushes, with items appropriate for younger kids, with their adult‘s supervision.

Come with ideas, pictures on your phone or your own print outs. There will be reference material available for ideas.

DAVID VIA

Mandolin, Songwriting, Country Songs Old and New, Famous Country Duo’s

Via (sounds like sky) has been given the distinction of VIRGINIA FOLK MASTER by the Virginia Folk Life asso. And the Dept.of humanities. Where he also mentored his son Mason Via who went on to become a finalist on American idol and now plays with Old Crow Medicine Show. David is also the winner of the 2009 International/American Folk Alliance Songwriters Contest, held at Mountain Stage, and has picked up MerleFest's-"Chris Austin Songwriter" prize three times.

Also chosen by BMI, ASCAP, Sony Records, TNN, & the Nashville Entertainment Association as one of the TOP 20 UNSIGNED ACTs IN AMERICA.

Via's songs are real: they tell the true stories of love gone wrong, living off the land, of hard times and good times.

David's latest album, "All Night Long" is a solo project featuring the top acoustic and Grammy award winning artists and musicians of the day including; Dan Tyminksi, Wyatt Rice, Tim O' Brien, Jim Van Cleve, Ronnie Bowman, Curtis Burch , Randy Kohrs, Dennis Crouch, Rob McCoury, Sammy Shelor, Alan Bibey and many others!

David's songs have also been recorded by other artist including Ronnie Bowman, who has had a top 10 Bluegrass hit with "Left This Country Boy" and a #1 Americana with the song "One Life". The Biscuit Burners also recorded a version of "Left this Country Boy" known as "Left This Country Girl" and "Lord Leave The Light On" recorded by Dede Wyland. Corn liquor was also recorded by Larry Keel, and Bill Cardine's latest CD has Via singing, one of his own songs Too many years, Via also sang on The Jumpy Jerky sessions opening track, "The Flee".

"He is also one of the best songwriters in the business." -Bluegrass Unlimited

"David Via is one of the best home grown songwriters in modern bluegrass." -Tim O'Brien

"Enjoy the music, reflect on the lyrics, and remember the name." -Bluegrass Unlimited

MASON VIA

Flatpicking/Bluegrass Guitar,Country Songs Old and New, Songwriting

When you think about the current popularity rising around bluegrass and its culture, for years the conversation has at length been dominated by the steel-driving break out stories of Chris Stapleton, then Billy Strings. But who is the next pioneer to represent an untapped demographic well? Many Nashville legends would suggest; Grammy-nominated artist, Mason Via.

Since Via’s original album release with Mountain Fever Records, New Horizons, he has taken the bluegrass and americana scenes by storm. He was listed by NPR as one of the top 10 bluegrass artists thriving in modern Nashville. In the past three years, he has been touring as the youngest member of Old Crow Medicine Show, guitar-picking, singing, and songwriting on their newest Grammy-nominated album, Jubilee. His songwriting can also be seen on Molly Tuttle’s recent Grammy-winning album, Golden Highway, with “Down Home Dispensary,” and on Del McCoury’s grammy nominated album, Almost Proud, with “Brown Paper Bag.”

Via has toured and performed in 47 of the 50 U.S. states, along with sections of Canada, Ireland, The United Kingdom, and The Netherlands. Some highlights include: Red Rocks, The Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, the O2 Arena in London for C2C Fest, and the Eagles Stadium opening for Luke Combs. During these travels he has shared stage time with the likes of Willie Nelson, Dierks Bentley, Sierra Ferrell, Steve Earle, Turnpike Troubadours, Keb' Mo', Margo Price, Amos Lee, Drew Holcomb, Cam, Brittany Spencer, Allison Russell, Shovels & Rope, Jerry Douglas, Gov’t Mule, Mike Gordon of PHISH, and many more.

Now Mason Via is blazing a new trail, with a brand new solo record inand tow, heading out with his own music his own band to a town near you!

BRIAN VOLLMER

Beginning Clawhammer Banjo, Fingerpicking/Bluegrass Banjo

Dive into the heart of Appalachian music with Brian Vollmer, a lifelong musician deeply rooted in the traditional sounds of the region. With expertise in Bluegrass Scruggs-style banjo, Old-Time Clawhammer banjo, as well as Old-Time fiddle, Brian learned from, and to play with masters across Maryland, Washington D.C., Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee. Now based in Binghamton, NY, he is a vibrant force in the local music scene, teaching, performing, and leading jam sessions that embody the spirit of Appalachia. Brian is passionate about preserving traditional music and culture, ensuring the timeless melodies resonate for generations to come.

BRIAN WILLIAMS

Upright bass with Johnny NIcholas’ Jump Blues Dance

Brian Williams plays the upright bass in a style heavily influenced by early rock'n'roll & country music; his playing blends the rhythms of blues, bluegrass, dixieland and swing. Brian launched his musical career in 1972 playing guitar and banjo with the SwampRoot String Band but eventually switched his focus to upright bass and toured extensively for 10 years with the legendary John Mooney Blues Band sharing the bill with national acts; Muddy Waters, Albert King, John Lee Hooker, Paul Butterfield, Asleep at the Wheel. He quickly gained recognition as a player with deep respect for traditional styles as well as a unique slap-style bass technique.

Brian joined Bobby Henrie & the Goners playing Roots R’n’R, Rockabilly and Swing for more than 3 decades in honky tonks, dance halls and festivals coast-to-coast. Throughout the '90s, he was on faculty at Centrum's summer music camps in Port Townsend, WA. conducting workshops on rhythmic upright bass techniques.

In addition to the Goners, Brian currently performs with the Djangoners, a Gypsy jazz band playing in the tradition of Django Reinhardt's famous "Hot Club of France”, the Bossa Nova Bradley Brothers, Busted Valentines (beatnik spoken word jazz ensemble), Red, Fred & Weems (acoustic blues trio) and the Ruff Alley Rounders (old-time sringband). Coined the "Top cat on the bottom end" by music critic Frank DeBlase, Brian is often the 'first call' when a bassist with deep traditional roots is needed for touring, concerts or recording sessions.

KEVIN WIMMER

Fiddle Tunes A La Preston Frank, Improvisation, How to Practice Music Effectively

Kevin has been a mainstay on GrassRoots festival stages since Year 2, when he joined the gang for a Dance Tent set with Zydeco Norton, and has been well-known to fans of Cajun music, old-time, Western Swing, and hot jazz for much longer. Kevin first picked up the fiddle under the watchful eye of his mother, Shirley Givens, a world-renowned violin pedagogue who instilled in Kevin a love of musical exploration and an emphasis on the value of good tone and technique. Still, violin was always more of an obligation than a true love until he discovered folk music in high school and began digging into the fiddle music scene, eventually following the music all the way to the prairies and swamps of Southwest Louisiana, where he studied for years with his mentor, Dewey Balfa, as well as Canray Fontenot, Dennis McGee, Carlton Frank, Bois-Sec Ardoin, and really anyone who he could get to sit on a porch and play with him for a few hours. You may have caught Kevin playing live with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys, Balfa Toujours, the Red Stick Ramblers, Racines, and as a special guest with damn near every Cajun and zydeco band that plays at GrassRoots any given year he shows up. You might’ve even studied fiddle with him at GrassRoots Culture Camp before, or maybe you’ve taken a class with him at Ashokan Root Camp, the Swannanoa Gathering, Augusta Heritage Workshops, Black Pot Camp, Lark in the Morning Camp, Dewey Balfa Cajun and Creole Heritage Week, Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, in the Traditional Music Program at the University of Louisiana (Lafayette), or around some campfire somewhere. Kevin met his partner, Megan, at GrassRoots. She was born and raised in the GrassRoots scene (her dad ran our First Aid tent for years and was the progenitor of the “spray the hippies down with the fire truck” tradition) and her family is all still in the area, so really, we’re stuck with him whether we like it or not at this point. These days, Kev and Meg are hanging their hats in Moravia, NY, where Kevin teaches private lessons when he’s not on the road or hiding out in Louisiana “for work” (and definitely not because of all the in-laws everywhere).