Minnesota Bluegrass and Old-Time Music Association

KICKOFF WORKSHOPS


MINNESOTA HOMEGROWN KICKOFF
Friday through Sunday, June 1-3, 2012
El Rancho Mañana, Richmond, MN

 

 

Workshops – Kickoff Committee member Ross Johnson has assembled another fine list of workshops in the Workshop Tent from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM on Saturday.

WORKSHOP TENT SATURDAY
11:00 Vocal Harmony & Style with Bill & Kate Isles
1:00 Autoharp with Karen Mueller
2:00 "Let's Try The Song Like This" with Ruby Magpie
3:00 "Take The Stage" with Karl Burke
4:00 "Let's Dance" with Take Three

GATHERING PLACE SATURDAY
5:00 Bluegrass Uke-O-Mania Jam.


KICKOFF WORKSHOP DETAILS

Vocal Harmony & Style with Bill & Kate Isles. The veteran duo has an affinity for natural, blended harmonies. Bill and Kate will talk and sing you through their harmonization style, have you try some harmonies, and offer up useful ideas you can take to your own song arrangements. Beginners to experienced singers are all welcome.

Autoharp with Karen Mueller. The autoharp is a staple of American Bluegrass and Roots music. Come learn from one of the best. Karen will teach some strum patterns and melody playing techniques and show you how to get more than just a chord from the instrument. She will focus on several songs to send you off with some songs to work on.

"Let's try The Song Like This" with Ruby Magpie. The talented crew of Ruby Magpie has a knack for cooking up a great song from different angles. They will take a song or two and show how different pacing, rhythm, and licks/riffs put a fresh take on a tried and true number. Bring your instrument to play along and try the techniques they put in the mix. Sort of a hybrid of a workshop and jam, be ready to play. You might be surprised what you can make that old guitar, fiddle, or mando do! All instruments welcome. All level players will enjoy this workshop.

"Take The Stage" with Karl Burke. Fear not ye aspiring players and singers! The stage can be a
comfortable, welcoming place, if you prepare and arrange your performance. This workshop will highlight the many things you can do to let your light shine in a performance setting, whether an informal church picnic or festival stage. From tips on gaining confidence & competence on stage, to building interesting set lists for your show, Karl Burke from the Eelpout Stringers, will show you how to take your performance to the next higher level. All level players and singers welcome.

"Let's Dance" with Take Three. You too can get folks dancing, and maybe teach a simple step or two! Take Three will discuss basic dance styles, their rhythm, and picking the right tunes for the dance style– an important part of making it all work! They will also show how to “set the rhythm” on your instrument for some traditional dance styles. And bring your feet! Hopefully you’ll learn a couple simple traditional dance styles! This will be a fun workshop for players and non-players alike. Come join in the fun! Beginning/intermediate fiddle, guitar, and mandolin players, and dancers of any age and experience welcome.

Bluegrass Uke-O-Mania. Well, it happened last year at the Kickoff, and now the ukulele is back! Tony Anthonisen, Dave and Gary Bartig, will lead this spontaneous band of ukulele Bluegrassers in some merry music making on the diminutive little uke. Easy to learn Bluegrassy songs will be quickly taught and played in true uke style. Small in stature ­ Big in heart! Bring your uke, or buy a little treasure ­ Uke’s for sale and loaners will be there too!


We need many volunteers to make this festival happen. Can you spare a couple hours to do your part? Please check out the Kickoff volunteer page for task descriptions and schedules. Volunteers receive a coupon for free merchandise and discounts at the MBOTMA shirt stand, as well as being entered in a Saturday night drawing for future event tickets and other valuable prizes.

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