The Workshop and Craft tents offer an opportunity to learn new skills, observe artists in action, and encounter other cultures. Even if you don’t play an instrument, you are welcome to listen and watch during musical workshops. Musical Workshops are open to listeners and players of all ages.
Saturday June 16 2018
Workshop Tent
12:45 – 1:30pm Oona Grady: “Putting the Pulse into Polkas: Bowing in Irish Dance Tunes”
Oona Grady began her teaching career as a teenager when she co-organized and taught an Irish music camp for her cousins and siblings one summer. While studying music at college in Ireland, she taught group classes for the Midleton and Douglas Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) branches, as well as private lessons. Currently teaching in Saratoga Springs, she runs a busy private lesson studio (long-distance lessons also available over Skype and Facetime), and is in demand both as a Suzuki teacher and an Irish music specialist.
1:45 – 2:30pm Joe Chicone: “Banjo Story Swap”
Joe Chicone has been researching the history of Old Time music in the Finger Lakes area and recently attended a symposium at the Smithsonian on the history of the banjo. Join Joe Chicone and friends for a swap of stories and songs. Joe and his banjo buddies will each share a special song and discuss personal and social histories of this instrument. Non-musicians welcome!
3:45 – 4:30pm Jessica Boss Collins and the Canandaigua Middle School Fiddle Ensemble
Directed by Jessica Boss Collins, the CMS Fiddle Club is an after school ensemble that meets on Wednesday afternoons. The club has built a large repertoire of fiddle tunes over the last several years. The group, consisting of about thirty-five middle school students (6th – 8th grade), performs concerts at the middle school, and has started to go out in the community.
Craft and Culture Tent
Presentations and Demonstrations ongoing throughout the day – stop to listen, talk, and learn from these local artisans and community groups
Seven Generations
Seven Generations is a Native American cultural education group based in Corning. Comprised of local residents of various Native American cultures, Seven Generations creates opportunities to learn about Native American traditions. Visit with them to learn about drumming traditions, beading, and to see and touch objects related to Native lifeways.
Tuskeegee Airmen Community Educators
Michael Joseph II will present history and artifacts relating to the Tuskeegee Airmen, a group of African American airmen – including local residents of the Southern Tier – who served during WWII despite segregation and discrimination. More information TBA.
Beartown Banjo
Beartown Banjo, Newfield, NY is a builder of block rim open back banjos. David Whiting be displaying a few finished banjos to look and (and play) as well various components of works in progress to illustrate how it’s all done!Each Beartown Banjo is the product of attention and respect to the wood, and to the music. You’ll find these instruments sleek and simple, with minimal inlay and ornamentation. This opens the window into seeing the beauty of the wood that holds the soul of the instrument. Remember… every banjo was once a living tree. beartownbanjo.com 607-275-1674
Wine History of the Finger Lakes with Marty and Mary Jean
Learn about the history of wine and vineyards in the Finger Lakes from Marty and Mary Jean Schlabach. Marty is a retired agriculture librarian from the Cornell University Mann Library, and Mary Jean has worked at the Cornell Research Station in Geneva. Both are active in local history groups throughout the Finger Lakes and are experts in local agricultural history.
Sunday June 17 2018
Workshop Tent
12:45 Kit Fallon: “Irish Fiddle Basics”
Fiddlers at all levels from beginning through advanced are welcome to participate. A blend of basic melodies (jigs, reels, airs and hornpipes), ornamentation and rhythm
helps create the signature style. Learn and practice skills that makes Irish fiddle unique. Written musicand ear-training will be explored, plus tips about how to participate in group Irish music sessions.Scott Smith will back us up with bouzouki!
1:45 Tim Ball and Ed McGowan: “Learning from the Sligo Masters”
Tim Ball will talk with Ed McGowan about the experiences of learning from the fiddle masters of Sligo. Join them to hear the tunes and learn the stories behind them.
