2025 Workshops

Rarely Played Jam Tunes:
Get your jam on. This workshop will focus on rarely played tunes in multiple keys that will enhance your jam with some fresh Oldtime tunes.
Located in the Workshop Tent.

Richie and Rosie will talk about the relationship between the fiddle and banjo and how to create a full sound with two instruments. We will teach “Trouble on My Mind” in the key of cross A.
Located in the Workshop Tent.

A master of Cajun and Creole fiddle styles, Cedric Watson is a living library of knowledge—not only about the music that put Lafayette on the map, but also about the very instrument that started it all. This workshop offers a crash course in South Louisiana fiddling. Cedric Watson’s deep understanding of Louisiana culture, language, and history shines through as he weaves in fascinating trivia and anecdotes that highlight what makes Bayou State music so distinctive.
Located in the Workshop Tent.

Come learn a tune with Riley, have some fun and leave with a few things you didn’t have before!
Located in the Workshop Tent.

Ed Norman and Tim Wells will be teaching a set of gospel quartets from both the Black Jubilee and Old-Time traditions. At least one song from local legends, the Gospel Jubilators will be included. And participants will work on something "spooky" from the mountains as well.
Located in the Workshop Tent.

Bugs & Critters Songs!
Best suited for children ages 3-9 with their parents (plus anyone else who just feels like a kid). Come join in some kid-friendly raucous robust songs about your favorite bugs and critters. Amy will lead songs with lots of singing opportunities and provide a host of rhythm instruments for you to play along with.
Located in the Kids Tent.

You’ve heard the saying, “If you can walk, you can dance,” right? In this flatfooting workshop, you’ll learn to walk a little differently, using your whole foot and differentiating every sound it can make. With that springy lilt in your walk, you’ll build on that foundation to make step-slides, chugs, shuffles, basics, pitter-patter, LC, walking steps, Earls, syncopations, and more. With accessible variations layered one at a time, you’ll learn to imitate the rhythm of an old-time tune with your combination of steps and improvise right along with the musicians. We’ll start at a beginning level and add variations and techniques for intermediate dancers as well. Wear smooth-soled shoes that can slide at least a little.
Ruth is an experienced and delightful leader of squares, contras, community dances, and flatfooting/clogging and has been dancing with the Cane Creek Cloggers for ~40 years. Singing and playing banjo is her meditation after her day job of teaching high school science to in Saxapahaw NC.
Located in the Dance Tent.

Suggested for ages 5 and up, this workshop provides a basic introduction to clogging, just for kids! Participants will learn fundamental clogging steps through fun, confidence-building exercises. They’ll also have opportunities to express themselves creatively with this energetic dance tradition. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are recommended. Tampa Enoch is an educator, dancer and musician from Mebane, North Carolina. At an early age, she learned to flatfoot and buck dance from her grandmother, and she carries the tradition forward by teaching percussive dance to children both in her family and in the wider community. Tampa has been a member of Chapel Hill’s Cane Creek Cloggers since 2014 and has worked in public libraries as a youth services librarian for 19 years. In her free time she enjoys playing banjo and sharing about the rich and complex history of the instrument.
Located in the Dance Tent.

Inspired by traditional mountain-style clogging teams, but more influenced by older flatfoot and buck dancers, North Carolina’s premier clogging group, the Green Grass Cloggers have been kicking up their collective heels for over 50 years now! Together they have developed an original, eclectic style. Unlike the traditional “big-set” mountain square dance figures, they use choreography based on four-couple western square dance figures in short energetic routines. Stop by and learn some basic clogging steps, as well as more advanced moves from these intergenerational dance pioneers.
Located in the Dance Tent.

Forró Triângulo is a high energy collective band that specializes in vibrant Northeastern Brazilian dance-folk music called Forró. Their name has double meaning, honoring the essential triangle instrument keeping the rhythm of this lively music and referencing the fact the group is based in the Research Triangle area of North Carolina. Forró is the most popular genre of music and dance in northeast Brazil, to the extent that historically “going to the Forró” meant simply going to party or going out. Attend this workshop before the dance to learn basic forró steps for a more southern kind of traditional, regional dance!
Located in the Dance Tent.

This workshop will focus on old time finger style guitar methods, taught through songs like “Cannon Ball Blues,” Railroad Bill, and “Step It Up and Go.”
Located in the Workshop Tent.