MUSIC WORKSHOPS

FALL 2026 MUSIC WORKSHOPS

Roots of the Lowcountry: Intro to Gullah Music & Culture with Gullah Collective

Percussionist Calvin “CL” Baxter II is dedicated to preserving and promoting the sounds of the Gullah Geechee culture, a cultural group of African Americans in the southeastern United States. As descendents of West and Central African enslaved people, the Gullah culture have maintained their deep ties to African cultural traditions. Baxter’s work over the past decade continues to highlight that vast history. Inspired by his time touring with the Grammy Award winning Ranky Tanky, Baxter is joined by an ensemble of accomplished musicians in Gullah Collective that mesh traditional Gullah drums with various percussive instruments, guitar, horns and more. Join us for an informative and engaging session outlining the roots and rhythms that define Gullah culture. Front Porch Stage, 2pm Friday

Tapping In with John Ferrara: Two-Hand Tapping for Bass Guitarists

John Ferrara has built his career on pushing the boundaries of bass guitar, through his work with Consider the Source and Mono Means One, garnering acclaim for his dynamic and explorative playing styles. Join John, Isaac and Rob of Mono Means One as they break down their writing process. John will discuss how the two-handed tapping technique is used as a vehicle for composing on the bass as well as a full band. This session will dig into the techniques that help flesh out the band’s expansive sound and display some of the approaches in real time for an informative and exciting session for performers and listeners alike. Front Porch Stage, 4pm Friday

Native Americana with Keith Secola

Keith Secola is an iconic Native musician with a deep well of talents. As a songwriter, story teller, and multi-instrumentalist, Keith has built an indisputable legacy. Throughout the decades, Secola has won seven Native American Music Awards, collaborated with legends like Mickey Hart of the Grateful Dead, and has partnered with Smithsonian Folklife Institute to honor the work of Native American veterans. Join this GrassRoots stalwart for an immersive session spanning the full arc of Native music, with topics ranging
from pre-contact instruments and traditional storytelling to contemporary Native rock 'n' roll. Secola will weave together ethnomusicology, cultural history, and group participation into a compelling and educational workshop. Instruments are welcomed, so come ready to play and engage! Front Porch Stage,12pm Saturday

The Shape of a Song: Arrangement with Omar Ruiz-Lopez

Born in Panama and raised in Puerto Rico, Omar Ruiz-Lopez is an acclaimed Latin-Americana artist, bilingual singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. His music ranges from old-time, Celtic and indie-folk to Latin fiddle tunes and jazz. Ruiz-Lopez has a rich musical background, having worked with GRAMMY-nominated artists like War and Treaty, co-founded the beloved Americana group Violet Bell, and more recently pursued solo endeavors and multi-genre collaborations. Join him as he breaks down his approach to arrange a tune for your band, covering four essential elements: tune, groove, hook and narrative arc. This workshop explores how a song feels from start to finish, offering an informative and engaging experience for budding songwriters or musical veterans. Front Porch Stage, 2:30pm Saturday