2026 Workshops

Nest of Singing Birds

  • Keeping the Tradition Alive: The Art of Singing and Sharing Appalachian Ballads

    Traditional ballads have been passed from generation to generation for centuries, carried not by sheet music but through memory, family, and community. In this workshop, we’ll explore the distinctive style of Appalachian ballad singing through live examples and discussion of stylistic quirks and storytelling traditions that make these songs unique, as well as the reasons singers developed these approaches.

    The workshop will also cover practical techniques for learning, memorizing, and performing long narrative ballads, drawing from the presenters' own experiences as tradition bearers. Participants will gain tools for making these songs their own while remaining rooted in the tradition.

  • Located in the Dance Tent.

Son de Carolina

  • The jarana is an eight-string, five course instrument typically used in son jarocho. The first and fifth courses of the jarana are single strings, while the second, third, and fourth courses typically consist of double strings. The most common tuning is G C E A G. While you may not have your own jarana to bring to this workshop (but be sure to bring it if you do!) anyone with interest in stringed instruments from non-NC cultural traditions will enjoy this discussion.

  • Located in the Workshop Tent.

Pattie Kinlaw

  • Ready to add a little bluegrass to your fiddling? This hands-on workshop explores the essential tools that give bluegrass fiddle its sound, from rhythm and groove to backup, kickoffs, fills, and taking a break. Designed for bluegrass fiddlers and old-time players curious about bluegrass, we’ll use familiar tunes to practice the skills you need to jump into a bluegrass jam with confidence.

  • Located in the Workshop Tent.

Scott Stegall

  • This workshop explores the rich two-finger banjo traditions that historically flourished throughout the Carolina Piedmont. We will learn a couple of tunes highlighting roll patterns and techniques employed by banjo masters like Marvin Gaster, Clint Barwick, China Poplin, and Etta Baker. You'll walk away with the foundational tools to apply this style to any tune in your repertoire, while discovering the immense breadth and depth of individual banjo styles across the Piedmont.

  • Located in the Workshop Tent.

Alicia Best

  • A Different Thread, Alicia’s band that she performs with on Friday, writes and performs what she calls “Answer Songs” to the tragic ballads of old, told from the man’s perspective, and rarely ending well for the woman (Knoxville Girl, Omie Wise, Pretty Polly, etc. etc). Incorporating sing-alongs and a writing activity, Alicia shares her process and guides participants through creating their own response songs.

  • Located in the Workshop Tent.

Son de Carolina

  • In son jarocho, zapateado is a form of percussive dance performed on a wooden platform known as a tarima. It serves as a key rhythmic accompaniment where dancers stomp their feet in syncopation to the music. Sound familiar? Come by this Friday workshop for a rhythm tradition from the south!

  • Located in the Dance Tent.

Janie Rothfield

  • Janie Rothfield will teach a fun Uncle Norm Edmonds Tune and show you how to add power and rhythm to this tune with a focus on your right hand power and rhythm techniques for fiddle, clawhammer banjo and back up guitar. Bring your instruments for this full ensemble workshop!

    Janie Rothfield is a power-house award winning old-time fiddler, clawhammer banjo and guitar player, recognized for her traditional and inventive style, rhythm, and award-winning original tunes. She has taught at the Swannanoa Gathering, MidWest Banjo Camp, Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, Banjo Camp North, Great Lakes Music Camp), festivals and dances around the world and online.  

  • Located in the Workshop Tent.

Hasee Ciaccio

  • Info coming soon!

  • Located in the Workshop Tent.

Jon Hill

  • Introduction to Bill Monroe tunes on the mandolin — more info coming soon!

  • Located in the Workshop Tent

Rodney Sutton

  • Recipient of SouthArts/NC Arts Council’s Folk & Traditional Master Artist Fellowship Award, Rodney Clay Sutton teaches traditional flatfoot dancing in this relaxed-atmosphere workshop. Having learned Appalachian flatfoot dance from mentor Willard Watson over fifty years ago, Rodney brings this wealth of experience, plus his continued education afforded to him by the fellowship in Sean Nos` dance – the Irish step-dance equivalent to flat-footing. Though you can wear any kind of footwear for this intro class, smooth soled shoes with a low heel are the best shoes for this workshop.

  • Located in the Dance Tent.

Tampa Enoch-Reese

  • Suggested for ages 5 and up, this workshop provides a basic introduction to clogging and traditional hand percussion just for kids! Participants will learn fundamental clogging steps and basic "hambone" techniques through fun, confidence-building exercises. They’ll also have opportunities to express themselves creatively with these energetic traditions. 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 over 20 years. In her free time she enjoys playing banjo and sharing about the rich and complex history of the instrument.
    Tampa Enoch-Reese 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.

Apple Chill Cloggers

  • Based in Hillsborough, the Apple Chill Cloggers have been performing traditional dance here in North Carolina and internationally since 1975.  Come meet us and learn clogging basics!  No experience necessary.  We will show you several steps and try them out to live music, then teach a simple group dance.  All ages welcome.

  • Located in the Dance Tent.