Augusta Heritage Center Bluegrass Week

For 2008, Bluegrass Week coordinator, John Rossbach, brings together our most spectacular lineup yet for Augusta’s 25th anniversary of Bluegrass Week. A staff of legendary figures will share their talents with students in workshops, demonstrations, special presentations, concerts and picking sessions throughout the week. Two levels of bluegrass vocal classes are offered in 2008. Informal picking sessions at all levels will go on into the wee hours all over campus as students get together with old friends and make new ones. Evening concerts will feature exciting combinations of master bluegrass artists with special guests. Picking time with the teaching staff will be part of the program for all students. On Friday afternoon, an optional student showcase will give students the special opportunity to perform for each other and the staff. Don’t miss this special week of music making where you can pick amongst the stars in “Almost Heaven” West Virginia!

Bluegrass staff includes guest artists Tim O’Brien and Stuart Duncan . Teaching fiddle are Bobby Hicks, Buddy Spicher with Clayton Campbell, and Andrew Van Norstrand. Mandolin will be taught by Herschel Sizemore, Sharon Gilchrist and John Rossbach. Teaching guitar are Russ Barenberg, Leigh Gibson and David McLaughlin. Banjo will be handled by Terry Baucom, Eric Gibson and Ira Gitlin. Dobro/Resonator Guitar teachers are Mike Witcher and Jimmy Heffernan. Bass is taught by Mike Bub and Missy Raines. Vocal instructors are Laurie Lewis & Tom Rozum and Chris Stuart & Janet Beazley.

Young people who are able to maintain an adult level of participation are welcome. There will be opportunities to form bands, dance, and socialize with other teenagers at Augusta that week. The week will run concurrently with Folk Arts Week and Teen Week (Roots & Rhythms) providing lots of opportunities for some lively dancing at night.

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