Mars Hill, N.C. — Mars Hill University introduces their inaugural Roots Music Week here June 24-28, 2018.
Come to the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains for a week of instruction, sharing, and fun with music for students with an interest in learning more about and increasing their skills in popular areas of acoustic American Roots Music.
The thriving Americana music scene is as eclectic and varied as the people who enjoy it. But what many devotees of the genre may not realize are the deep connections that today's acoustic music draws from American traditional styles and genres. Exploring these connections is the goal of the inaugural Roots Music Week, to be held on the campus of Mars Hill University.
Current plans for Roots Music week include the following instructors and classes:
- Chris Brashear: Mandolin, Flat Pick Guitar and Country Duets with Gerrard
- Alice Gerrard: Ballad Singing, Country Duets with Brashear
- Ernie Hawkins: Texas Blues Guitar, Piedmont Blues Guitar
- Frank Lee: OT Clawhammer Banjo, 3 Finger Bluegrass Banjo
- Del Rey: Ukulele Blues Party, Memphis Minnie Guitar Styles
- Suzy Thompson: Blues Singing, Fiddle Rags and Blues
- Dowdle, Gordon, Whitley: Scratch Band
In addition to daytime classes, the daily lineup will include moderated song writing circles every day after lunch, as well as an open mic in the evenings.
"Today's Americana draws from all different kinds of music, including bluegrass, blues, African-American spirituals, ukulele, singer/songwriter, country, old-time, and others," said musician Hilary Dirlam, assistant to Beverly Smith, artistic director of Roots Music Week.
Dirlam said: "Roots Music Week is designed to challenge people to learn more about something they may have always found interesting, in a nurturing atmosphere, with other like-minded individuals. The whole week is designed to encourage people, and in a context where they can connect and learn."
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