Bluegrass enthusiasts will soon have the chance to immerse themselves in the rich sounds of the beloved genre at the inaugural Bluegrass Unlimited Workshop Weekend, set to take place February 7-9 at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
The weekend-long event will offer hands-on instruction from seasoned professionals in bluegrass, with courses in guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, bass, and vocals. Designed for musicians with a basic knowledge of their instrument, the workshop aims to deepen participants’ skills and inspire creativity in a collaborative setting.
The event kicks off February 7 with a guided afternoon excursion to Rosine, Kentucky, the hometown of bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe. Participants will visit Monroe’s homeplace, museum, and gravesite, providing an immersive historical context for the weekend’s musical focus. The evening continues back in Owensboro with registration, a meet-and-greet with instructors, and the first class session, capped off by an opening night jam.
Saturday and Sunday are packed with classes, instructor concerts, and jam sessions. Students will dive deep into their chosen discipline, learning techniques such as bluegrass rhythm, improvisation, and the art of harmony singing.
Each instrument track features a carefully designed curriculum across five classes taught by an accomplished musician, including:
- Guitar: Tim May, known for his work with Patty Loveless and the Grand Ole Opry.
- Banjo: Alan Munde, 2021 Steve Martin Banjo Prize winner and Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame inductee.
- Mandolin: Scott Napier, an Owensboro-based educator and nominee for IBMA’s Mentor of the Year.
- Bass: Vickie Vaughn, IBMA’s 2023 Bass Player of the Year and a seasoned performer with bands like High Fidelity and Della Mae.
- Fiddle: Maddie Denton, a Grand Masters Fiddle Champion and member of the Dan Tyminski Band.
- Vocals: Jen Larson and Rick Faris, both renowned for their rich vocal styles and deep roots in bluegrass tradition.
Registration for the workshop is $495 and includes meals on Saturday, as well as access to all classes, concerts, and jam sessions. Participants will need to provide their own transportation for the Rosine excursion.
The event promises an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to deepen their understanding of bluegrass music while connecting with a community of fellow musicians.
For more details and to register, visit the event website here.
