We have a great line up of workshops over the weekend hosted by our guests and several special events including the ever-popular Janet’s Jam and Americana song sessions. Here is a list of the workshops and what you can expect.
Saturday workshops
Write Songs – with Beans
Saturday 1:00pm, Nelson Lounge
Whether you’re a first-time songwriter looking for somewhere to begin, or a seasoned balladeer wanting to nurture the creative spark, this crash course will have something for you. Join award-nominated songwriter Beans for an hour long deep-dive into a tried and tested songwriting method. Pen and paper recommended, instrument optional, imagination mandatory.
Americana Song Session – with Peter and Cathy Dyer
Saturday 2:00pm, Maire Hall
We will start with a song, then begin a discussion of Americana music. What exactly is it? Where did it come from? How and why did it come to be so popular so far from the States? Points made in the discussion could be illustrated with music. However, we will limit the discussion so we have time to hear and enjoy the music as played by those in attendance. You are encouraged to bring one of your favourite Americana songs to share.
Learn a Tune – with Triske
Saturday 2:30pm, Nelson Lounge
Come learn a tune from Triske where we will teach a reel that we play on stage, ‘The Eye of the Mullet’. In the workshop, the tune will be broken down to be taught by ear as well as showing ways to add variation and ornamentation. There will also be room for the accompanist players who want to learn how to back the tune. Only recommended for any player who has an intermediate understanding of their instrument as it is a taught-by-ear class.
Service Through Spite – with Adam McGrath
Saturday 4:00pm, Maire Hall
Folk music as transmogrifying force of wonder! Putting music and song to use, to ease burdens, grow solidarity all in the name of spite. Waitin’ on a song: an impractical, uncommon sense way to wait easier, see weirder and hope harder when attracting songs and writing them down.
Bouzouki Masterclass – with Jens Ulvsand (Himmerland)
Saturday 4:00pm, Nelson Lounge
How you can handle melodic and rhythmic playing in Scandinavian folk music on flatback Bouzouki. The workshop has a content of hardware technical and theory-based ideas but also a more artistic perspective on the music played and what we do with it.
Sunday workshops
Janet’s Jam – with Janet Muggeridge
Sunday 9:30pm, Balladeer tent
If you are bursting to sit down and play and sing for an hour, then Janet’s Jam is where you should be. We start with some simple tunes, that will become more complex. All instruments welcome. All playing levels welcome. There will be a brief discussion on jam etiquette, and this year Janet will also offer tips on getting ready for live performance. Inclusive, informative, fun!
Spoons the Irish Way – with Turkey The Bird
Sunday 12:30pm, Nelson Lounge
Learn how to play the spoons from Irish master spooner ‘Adrian Whelan’. Adrian, who is part of NZ folk trio Turkey The Bird, will teach you the techniques he uses to play the spoons effectively. Adrian won the imaginary but highly acclaimed international Irish spooning championships in the juniors’ section from 1998 – 2001 and the seniors’ from 2002 till 2006 before he moved to NZ. Please note: BYO spoons (only works with spoons, don’t bring your butter knives!) A selection of some rare acoustically fine-tuned custom spoons will be available for sale at the festival.
Harmony Workshop – with Hot Diggity
Sunday 1:00pm, Maire Hall
Nothing says Gospel like joyous Sunday singing. Come along and enjoy a session with the Hot Diggity gals where you will master a harmony part and some impressive hand clapping rhythms. We will work up an original gospel song written to celebrate the joy music brings to us all. Let’s aim to perform it to our fellow festival goers … all you need to bring along is enthusiasm and a smile.
From Tees t’ Bay mini concert – with Richard Grainger
Sunday 2:30pm, Maire Hall
Song and conversation telling the story, heritage of the area of North Yorkshire starting from Hartlepool north of the River Tees to Scarborough in the south of our region. Songs about ironstone workers, fishing, farming, steelmaking and chemical industry, northern whale fishery.
Balkan Trumpet – with Michel Coasteloe (Mehana)
Sunday 3:30pm, Nelson Lounge
The trumpet in Balkan brass and other forms of bands, has become a pivotal instrument in the last 100 years. It is a crucial solo instrument as well as the leading instrumental voice in the traditional music of the eastern Balkan peninsula, even including Turkish popular folk music. What makes the trumpet in Balkan music so attractive and peculiar to our ear that makes people from other parts of the world want to hear and learn this style of playing? Where does the “magic” lie? Some of the answers may be found in this workshop held by Michael Costeloe, who ventured more than once to far away Serbia; to see, hear and learn ways of playing the Balkan trumpet at the famous trumpet festival of Gucha. Michel is one of Wellington’s most prolific and exciting trumpet players with a great love for Balkan ethnic music.
Wellington Folk Festival 