2025 InstrucTor Bios
ALEJANDRO BALDOQUIN
Introduction to Cuban Music, Songwriting
I grew up in a small village in Las Tunas, Cuba and have been in the United States for just two months. My main instrument is the Tres Cubano. I have played in different bands, the tres and bongos, since I was 19 yrs. old. I understand the roles of the instruments played in traditional Cuban son, salsa, and bolero. I love playing and would like to teach people about the different rhythms of Cuban music.
JESSE ARMERDING
The evolution of New Orleans Music over the last century as effected by the culture, Drum Gems(favorite aproaches to learning drums), Early New Orleans Drumming, Current New Orleans Drumming, Second Line Drumming, Washboard New Orleans Style
Growing up in Massachusetts, Jesse Armerding has been drumming since middle school, performing in folk bands with his family and circus bands around the northeast. He has been exploring New Orleans washboard and drumkit styles for 15 years, playing with local early jazz & brass band groups. He enjoys theater & story mixed with music, and has created shows centered around blues dancing, forest sounds, and junk percussion.
He has also performed with the New York and International productions of the Broadway show ‘STOMP’.
JAMES BEAUMONT
Rhythm and Blues Improvisation, Melody Development in the style of New Orleans Rhythm and Blues(using blues language, unison in to harmony,lines that lift the music), The evolution of New Orleans Music over the last century as effected by the culture
James Beaumont is a saxophone player from England who has lived in Asia in New Orleans for the last 10 years. James has a wealth of experience playing most styles of American music, and has an especial affinity with the great Rhythm and Blues saxophone sound that emerged in New Orleans in the 50s. James has teaching experience from Kindergarten to college level and is always excited to share his knowledge in group or individual classes.
gregor Sayet-bone
Main street, side paths and detours: the journey of a song, Songwriting
Born in Willseyville NY, I have spent the better part of my days within the process of artistic forms. From art exhibitions to short films, from novels to songs, I have tried to remain true to the art of art… the glory of expression. I am presently the writer and singer in Yet To Be Gold.
JEREMY BYRD
Songwriting
From Major label releases to acclaimed Indie efforts, Nashville’s Jeremy Byrd, A.K.A “Mr. Byrd,” has been gripping the ears and pulling at the heartstrings of listeners for nearly 15 years. By crafting meaningful lyrics and soaring melodies, Byrd explores the matters of love, loss and longing.
Clare Byrne
Intermediate Old Time Fiddle, Fiddle Back up for Songs
Claire is best known as the violinist/singer for Driftwood. She joined the band in 2008 and has been writing, recording and touring with them ever since. Claire picked up the violin 30 years ago and grew up playing in orchestras. In college she joined her first band and remembers well their first show. “It was a divey, dingy bar and it was pure magic. I knew then that performing was my calling.” Aside from playing in Driftwood, Claire and her husband Brian Vollmer perform in a bluegrass duo. Claire is also the founding member of The Silver Wings, a country band she has dreamed of starting for years. She considers music her life’s work and one her greatest passions (besides being a Mama to two beautiful boys).
DEMPSY BYRNE
Irish Melody Instruments and Tunes all levels, Bohrahn, Irish Jam, Irish Ceili Dancing
Bodhran extraordinare , Whistle, Singer, Irish Dancer, Dempsey has been entertaining audiences since the tender age of 2, and is a real character on stage. He made history by becoming the youngest entertainer ever at Walt Disney World at the age of 8. His distinctive powerful bodhran playing style and singing have earned him admiration from musicians all around the world. Dempsey has collaborated with top Irish bands such as We Banjo 3, Clannad, and JigJam, as well as Irish tenor legend Ronan Tynan. Bodhran extraordinare , Whistle, Singer, Irish Dancer
FINN BYRNE
Irish Melody Instruments and Tunes all levels, Irish Jam, Irish Ceili Dancing
Finn is a multi-talented artist with a passion for music, dance, and creative pursuits. As a twice Donegal champion on banjo and mandolin, and a twice Ulster champion Irish dancer, Finn has established himself as a skilled musician and dancer. He is also a world qualifier and an award-winning author. In addition to his performance skills, Finn is also a composer and has written six of the tunes for their album "The Boys of Doorin and 5 for The Boys of Doorin. He is currently working as recording engineering and has produced "Baiana Celtic Dance Mix" fusing Irish, Brazilian and dance music together. More recently he has also been recording on a Hollywood movie soundtrack and he enjoys making TikTok guitar videos where he has had 7 videos with over 1 million views. Finn also takes on the role of dance choreographer, creating all the dances for their performances.
LUCA BYRNE
Irish Melody Instruments and Tunes all levels, Irish Jam, Irish Ceili Dancing
Luca is a multi-talented artist with an impressive set of skills. As the Donegal Champion on Accordion and Ulster Champion Irish Dancer, he has established himself as a highly accomplished musician and dancer.
In addition to his musical and dance abilities, Luca is also a talented photographer and filmmaker, having won awards for his work in these fields. He has directed, filmed, and edited all of the recent music videos for the Byrne Brothers and shot the front cover of their latest album, which won the "American Celtic Radio Listeners 2021 Album Cover of the Year" award. Currently, Luca is a highly sought after Music Video Director and Photographer for Latin Artists signed to major lables in Miami.
TOMMY BYRNE
Irish Melody Instruments and Tunes all levels, Bohrahn, Irish Jam, Irish Ceili Dancing
Tommy, hailing from Dublin, is a highly skilled musician with expertise in Guitar, Uilleann Pipes, Bagpipes, Fiddle, Whistles, and Vocals. He has a rich background in music, having been an ex-Grade 1 Bagpiper with World Champions St. Joseph's Pipe Band Clondalkin. Tommy is also recognized as one of the founding father of the Temple Bar music scene in Dublin and has gone on to become an International Irish show director with over 25 years of experience in places like Bangladesh, Abu Dhabi, Scandinavia, and all over Europe. He has directed various shows, including his biggest production, Celtic Dance Force in New Zealand, featuring 30 dancers and an 8-piece band. Apart from his impressive musical, directing and composing career, Tommy has also performed with renowned groups like The Chieftains and Michael Flatley on Broadway.
JEFF CLAUS
Intermediate/Advanced Old-Time Guitar
Jeff was one of the founding members and main songwriters of the alt-folk-rock band, The Horse Flies (www.thehorseflies.com), about whom the New York Times said: “The Horse Flies have figured out how to hold a hoedown in a physics lab." And Rolling Stone wrote, "The Horse Flies churn out swirling, addictive songs, blending tradition with invention." Jeff has toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, and Europe; recorded on Rounder and MCA; appeared on Prairie Home Companion, All Things Considered, Mountain Stage, eTown, and MTV; and played numerous festivals and concert series (e.g., Central Park Summerstage in NYC, Telluride Bluegrass, Vancouver Folk, Winnipeg Folk, LEAF, Festival of American Fiddle Tunes, Smithsonian Festival of American Folk Life, and many more). He’s also taught at many festivals, camps, and schools throughout the U.S. Canada, and Europe, and he’s had songs and music used by film director Oliver Stone (in Any Given Sunday), Natalie Merchant (including on two albums and Late Night with David Letterman), and MTV's Rock the Vote. He’s also co-composed and/or mixed music for over 25 feature and documentary films, mostly with his partner and best friend, Judy Hyman (www.j2filmmusic.com). Jeff has a deep and abiding love of Southern traditional fiddle music, having been immersed in it for about 50 years. He’s an especially committed fan of rhythm, groove, and drone, and loves working with diverse people interested in developing their skills for providing solid, rhythmic backup on guitar and banjo ukulele.
In the intermediate/advanced guitar class we’ll focus on making a steady, strong, supportive groove for fiddle music and singing, with an emphasis on less-is-more, smooth chord changes, and a few bass runs. This will involve the basic keys of D, A, G, and C, and playing a lot with an interest in better developing the necessary motor skills.
CAP COOKE
Old Time Jam
Cap Cooke was born and raised in Grand Island, New York, where he began picking the banjo at age 13 after hearing a John Hartford record. He moved to the finger lakes region in 2013, and has been absorbing the rich musical traditions of the area ever since. Frequently called upon as a sideman on the banjo and guitar, he’s played in numerous regional groups including The Mount Pleasant String Band, The Finger Lakes Bluegrass All-Stars, The Flywheels, Farm Animal, The June Bugs, and enjoys the opportunity to perform solo whenever possible. He now resides in Ulysses with his wife, Cady and their young son.
DESIRÉE DAWSON
Remembering to Rest: A gentle movement journey with music, Holding Hope Through Song, Songwriting
Desirée Dawson is a multi-talented artist, celebrated for her remarkable gifts as a recording artist, songwriter, producer, sound healing facilitator and yoga teacher.
Desirée is a mixed-race settler, fuelled by a deep desire for collective liberation and global indigenous sovereignty . Her music often nods to, and explicitly points at the importance of liberating ourselves by tending to the spaces within us that have been silenced into isolation. She believes that finding ways to love and embrace ourselves goes hand in hand with learning how to love, care, and build with those around us, knowing that music can be such a powerful tool and medicine for that.
Her main instrument is her powerful yet soothing voice although she is best known for accompanying her voice with her Baritone Ukulele. She can be found playing solo, as a duo or a full band. Her music has elements of pop, folk, soul, Americana, country and more but it's often just referred to as a singer-songwriter to keep it simple. Being an artist who bends and plays between genres excites her and represents her identify as a multifaceted human and artist.
She is actively songwriting in many genres outside of what she's known for and thrives in any song writing room. Notably, her outstanding musical journey includes a prestigious JUNO Award nomination for album of the year for her project "Meet You At The Light." Her excellence is further underscored by securing two SXSW Music Video Awards wins in 2022 and a distinguished UK Music Video Award nomination for international pop music video of the year, sharing that nomination slot with the likes of Lil Nas X , Rosalia and more.
Desirée is a Keychange alumni, being a part of the 2023 Keychange cohort, she spent a year getting connected with like minded change makers within the European market. Desirée’s musical influence reverberates far and wide, with her songs “Cup Of Tea” and "I Am Blessed” which have been achieving viral acclaim on platforms such as Instagram and TikTok, engaging audiences across the globe.
Multiple songs from her catalog have landed many placements in tv shows such as Wynonna Earp and Heartland, in advertisements like Destination Vancouver and other films and documentaries. Desirée passionately supports her community through a variety of music-based workshops and gatherings locally and internationally. Whether performing solo with her baritone Ukulele, in harmony with her band or leading sound healing workshops, Desirée’s music is made to get us feeling and healing.
Desirée Workshop offerings:
Remembering To Rest: a gentle movement journey with music
A yin and restorative yoga inspired class, focused on deep breathing, gentle stretching and releasing tension in the body, all while being serenaded by Desirée Dawson. This class focuses on moving slowly and intentionally, while creating body movements that help bring balance to the nervous system. Most of the moving portion of the class will be laying down or seated.
Suggestions of what to bring:
a yoga mat or blanket to lay on
anything that will allow you to feel comfortable and able to relax ( eg. a pillow, extra blanket, water, eye mask),
note: If you show up with none of these things, you will still be so welcome! Chairs will be provided if laying on the ground is not possible for you. You can still find rest and relaxation seated in a chair!
“I facilitate these spaces as a low pressure way for people to connect deeper with themselves and to take a moment in the day to find care and self compassion. I really believe that when we spend time with ourselves we find more capacity to go out in the world and care deeper for the people and land around us. I use music as a main tool and support to really help us connect!”
-Desirée Dawson
Holding Hope Through Song: In this session, Desirée will share how she uses music in direct and subtle ways as a tool for de-colonial practices, self compassion and activism. We will take a look into her journey as an artist and songwriter who centers her work on collective liberation and how her values are present regardless of genre or project. There will be time to open up the floor for questions and conversation.
Laren Droll
Cajun Jam
Laren Droll's musical career has spanned 3 decades playing the one row Cajun accordion in several bands including Dirty Rice, ZydeGroove, and Bunkhouse Boys. He discovered Cajun music on the dance floor before taking up the accordion – a life changing event. He loves sharing his experience with beginners and players at all levels, and is looking forward to leading daily jams at Culture Camp.
THOMAS BRYAN EATON
Honky Tonk Band Lab, Pedal Steel
Thomas Bryan Eaton has been honing his skills as a musician since he first fell in love with sound at the ripe old age of 3. That fateful Christmas, he got an old gray walkman with a record button on it that set his imagination running into a wild world of sonic explorations that continue to this day. Thomas can often be seen coaxing sweet sounds out of a telecaster or pedal steel, working his melodious magic while singing his own songs or chiming in on harmony vocals when called for. Behind the scenes, there’s even more. An avid songwriter with a lifetime love of the recording process; there’s never a dull moment at Thomas’ home studio. Whether it’s demoing a new honky tonk tune, twisting knobs for an avant-garde synth noise experiment or mixing a freshly cut live band rock ’n’ roll track, there’s always something happening. Thomas is also an avid music educator, having taught private lessons for 15+ years and at various music camps around the country, notably as a staff member of Augusta Heritage Center’s “Classic Country Week” for 9 years now. While mostly on the road as a featured member of Miss Tess & the Talkbacks, Thomas can also be found fronting his own band, Hobson’s Choice; as well as lending his talents to J.P. Harris, Kristina Murray, Western Centuries & more.
fabi world music
Vocal Improv in a Live Setting, Songwriting
Fabi is an International touring artist from Oaxaca Mexico.
Fabi is an original world music artist and a seasoned Grass Roots artist since 2014. Versed in Afro-latin rhythms and folklore styles from around the globe, his music is a powerful, fun groovy experience! Fabi incorporates well-rehearsed structures with adveturous improv flights, making every audience embark on a journey of discovery and joyful dance!
MOLLIE FARR
The Business of Getting Your Band Out There
Mollie Farr, singer and songwriter from Nashville, TN, grew up singing in jazz ensembles and in the theater. She graduated from the New College of Florida with a degree in Music and French language. After writing her thesis on the ethnomusicological tradition of the accordion in southwest Louisiana, Mollie began working with Ann Savoy to compile, transcribe, and translate her upcoming book on the subject. Now Mollie is working on her debut record in addition to running her own booking and management company, Lost Buffalo Artists. Mollie has taught singing/culture classes at Virginia Key culture camp as well as at Blackpot camp in Lafayette, LA and has shared the stage with artists such as Donna the Buffalo, Richie Stearns, and the Duhks.
JAMIE LYNN FONTENOT
Cajun Rhythm Guitar, Cajun French Song, Le Chanson de Mardi Gras, Line Dancing, Cooking Wednesday night’s Zydeco dinner
Jamie Lynn Fontenot learned to love Cajun French music at a young age listening to the sounds of the French language and music from her grandparents who played a central role in her life. Born in Louisiana and raised in California, Jamie Lynn returned to Louisiana in 2006 to study French and soak up the culture and music of Acadiana. Eventually picking up the guitar and fiddle and learning to sing in French, Fontenot started the female-fronted cajun band, The Daiquiri Queens, who are now one of Lafayette’s favorite Cajun bands since 2017. The band performs at many cultural events including Festivals Acadiens et Creoles, Jazz Fest of New Orleans, Festival International and many more. When she isn’t playing with The Daiquiri Queens, Jamie Lynn is teaching French-immersion first-grade in Lafayette, Louisiana, another small step in perpetuating the culture, music and language she loves.
PRESTON FRANK
Creole Accordion, Zydeco Dance
The Frank family, from the small rural community of Soileau (pronounced “swallow”) in Allen Parish, is one of the great Creole musical families. According to Michael Tisserand, author of The Kingdom “I don’t play that new zydeco or Acadian music. I play Creole zydeco. It’s in between both of them. It’s got a good drive and a good swing to it.” — Preston Frank of Zydeco, Preston Frank, father of Keith Frank, can trace his musical lineage at least as far back as his great-grandfather Joseph Frank Jr., an accordion player, and his great-great-grandfather, Joseph Frank Sr., who played fiddle. Neither ever recorded. His great-uncle, Carlton Frank, was one of the last Creole fiddlers of that generation.
According to Preston Frank, “My dad’s grandfather was a fiddle player and he played with Dennis McGee. My grandfather played accordion but I never heard him play. He saw me when I bought my accordion. He played music, but some of it… he just let it all go. If you don’t practice, it leaves, you know? You gotta keep working at it. If you don’t work at it, it leaves.”
“My mom and dad never did speak Creole French, always English. I learned French after I had got more grown like 18, 19 because my grandmother on my mom’s side couldn’t speak English and my grandfather on my daddy’s side couldn’t speak English. To get your point across, you had to learn how to speak French and Creole in order for them to understand you and talk to you. So, that’s what made me more interested in trying to learn, because my grandmother would cook food for me in the evening-time when I got off of work and I had to tell her what I wanted for food. I learned it quick. It didn’t take me long to learn how to say some of the food stuff.”
“I bought some records to try and learn but what I was hearing was not the same thing I was doing on accordion. My dad helped me to learn to like the way I played the accordion, because he knew the music and I didn’t, “I bought some records because I had never even listened to it. He helped me and he would show me. I’d go to work in the daytime and in the evening time, I’d come back home to try and learn but what I was hearing was not the same thing I was doing on accordion.” — Preston Frank and I’d go meet him and he’d show me some songs, step by step. He showed me step by step and I learned from what he had showed me, and I’d go back home and practice, practice, practice. The only thing I was doing was, I was memorizing the song, what he had showed me. I’d just memorize it and, sometimes, I wouldn’t quite get what he had showed me the night before and then, go back the next night and get some more. That’s how I learned to get to where I could understand him, go listen to him and what he had showed me, step by step. I’d just memorize what he was showing and from there, I started doing this stuff on my own.”
THE PRESTON FRANK FAMILY BAND formed about 1977 as a way to bring the family together making music. Keith Frank actually got his musical start with the band when he was four years old playing drums. According to Preston Frank, “I wouldn’t say all zydeco music comes from families, but it’s better when the family is all together. I guess it’s about how you started. The Frank family has been doing it. That’s why I started my kids playing with me because we were all together. We were practicing and rehearsing right in the house. When the family is together, Keith plays guitar and Jennifer the bass and Brad drums. I got my grandson play scrub board with us now.” 1981 recording by Preston Frank and The Swallow Playboys
PRESTON FRANK RECORDED some in the early 1980s. The band was known as Preston Frank and the Swallow Playboys when it recorded the song “Why Do You Want to Make Me Cry?” in 1981, written by Preston and drummer Leo Thomas. Thomas made it his signature song. A vinyl album of seven songs by Preston Frank’s Swallow Band and six songs by Ambrose Sam’s Old
Time Zydeco Vol. 2 was recorded and released in 1985 on Chris Strachwitz’s Arhoolie Records, the same label that discovered Clifton Chenier. The Swallow Band cuts featured Preston Frank on accordion, Paul Washington on bass, Leo Thomas on drums, Carlton Frank on fiddle,
Rodney Thomas on lead guitar, Hampton Frank on rhythm guitar, and Preston Frank or Leo Thomas on vocals. The tunes on this recording included “Shake What You Got,” “Bals de Lake Charles,” “Mon Chere ‘Tite Monde,” “Tanta Na-Na,” “Ton Aller La Bas,” “Font Kilo,” and “Why Do You Want to Make Me Cry?”
SALLY FREUND
Scrubboard
Sally Freund has been dancing and festival teaching for 30 years. Her style is easy and her classes are about connecting and moving to the beat so you can be nothing but happy when your dancing. She keeps close traditional ties with Louisiana where the heart of Cajun and Zydeco pulses and brings that joy back north. Sally currently plays Scrubboard and Triangle with Rose and the Bros.
ELI FRIBUSH
Jazz Session, The Art of Recording and Making Records, Beginning Old Time Guitar
Eli Fribush is a trained saxophonist and multi-instrumentalist from Greensboro, NC. Eli’s musical roots stretch from old-time music all the way to hip-hop and R&B. He spent many formative years in New Orleans, studying the tradition of jazz and strengthening his knowledge of music theory, history, and technique. Eli is now a bandleader and touring musician and works closely with other musicians in the recording industry.
PAUL “DOC” FRIBUSH
Kani ka pila - Hawaiian traditional Tunes, Harmonica in Fiddle Tunes, Jazz Session
From the stalls of Galax to the shores of Hawaii, with a stop in New Orleans, "Doc" brings 50 years of stylistic nuance to the prewar music of the golden era. As a member of the groundbreaking Swamp Cats, he showcased his mastery on harmonica, clarinet, and Hawaiian steel guitar. With a deep love for all traditional sounds, he shares Old-Time fiddle and harmonica tunes, transports listeners with Hawaiian melodies, and, alongside his sons Sam and Eli, brings the vibrant spirit of New Orleans jazz and swing to life.
SAM FRIBUSH
Jazz Improvisation, Jazz Session, Beginning Clawhammer Banjo
Prior to the pandemic, Fribush was living in New Orleans playing nightly at historic venues like the Spotted Cat and Preservation Hall. In 2020 when quarantine hit, Fribush decided to move back home. Born in Greensboro, NC to a musical family, Fribush began his professional career at a young age, playing a variety of instruments including Steel Pan and Banjo.
“To me, Fribush epitomizes the old soul with a youthful spirit. Having grown up immersed in the sounds of everything from Dr. John to Tommy Jarrell, his musical sensibility has an incredibly intuitive flow, and his touch on the piano has always been beautifully unique. With that much natural talent, he wouldn’t necessarily have had to push himself to the limits he has, and it’s been a wonder to witness his evolution into one of the greatest working organ and keyboard players today. His sincerity cuts straight through every note he plays, with a heartfelt smile and mischief-tinged eyes, and his presence in any room feels like a big hug.” - Ric Robertson
In 2017, Fribush graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a degree in Contemporary Improvisation. During that time he worked with influential mentors like Ran Blake, Jason Moran, Jamie Saft, Dennis Montgomery III, Cecil McBee, John Medeski and more. Fribush has recently produced and recorded music with Charlie Hunter, Lucius, Dori Freeman, Ric Robertson, MC Taylor (Hiss Golden Messenger), Joel Savoy, Viv and Riley, Taylor Meier (Caamp), California Honey Drops and more. In 2021 Fribush joined Hiss Golden Messenger, a band from Durham, NC. Says Fribush, “My intention is to take this music into the future. I’m trying to expand the rules about what organ trio music is.”
LYDIA GARRISON
Old Time Jam
Lydia Garrison is from Ithaca, NY. She is a singer, songwriter and plays fiddle, banjo, guitar, Cajun triangle, scrubboard, and some Cajun accordion. She plays with Home Remedy (with Rosie Newton), The Makers (with Nate Silas Richardson), and Kevin Wimmer & Blue Eagle Zydeco. She loves teaching music, and aims to help others get joy from playing music and singing, like she does. She has taught at Black Pot music camp in Eunice, Louisiana and Ashokan Fiddle & Dance Camp in Olivebridge, NY. At Culture Camp she will be facilitating the Old Time Jam daily at 5:30, with Cap Cook, Pete Thompson, and Lora Pendleton. You can learn more about her at lydiagarrison.com.
James Gascoyne
Guitar for Irish Tune Accompaniment
James Gascoyne is a multi-instrumentalist, composer, and teacher based in Saratoga Springs, NY. Originally from Louisville, KY, James has been an active participant in the NYS Capital Region arts community since 2004. He has toured nationally with a variety of groups, at times performing on bass, guitar, drums, and vocals, all the while maintaining an active local performing schedule as well as teaching privately when time allows. James regularly performs with Oona Grady as their duo, Drank The Gold, specializing in traditional Irish and American fiddle tunes and folk songs, as well as original compositions and arrangements. With a passion for sharing his musical experience with others, he’s led various workshops at times on guitar, mandolin, banjo, ukulele, and bass for the Caffe Lena School of Music, Dance Flurry Festival, and Winter Village Music Camp.
SALLY GELOSO
New Orleans Early Jazz History Through Song, The Development of New Orleans Music Over The Last Century As Effected By The Culture, Songwriting
Sally baby aka Salvatore Geloso has been living and making music in New Orleans for the past 17 years. Originally from New York, Sally Baby left the hustle and bustle of the big apple for the sultry slow drag of the Crescent City. Rising up from the streets of the French Quarter to the nightclubs of Frenchmen St. and bar rooms of the 9th ward, Sally Baby is at home wherever they may roam. Combining hot jazz, rhythm and blues, soul classics, and folk music from around the world Sally baby creates a unique universe of lived experience and wonder unlike any other. Bringing to life the past and the present through storytelling and sound, Sally baby is timeless yet fantastically original. Post pandemic Sally began to lead historical walking tours of the French Quarter and local Cemeteries unraveling the intricate and layered history of old New Orleans.
TOM GILBERT
Developing Groove, Fun with Percussion
Tom Gilbert is a versatile drummer based in the Finger Lakes region of New York. With a passion for rhythm and percussion, Tom continues to make his mark on the music scene, engaging in studio and session work while collaborating with notable artists such as Donna the Buffalo, New Planets, the all-American Hell Drivers and Jim Lauderdale. His talent and adaptability shine through in his diverse musical endeavors, showcasing his dedication to his craft.
Oona Grady
Intermediate/Advanced Irish Fiddle,
Oona Grady is a musician and educator living in Saratoga Springs, New York. She performs with the duo Drank The Gold, a band specializing in creative arrangements of traditional Irish and American fiddle music, folk songs, and original compositions, as well as other projects including The Grady Girls, StepTune, and Folk Club Kids. Oona grew up in Ithaca, NY, nurtured by a family and community with a deep love of music. After receiving a foundation in Suzuki violin and Irish fiddle, she began performing with her family band as a teenager, and moved to Ireland at age eighteen to continue her music studies at University College Cork, graduating with a B.Mus. in 2008. Oona manages an active private music studio and is a founding teacher at the Caffe Lena School of Music. She also works as a guest instructor for weekend workshops and summer programs, including GrassRoots Culture Camp, The Flurry Festival, and Winter Village Music Camp.
JANE HENDERSON
Body Awareness for Couple Dancing
Jane started taking dance lessons and doing gymnastics in a neighbor's basement at the age of five. Hundreds of classes in Graham technique, Limon technique, ballet, yoga and pilates followed. Sometime in her 20's she fell down the rabbit hole of folk and vernacular dance after luckily getting to study the Anthropology of Dance with the woman who wrote the preeminent book on that subject and taught at Indiana University.
Swing, squares, contras, cajun, zydeco, salsa, and clogging have all called to her over the years.
Luke Huval
Cajun Accordion, Cajun Fiddle Seconding, Cajun French Song, Le Chanson de Mardi Gras
Growing up immersed in the Cajun French music, language, and culture, it was only a matter of time before Luke would end up with an instrument or two in his lap. Luke has been singing and playing music for as long as he can remember. First beginning with playing guitar and singing old time country music with his family, his love for timeless authentic music extended to Cajun music where he picked up the accordion, and more recently fiddle. When Luke isn’t leading his own band, he can be spotted playing fiddle with the likes of Wayne Toups, Steve Riley, and many other local Cajun bands.
JUDY HYMAN
Advanced Old-Time Fiddle
Judy Hyman is a founding member of the alt-folk rock band, The Horse Flies. With them she toured extensively in the U.S., Canada, and Europe and recorded 8 albums, including releases on MCA and Rounder Records.Judy has a deep love of traditional Appalachian fiddle music and has taught at music camps and programs throughout the U.S. over many decades. She also composes music for film, television, and multi-media. She received an Emmy for "Musical Composition/Arrangement: Special Achievement" for her score for the documentary, The Cultivated Life: Thomas Jefferson and Wine. Judy has toured and recorded with pop singer Natalie Merchant several times and appears on her albums, The House Carpenter's Daughter and Leave Your Sleep. In 2012 she released an album of her original waltzes, Late Last Summer, with her father, pianist Dick Hyman. Judy has been featured twice in Fiddler Magazine (for her fiddle playing), and also in Electronic Musician (for her film composing), and she was selected by Fiddler Magazine as one of their top 20 fiddlers in 2013, in celebration of their 20th anniversary. Critics have described Judy's work as haunting, gorgeous, sepia-tone, stirring, powerful, impressive, beautiful, rousing, and playful.
http://www.judyhyman.com
KELLI JONES
Cajun Fiddle, Songwriting, Cajun French Song, Honky Tonk/Country Band Lab, Le Chanson de Mardi Gras
Kelli Jones moves so effortlessly between genres, traditions, and musical concepts that it’s clear she was born with an insatiable artistic curiosity. As a teenager, she emerged from a deeply musical Appalachian family to become an amazingly apt singer, guitarist, and dancer in old-time music. Moving to Southwest Louisiana, she quickly learned Cajun French and began writing preternaturally gifted original songs in dual languages with progressive Cajun bands like GRAMMY-nominated Feufollet, T’Monde, The Daiquiri Queens, and as a duo with Joel Savoy. Both of these jumping off points, what she casually refers to as “obsessions,” have fueled the music on her debut solo record, Queen of the In Between, recently released on June 18, 2021, but she also seamlessly references so much more, everything from classic country to psychedelic rock to contemporary indie roots singer-songwriters. Jones is a fearless bandleader, weaving together an opus that sounds remarkably cohesive. She’s roaming the halls of 20th century Americana synthesizing a century’s worth of music with ease. It’s not simply a meld of seemingly disparate influences; every one of her projects dazzle in their ability to speak to the universality of human emotion.
Sarah Juran
Texas two-Step, Cajun Two-Step, Zydeco Two-Step
Sara Juran is a joyful dancer who loves to share the language of dance. She grew up dancing in the Ithaca area as daughter to local music champion, promoter, disc jockey- Heather Dunbar. She focuses on social partner dance & connecting with music. Her love of dance started young, and she took every opportunity to dance all night & learn from teachers and students. She has been doing Zydeco, Cajun, Swing, Latin and many more social dances for 2+ decades. Her genre hopping has given her a unique understanding of movements and rhythm that is fun for first time dancers and experienced dancers learning something new.
THE BYRNE BROTHERS
Irish Melody Instruments and Tunes all levels, Bohrahn, Irish Jam, Irish Ceili Dancing
The Byrne Brothers, from Donegal, Ireland, are a multi award winning family band currently taking the Irish American scene by storm Their achievements include a massive social media presence, winning the Young Artist Academy© Award for Outstanding Music Ensemble and being named Rising Stars of the Year by American Celtic Radio Listeners for their album "Living the Dream." They are also one of the biggest Irish Trad Supergroups on Facebook, Youtube and Instagram and TikTok with over 70,000 followers and 32 million views on their music. They are all County champion musicians and Ulster champion Irish dancers. The band consists of Luca on accordion, Finn on banjo, mandolin, and guitar, Dempsey on bodhran and whistle, and their father Tommy on uilleann pipes, fiddle, guitar, and grade 1 bagpiper. They moved to America in 2018 to perform at Walt Disney World where they became Youngest ever cast members in the history of Disney, and have since toured extensively across 47 US States. The Byrne Brothers have established themselves as a significant presence in the traditional Irish music scene, attracting interest from Hollywood and receiving a reputation as a "Must See Band" at festivals. They are well known for their electrifying and high-energy performances that showcase modern traditional Irish music and world-class Irish dancing. Their music features both traditional and original tunes and songs. Audiences around the globe are captivated by their infectious humor, energy and talent.
Their new album "The Boys of Doorin" was written, recorded and produced by Finn is getting 5 Star reviews from radio stations and press all over the world.
"The Byrne Brothers are taking Traditional Irish Music and Dancing to a whole new level"
IRISH MUSIC MAGAZINE
TRAVIS KNAPP
Singing for Adults: Voice, Breath & Song
Annie Sumi and Travis Knapp are folk singer-songwriters who live in the Ithaca area. Between them they have seven studio albums, which dig deep into our connection with the natural world and to one another. They both enjoy singing in a multitude of styles, from jazz to musical theater, pop, and folk.
Annie hails from Ontario, Canada, and creates an ethereal spaciousness with her heartfelt music. Travis studied at Ithaca College, plays piano, banjo, and guitar, and loves getting folks singing together in harmony.
JIM LAUDERDALE
Honky Tonk Dance, Side Paths and Detours: the Journey of a Song, Songwriting, Tai Chi
At any given time, you’re likely to find Jim Lauderdale making music, whether he’s laying down a new track in the studio or working through a spontaneous melody at his home in Nashville. And if he’s not actively crafting new music, he’s certainly thinking about it. “It's a constant challenge to try to keep making better and better records, write better and better songs. I still always feel like I'm a developing artist,” he says. This may be a surprising sentiment from a man who’s won two Grammys, released 34 full-length albums, and taken home the Americana Music Association’s coveted Wagonmaster Award.
Jim has been a vital part of the country music ecosystem since 1991, when he released his debut album and began penning songs for an impressively long roster of country music greats. “When I was a teenager wanting to be a bluegrass banjo player, I never would have imagined that I would get to work with people like Ralph Stanley, Robert Hunter, Loretta Lynn, George Jones, Emmylou Harris, Elvis Costello, Lucinda Williams and John Oates ,” he muses. “Getting to work with them inspires me greatly to this day, and I know it always will.” ,” he muses. “Getting to work with them inspires me greatly to this day, and I know it always will.”
“Jim Lauderdale is a consummate entertainer, a sharp dressed man as well, a terrific songwriter and a great singer."– George Strait
“He’s my favorite part of Americana music” – Ketch Secor, Old Crow Medicine Show
“He’s a man of great style, an exceptional songwriter and tremendous singer” – Elvis Costello
“Jim Lauderdale could easily be called a renaissance man. He’s a great singer, great guitar player and there’s no way you could miss his work as a songwriter.” – Ricky Skaggs
JIM LAUDERDALE AND THE GAME CHANGERS-
Sunday night Honky Tonk Dance
With GrassRoots favorite Jim Lauderdale at the helm, Frank Rische, Craig Smith, Jay Weaver, and Dave Racine of The Game Changers bring Nashville’s legendary Honky Tonk Tuesday’s to Culture Camp for a fantastic night of country ,two-stepping, honky tonkin’ classics and originals. A special opportunity and only seen here at Culture Camp.
JUDI MAGIER
Make a Mola, Embroidering and Sewing
Judi magier is a professional designer and artist. She is always working on a creative project in her full time studio. She works in many mediums including designing sweaters, sewing, embroidery, fabric design and paper collage. She is also the female member of The Fribush Family.
Make a Mola Molas are a style of layering colors of fabric that originate from Panama, South America, inspired by plants and animals they see around them everyday. The layers are are then cut to reveal the colors underneath in a playful design. We will make a mola using stacks of colored paper through the steps of drawing, tracing, cutting and glueing. Through these stages we’ll complete an original and colorful piece of art. Our finished pieces will proudly be on display at the end of camp.
Embroidery and Sewing Create your own design and learn how to embroider with colorful thread and sewing skills. All levels are welcome. We will create your design on a patch of fabric that can later be attached to a jacket, jeans, knapsack, instrument case, or anything else you can think of
MAGGIE MCMANNUS
Dance partner extraordinaire assisting dance workshops
Maggie’s been dancing since she could walk—ballet, modern, motown, disco and even a few seasons with a touring dance company. She was introduced to Zydeco and Cajun in 1990 and off to Louisiana she went to dance with the Creoles and Cajuns in dance halls, dives, backwaters and church halls. Thirty years later these deep ancient rhythms still move her. Once a dancer always a dancer.
ROZLYNN MENACHOF
Harmony singing
Rozlyn Menachof is an emerging artist from Rochester, NY and the backup singer and keyboardist for Maddy Walsh & The Blind Spots since the fall of 2023. She was always drawn to music from an early age and her parents fostered this passion by exposing her to many outlets for live music performance. She quickly became involved with piano and dance lessons by the age of four, as she grew up she became involved with voice lessons, musical theatre, and songwriting as well. By the age of fifteen, she was taking two weekly vocal lessons with Susanna Adams and Vicky Mejia Yepes and became involved in the Contemporary School of Music’s "I'm in the Band" Program. There she began to explore songwriting and music directing. At Berklee College of Music she studied vocal performance, songwriting, and music business.
TARA NEVINS
Songwriting
Although a college graduate trained in classical music, when Tara Nevins became captivated by the more elemental sounds of traditional music and embraced a somewhat bohemian lifestyle to follow its calling, her parents approved and supported her decision. Tara fell in love with fiddle music and turned in that direction right after college. She started going to fiddle conventions in the south where she met and became part of a movement, a community of young folks from East and West who traveled far and wide to emerge themselves in Old Time String band music. She left classic violin far behind and dove head first in to the Old Time music world, playing her fiddle and winning contests at fiddle conventions such as the Mt. Airy Fiddle Convention and Galax Fiddle Convention, in North Carolina and Virginia.
Before Donna the Buffalo, Nevins co-founded The Heartbeats, an all-female old-time band. Playing hard driving fiddle tunes and semi pop songs and arrangements, The Heartbeats stood front and center in the beginning of the all girl bands so prevalent today. Together for ten years, they still get together occasionally. Now Nevins, co founder and twenty-five year veteran of Donna the Buffalo, touring the United States, Europe and the Caribbean, sharing stages with too many artists to name but for example Jim Lauderdale, Peter Rowan, JohnPaul Jones, Levon Helm, Larry Campbell, Keller Williams, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Anders Osborne, Bill Kreutzman, Nikki Bluhm, the Wood Brothers, just to name a few, travels and lives on the road touring town to town city to city playing original songs and music penned over the years with fellow band originator Jeb Puryear. Tara has also recored two solo albums, “Mule To Ride”, and “Wood and Stone”. Tara produced Mule To Ride and Larry Campbell produced Wood and Stone both for Sugar Hill records. A multi-instrumentalist, she moves between fiddle, accordion, guitar and scrub board in Donna The Buffalo. Tara continues today playing Old Time fiddle, traveling to fiddle conventions, and writing songs for and touring with Donna The Buffalo.
Rosie Newton
Beginning Old-Time Fiddle
Rosie Newton is a passionate fiddle player, singer, and accordion player. She is influenced by the many roots traditions in America, and creates a new spin on those sounds through her various musical projects. Newton tours internationally with her musical partner Richie Stearns, in their duo, Richie and Rosie, as well as with her Zydeco band, Rose and the Bros. Newton has also toured with The Duhks, Preston Frank, Kristin Andreassen, Red Dog Run, Home Remedy, the Evil City Stringband, and The Pearly Snaps. She has recorded four CD's with her duo projects: The Pearly Snaps, self titled, in 2010, Tractor Beam, 2013 and Nowhere in Time, 2017 with Richie and Rosie, and Home Remedy self titled, with Lydia Garrison in 2018. Newton also put out a CD with Red Dog Run in 2015 and Rose and the Bros self titled CD in 2019. Her fiddling and singing can be found on the Duhks record, Beyond the Blue, the Western Centuries recording Weight of the World, Chas Justus' solo album Straight Ahead, and the Okee Dokee Brothers' various grammy nominated children's records, among many others. Newton has been called upon to produce string arrangements and vocal harmonies in recording projects. She has taught fiddle at workshops around the world, at Sunshine Coast School of Celtic music, the Taylor Music Festival and the Black Pot Camp. She has appeared at major US music festivals; Rhythm & Roots, Rocky Grass, Newport Folk Festival, Philadelphia Folk Festival, MerleFest, and DelFest, sharing a stage with Natalie Merchant, Chris Eldridge (Punch Brothers), Jefferson Hamer (Anaïs Mitchell/Child Ballads), Pete Seeger, and the Mammals.
Angelo peters Paradiso
Developing Groove, The Art of Recording and Making Records
Angelo Peters Paradiso is a multi-instrumentalist, producer and artist of many mediums.
He has founded and led many groups including Big Mean Sound Machine and New Planets, and Has been seen with Donna the Buffalo, Rose and the Bros, Dom Martyr and many more. In 2018 he opened Black Bear Recording, a recording studio he designed and built in Ithaca, NY.
Angelo received an Anthropology/Musicology degree in 2010 from Ithaca College, giving him a unique perspective on recording and being a touring musician.
MELEAH PESCINI
Mixed Media Explorations
Meleah Pescini is a multimedia visual artist and poet with influence and inspiration rooted in nature and femininity. Her creations border on the edge of surrealism while embodying the natural rhythms of earthly motions. In relation to Pescini’s reverence for nature, she is committed to upcycling and reusing resources, from repurposing canvases found at thrift stores to reworking used clothes and forgotten fabric into new pieces. Pescini’s work is an exploration of wonder, shadow, and subconscious, illuminating the blind spots of humanity as we evolve ever closer entwined with technology, an offering of an alternative perspective on “progress” as we usher in a new age of the Divine Feminine.
LORA PENDLETON
Old Time Jam
Lora has been playing and singing old time music since 1998 and gets around on banjo, bass and guitar. Lora has performed in several old time bands over the years including and most recently the River City Rippers based out of Binghamton, NY. Lora is also a singer-songwriter and relocated to Trumansburg, NY from Asheville,NC in 2011. Her songs have a definitive folk rock flavor and are mixed w a little bit country and a little bit rock n roll. Lora’s solo album Waiting For Light released in 2019
PRENDS COURAGE
Cajun Dance
In the heart of Lafayette, where Cajun spirit meets creative fervor, Prends Courage was born. This dynamic band is a testament to the power of music to transcend time and circumstance, inspired by the passing of Christopher Stafford and the enduring legacy of Feufollet’s “Prends Courage”.
With a sonic tapestry woven from the threads of tradition and innovation, Prends Courage conjures the essence of Cajun music's past, present, and future. Jamie Lynn Fontenot’s guitar and vocals, Luke Huval’s accordion and angelic vocals, Elise Riley’s drums, Jo Vidrine's bass, and Kelli Jones’s fiddle and vocals blend in a joyful celebration of life, love, and resilience.
As they take the stage, Prends Courage embodies the joie de vivre that defines their heritage, inviting all to join in the dance, the song, and enthusiasm that flows from their very being. Prends Courage shines bright, a beacon of light and laughter, reminding us all to prends courage – take heart – and let the music set us free.
AMY PURYEAR
SingSong, Songwriting
Amy Puryear is a singer, songwriter and children's music teacher in the beloved town of Trumansburg, NY. She received a Bachelor's Degree in Vocal Music Education from Ithaca College in 1996 and has shared songs in the classroom and on the stage ever since. These days Amy sings w/ her new band, Mama Look!, a trio full of harmony, love & resilience. She also teaches SingSong Music Classes to children, focusing on simple yet uplifting songs in several languages. COMMUNITY + JOY are at the core of Amy's musical offerings, especially during such trying times as we are in… MUSIC can be a powerful source of unity, healing, revolution & magic!
JEB PURYEAR
Guitar, The Art of Reading Your Musical Partner, Songwriting, Main street, Side paths, and Detours: the Journey of a Song
Jeb grew up in Brooktondale, NY surrounded by music of all kinds. Most prominent was Old-Time Stringband music. Influenced by The Correction Stringband and The Highwoods Stringband, Jeb learned to play the fiddle at a very young age. His brothers learned to play banjo, guitar and mandolin and together they formed The Bubba George Stringband. Traveling to fiddle festivals in the south Jeb met Tara Nevins and Jim Miller, fellow Old -Time Stringband musicians. As time and years would have it the relationship between them all led to an evolution in to new territory- electric music and songwriting. Jeb took up the electric guitar, teaching himself and developing his unique style in which he plays and grooves, picks and jams with his fingers, without the use of a pick. He and Tara started writing songs and it was then that Donna The Buffalo was born. Here now 25 years later Donna The Buffalo has become a major force in the world of Americana Music. Touring the United States, Europe, and the Caribbean, Donna The Buffalo has shared stages with an endless list of artists such as Peter Rowan, Jim Lauderdale, The Wood Brothers, The Duhks, The Avett Brothers, Emmy Lou Harris, Merle Haggard, Rickie Lee Jones, Los Lobos, John Paul Jones, Bela Fleck, Tommy Emanuel, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings, Anders Osborne to name only a few.
ELISE RILEY
Cajun Rhythm Section, Cajun and Zydeco Drumming (the difference between them), Triangle, Cajun French Song, Le Chanson de Mardi Gras
Born and raised in Lafayette, Louisiana, Elise Riley was surrounded by the vibrant sounds of Cajun music from birth. With music running through her veins, courtesy of her father, Steve Riley, and brother, Chris Stafford, Elise was destined to follow in their footsteps. She began her musical journey at a young age, nurtured by the rich cultural heritage of her hometown. As she honed her skills as a talented drummer, Elise’s passion for music intensified. Today, she proudly co-leads her own band, Chere Elise, based in Lafayette. She also plays drums for Prends Courage. With her infectious energy and dedication to her craft, Elise continues to make her mark on the music scene, blending tradition with innovation.
HANK ROBERTS
Intermediate/Advanced Cello, The Art of Reading Your Musical Partner
Over his five-decade career, Hank Roberts has forged a compelling original voice as a cellist, vocalist and composer, encompassing Jazz influences, abstract improvisation, soulful folk melodies, intricate New-Music compositions and vigorous rock songs. He is considered a major innovator as a cellist.
RIC ROBERTSON
Mandolin, Songwriting, Keyboards for Song Back Up
Ric Robertson is a generational songwriter, singer, and multi-instrumentalist cut from the fabric of great American music of all kinds. He has the rare ability to deliver his authentic self on stage each night, and his personality and wisdom shines through, both in his songs and any music he chooses to deliver. His music video work has also been regarded highly for its unique playfulness and psychedelic profundity, working in various mediums ranging from stop-motion animation to puppetry. Ric Robertson is the musician’s musician, as testified by the fact that he’s continuously in-demand as a touring bandmate, having played and recorded with The Wood Brothers, Rhiannon Giddens, Lucius, Sierra Ferrell, Sarah Jarosz, Sam Grisman Project, Donna The Buffalo, Dirk Powell, and countless others. Ric’s brand new album, “Choices and Chains” will be fully released in fall of 2024, as he continues to perform across the US both solo and with his band.
SALLY BABY’S SILVER DOLLARS
New Orleans Night Dance
You could draw thousands of lines on a map of America that preceded the beginnings of Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars; strands that zig zag across the earth from New York to San Francisco to Standing Rock. Yet each line inevitably leads back to one place- New Orleans.
Sal Geloso has been living and playing music in New Orleans for over 17 years, and his music echoes through the street corners to the coffee shops, bar rooms and fire lit swamps. Sal’s songbook is a rich aural tradition that traces a history of friendships, love and loss, and embodies the boldness of living a life that puts art at the complete forefront of existence.
Sally Baby is backed by his Silver Dollars, a band comprised of collaborators and friends who are all in demand musicians in and outside of New Orleans. They each bring an area of expertise that breathes further life into Sal’s music, fleshing out the influences of Early Jazz, New Orleans RnB and Brass Band music. They are: Zach Serlet (Bass), Jesse Armeding (drums, Steve Detroy, (Keys), Nathan Wolman (trumpet), Oliver Tuttle (Trombone) and James Beaumont (saxophone). Together the band placed silver in the 2024 Tiny Desk Competition with their video for the song ‘I’ve Got No More Tears Left To Cry’, and the song was featured on NPR’s national show ‘Morning Edition’, along with an interview with Sal.
Along with national recognition, Sally Baby has had a surge of local popularity, with upcoming shows at both French Quarter Festival, and the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage festival. The band will also be touring extensively in the summer, with notable Shows at High Sierra Music festival and the Oregon County Fair, alongside double bills with The California Honeydrops.
