2026 BOTMC workshops
workshop schedule IN PROGRESS
SUBJECT TO CHANGE
all times are pacific DAYLIGHT time.
INSTRUMENT WORKSHOPS
Instructional instrument workshops will take place on
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Thurs. 4:00 to 5:00 at La Peña Cultural Center, 3105 Shattuck Ave Berkeley
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Fri. 4:00 to 5:00 at the Freight, 2020 Addison, Berkeley
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Sun. from 11:00 am to 12:00 pm, and from 12:30 til 1:30 pm (two slots) at Ashkenaz, 1317 San Pablo Ave Berkeley.
There is NO PRE-REGISTRATION. You are welcome to arrive up to 30 minutes before start time.
WORKSHOP FEES: sliding scale - pay what you can - nobody turned away for lack of funds. Cash is preferred. If you wish to pay via credit card, please come at least 20 minutes before start time, to allow time for processing. Suggested donation: $25 per workshop. If you can pay more, that will help offset those folks who can't afford the full fee.
All material will be taught by ear. Audio and video recordings are encouraged with the caveat that such recordings are made for personal use only, and do not appear on anywhere on the Internet, including social media such as Facebook or YouTube.
Music workshops are 60 minutes long.
Fiddle Workshops:
Elliot Kennedy - Southwest Fiddle - La Peña Thurs 4pm
Stephanie Coleman - Freight Friday 4pm
Greg Canote - Ashkenaz Sunday 11am
Joseph Decosimo - Ashkenaz Sunday 12:30pm
Banjo Workshops:
Classic Banjo - Ethan Francis - La Peña Thurs 4pm
2 finger banjo - Joseph Decosimo - Freight Friday 4pm
Guitar Workshop:
Candra Edwards - Back Up Guitar - Ashkenaz Sunday 12:30pm
Ukulele Workshop:
Jere Canote - Freight Friday 4pm
All instruments:
Justin Robinson - How to be Rooted in Tradition - Time & location TBA
In this workshop, we will explore not only the tunes of the traditions but the context and history that birthed them. We will teach the tunes of the NC Piedmont and how they connect us to England, Germany, Mali, and Senegal. Please bring an instrument.
Workshop schedule (subject to change)
Thurs. at La Peña – 4pm - 5pm
Southwest Fiddle - Elliot Kennedy
Classic Banjo - Ethan Francis
Fri. at the Freight 4 pm-5pm
2 finger banjo - Joseph Decosimo
fiddle - Stephanie Coleman
ukelele - Jere Canote
Time & location TBA
How to be Rooted in Tradition (all instruments) - Justin Robinson
Sun. at Ashkenaz 11am – 12pm
Fiddle - Greg Canote
Sun. at Ashkenaz 12:30pm – 1:30pm
Back Up Guitar - Candra Edwards
Fiddle - Joseph Decosimo
DANCE WORKSHOPS
Deep Cut Dance for Those That Know Their Stuff - tricky squares w/ Janine
Sat. Sept 19 6pm-7pm at Ashkenaz
Clogging workshop with Evie Ladin, Sat. Sept. 19 at Ashkenaz at 7:30 - included with admission to square dance.
Panel Discussion
Black Old Time Musicians Panel discussion, moderated by Darcy Ford
Sat. Sept. 20 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am, at the Berkeley Central Library, Mystery Room (Second Floor) 2090 Kittredge. FREE ADMISSION