4:00 pm
Arrival
Grounds Open for Campsite Load-In
6:00 – 7:30 pm
Dinner
Dinner with Instructor Introductions and Short Performances
Barn
7:30 – 8:30 pm
Full Group Session
Full Group Intro to African Dance with Jali Kunda
Sundial
8:30 – 10:30 pm
Evening
Open Campfire Jams
7:30 – 8:30 am
Breakfast
Continental Breakfast
9:00 – 10:15 am
Workshop Session 1
Choose One
Jess Baldessero: Music for Littles and Caregivers
Folk-rooted music, dance and play party games for the littlest attendees (6 and under) and their caregivers in English and Spanish.
Quonset Hut
Jali Kunda: West African Drumming
Introduction to traditional rhythms, technique, and cultural significance.
Sundial
Rafael Vera: Visual Art Experience
Join our artist in residence for a unique visual art experience designed specifically for Roots Weekend.
Meet at the Barn
10:45 am – 12:00 pm
Workshop Session 2
Choose One
Sharon Bladholm: Seeing Seeds
A hands-on drawing and watercolor workshop focused on the importance of seeds. While making art, we will discuss issues regarding loss of seed diversity, seed structure, dispersal, and the importance of seed banks in ecological restoration.
Quonset Hut
Jonas Friddle: Intro to Jug Band Blues
Get started on America's "happiest music." This early form of Blues is known for being approachable and satisfying to play. It also uses homemade instruments like Spoons, Washboards and Bucket Basses. All instruments welcome and homemade instruments provided.
Pavilion
Marlyn Barrera-Carrera: Intro to Mariachi
Get acquainted with this traditional genre from Mexico. All string instruments and beginners are welcome.
12:00 – 1:00 pm
Lunch
Loaded Baked Potato Bar
1:00 – 2:00 pm
Instructor Performances
Jonas Friddle and Marlyn Barrera-Carrera
Barn
2:30 – 3:45 pm
Workshop Session 3
Choose One
Jali Kunda: West African Drumming
Introduction to traditional rhythms, technique, and cultural significance.
Sundial
Jess Baldessero: Basics of Improvisation for Fiddlers
Ideal for fiddlers in old time or folk-adjacent genres who are comfortable with basic technique and have a working repertoire, but are newer to improvisation. Bring your instrument and be ready to experiment, take risks, and have fun making music in the moment. Many concepts apply across instruments and genres, so all are welcome.
Quonset Hut
Rafael Vera: Visual Art Experience
Join our artist in residence for a unique visual art experience designed specifically for Roots Weekend.
Meet at the Barn
4:00 – 5:15 pm
Workshop Session 4
Choose One
Marlyn Barrera-Carrera: Intermediate Mariachi
For those with intermediate instrument skills looking to build on what they already know. No previous Mariachi-specific experience needed.
Jonas Friddle: Last Chance Tuning
For banjo players looking to tackle the unique tuning for the tune Last Chance Blues.
Quonset Hut
5:30 – 6:30 pm
Dinner
Hot Dogs with Coleslaw and Green Bean Sides
6:45 – 7:45 pm
Evening Sessions
Choose One
Jonas and Jess: Old Time Repertoire
All instruments are welcome for this session. Learn a couple of old time tunes to have in your pocket at jams.
Quonset Hut
Marlyn Barrera-Carrera: Intro to Mariachi
Get acquainted with this traditional genre from Mexico. All string instruments and beginners are welcome.
Rafael Vera: Visual Art Experience
Join our artist in residence for a unique visual art experience designed specifically for Roots Weekend.
Meet at the Barn
8:00 – 9:00 pm
Instructor Performances
Jess Baldessero and Jali Kunda
Barn
9:15 – 11:00 pm
Late Night
Late Night Campfire and S'more Jam Sessions
7:30 – 9:00 am
Breakfast
Chilaquiles Culinary Workshop and Breakfast
Held in the main kitchen. Learn to make chilaquiles, a traditional Mexican breakfast made in homes, in markets and in the finest restaurants. The workshop leads into breakfast starting at 8:15am. Adults only workshop, 25 participants max. Jam stations open for youth and non-cooks.
9:30 – 10:30 am
Workshop Session 5: Final Full Group Jam
Pick a Jam Group
Group 1: Jess Baldessero with Jali Kunda
Explore ways to bring our various styles together.
Barn
Group 2: Jonas Friddle with Marlyn Barrera-Carrera
Explore ways to bring our various styles together.
Quonset Hut
11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Farewell
Campsite Breakdown and Lunch