Old-Time Music Workshop with Vandalia

Learn, Play, Jam!

Join the talented string trio Vandalia for an immersive Old-Time music workshop on Saturday, January 25th. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned player, this hands-on session will help you deepen your understanding of the singular groove unique to Old-Time tunes.

With Dakota Karper on fiddle, Ellen Gira on cello and Gabriel Furtado on guitar, Vandalia will guide you through essential of Old-Time tunes. The workshop begins with small breakout groups, working with one of Vandalia's musicians on melody and backing. Afterward, we'll come together to play as an ensemble and experience the magic of group music-making!  

This is also a rare opportunity for cellists to learn authentic trad backing and bowing from one of the best in the business.

After the workshop, stick around for an Old-Time Jam from 7:30 PM – 10:00 PM. This informal jam is the perfect chance to practice what you've learned, share tunes, and enjoy the community spirit of Old-Time music.

Whether you're playing fiddle, banjo, guitar, or another instrument, everyone is welcome!

Reserve your spot today!
[Contact Info / Registration Details]

-=DETAILS=-


• 5:00–7:00 PM + Jam 7:30 – 10:30 


• Breakout Groups + Ensemble Play

Where:
Payton Violins - 250 N Goodman St., Rochester, NY 14607

Fee:
Suggested donation $20-$50 per person | Pay What you Can, we don't want anyone to feel like they can't attend!

BAND BIO: 

Vandalia is dedicated to exploring the depth and breadth of American String-band music. Informed by tradition, but not chained to it, the group has found a niche inside of the old-time community as well as in the wider arts world that offers audiences a forward-looking take on traditional acoustic music. Formed from a chance encounter at the 2024 Baltimore Old-Time Festival, fiddler Dakota Karper, cellist Ellen Gira and guitarist Gabriel Furtado met in a late-night afterparty jam session. 

The three musicians bring something all-their-own to the trio – West-Virginian born and raised, Dakota is steeped in the West Virginia fiddling tradition as the protege of master fiddler Joe Herrmann. A seasoned veteran of the both the D.C. and Glasgow music scenes, Ellen has made a reputation herself as one of the most versatile cellists in the trad world, adding her hallmark chop to countless ensembles and recordings, and stretching the boundaries of style with elements of the Scottish, Irish, American, Scandinavian and Canadian traditions. A classical-to-bluegrass guitar crossover, Gabriel is well known for his front-of-the-beat rhythm playing and driving pocket, heard at countless square dances, bluegrass festivals and jazz clubs in the greater Philadelphia area and beyond.

Together the trio creates a version of string-band music you can tap your foot to, or get lost in the details of the melodies. Weaving intricate fiddle and cello lines, gorgeous vocal harmonies, subtle guitar textures and exhilarating rhythmic drive, the pleasure these three musicians have creating and playing together is palpable, both in the studio and on the concert stage. 

Links:

•  Website:  Vandalia

•  Social Media:  Facebook  •  Instagram

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