The workshops at Ossipee Valley are as dynamic as the main stage and hugely diverse. Workshops provide the opportunity for fans to see their favorite performers up close and personal. It is also an opportunity for instruction. Come and listen or come and play, either way the Ossipee Valley workshop experience is exciting!

Friday Workshops

12:00 - 1:00 pm  The Music of Django Reinhardt with the Belleville Outfit
The Belleville Outfit hailing from Austin, Texas, is one of the hottest young bands on the scene today. Their unique sound is a blend of American Roots, with Gypsy Jazz, and Big Band. In this workshop, the band will talk about how their music has been influenced by Gypsy Jazz legend, Django Reinhardt. Expect lots of guitar and fiddle interplay.

2:00 - 3:00 pm  Rockabilly vs. Bluegrassabilly with the Gibson Brothers and Sean Mencher
Sean Mencher has long been considered one of the finest Rockabilly musicians in the world. He and his band, the Rhythm Kings have played at Rockabilly Festivals all over the planet. For those of you who have been listening to the Gibson Brothers for the last few years - you know that they love that Rockabilly. They’ve never been known to let their Bluegrass roots stand in the way of a good song. In this workshop these two world class bands will show how they interpret the music of Carl Perkins, Ray Charles, Elvis, and others.

3:00 - 4:00 pm  Traditional Songs for Children with The Good Lovelies
In this country we honor the best in music with the Grammy Awards. In Canada, they do the same with the Juno Awards. The Good Lovelies have just been awarded the Juno Award as the best traditional band in Canada. Here’s a great chance for you and your kids to get up close and personal with some extremely talented young ladies from the North. The Good Lovelies will demonstrate some of their favorite children’s music and talk about how this music has influenced their careers.

5:00 - 6:00 pm  Children's Dance Party with Della Mae
Della Mae has taken the Bluegrass and Traditional Music world by storm this past year. This all female band is made up of some of the finest pickers and singers you will ever hear. In this workshop, they will treat you and your kids to some old fashioned, foot stompin’ Bluegrass. So grab you dancin’ shoes and your kids and get on out there! If you don’t have any kids, but have the spirit of the child within you, come and join us.

Saturday Workshops

1:00 - 2:30 pm  Fiddle Workshop with Darol Anger and Dennis Stroughmatt
Darol Anger is an American Treasure. Considered by many to be one of the finest fiddle players on the scene today. When he’s not traveling the world with his band, The Republic of Strings, he is teaching classes at the Berkley College of Music.  Dennis Stroughmatt is just as widely acclaimed in the world of Cajun Fiddling. This is a chance to learn from two genuine masters.

2:30 - 3:30 pm  Songwriting Workshop with Claire Lynch and Ted DeMille
Claire Lynch has been writing songs for many years. Along the way, she has twice been nominated for a Grammy. Her heartfelt, rootsy style has made her a big draw on the festival circuit for years. Ted DeMille has been a fixture on the New England music scene for over 20 years. He is the former frontman of Northstar, and The Oakhurst Boys, to name a few.  They both have a knack for turning out beautiful melodies. This is a great opportunity to trade ideas with two very talented people.

3:30 - 4:30 pm  Children's Songwriting Workshop with The Bagboys
This has become a yearly favorite at Ossipee Valley. The Bagboys are the funnest band we know – and they love kids!! Your child will spend an hour with the band, and in that time they will write a song together. The band does an outstanding job incorporating ideas from all the kids.  Later in the afternoon, the kids and the band will hit the mainstage to debut their work. Not to be missed!

4:30 - 5:30 pm  Slow Jam with the Packway Handle Band
Ever stand on the outside of a picking circle and not dared to jump in because you felt you weren't good enough? This workshop is for you. This is for all you beginning pickers who want to learn to play with others. The Packway Handle Band is a great bunch of guys who will gently guide you through the process. Bring you instruments and leave your fears behind. This is your chance to be a star!

 

Sunday Workshops

10:00 - 11:00 am  Workshop with the Bluegrass Gospel Project
The Bluegrass Gospel Project from Vermont have carved out unique a niche for themselves in the Bluegrass world. They excel at taking traditional Gospel as well as non traditional songs and creating gorgeous arrangements using traditional Bluegrass instrumentations. Their harmony singing will make your spirits fly. They will talk about the history of Gospel in Bluegrass and share some of their talents on arranging and harmony singing.

1:30 - 3:00 pm  Fiddle Workshop on Stage Too! with Darol Anger and Michael Cleveland
OK, it doesn’t get much better than this. For those of you who don’t know who Michael Cleveland is – we guarantee you won’t forget after this workshop. He is the 7 Time winner of the IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Award. He’s played with everyone from Dolly Parton to Emmy Lou Harris. If there is a greater Bluegrass fiddle player out there, we don’t know who it is. By combining Michael with Darol Anger and the Republic of Strings, you’ve got a workshop that features the best talent  out there. This is a hands on workshop where folks are encouraged to bring their fiddles and ask questions. For you non-fiddle players, come on by and just watch the fun.