Workshops
The 77th Original Ozark Folk Festival would like to invite you to
the Main Stage Creative Community Center for two days of
workshops during the festival. Just down the street from the
Auditorium at 67 North Main St. this venue will host music,
workshops, and a historic photo exhibition.
Fingerpicking Workshop
with Richard Gilewitz at Main Stage
Friday, September 6th 12:00pm
For nearly four decades, American fingerstyle wizard Richard Gilewitz has fascinated listeners with 6 and 12-string finger gymnastics while spinning enchanting yarns of a seasoned raconteur. His concert performances around the world spill over with unexpected turns of the funnies, thought-provoking takes on life on the road, and tunes that propel the audience on a magical journey of sight and sound. In addition to his concert performances, his GillaCamp Guitar and Ukulele Workshops, Meet the Artist Seminars, Clinics, and Avenues for Success educational program for schools inspire players worldwide, providing opportunities for music lovers to work on their craft and young players to learn fingerstyle techniques and tips of the trade.
Flatpicking Workshop
with Tim May at Main Stage
Friday, September 6th 1:00pm
Flatpicker Tim May has been working in the Nashville area for over 20 years as a sideman, session player, band member and performer. Higher profile projects have included touring with Patty Loveless and John Cowan, and working as a regular on the Grand Ole Opry with Mike Snider. Tim was the solo guitarist on Charlie Daniels’ recording of I’ll Fly Away, which was nominated for the Best Country Instrumental Performance Grammy in 2005,Tim is co-author of the eight volume course 'Flatpicking Essentials', The Guitar Player's Practical Guide to Scales and Arpeggios, The Mandolin Player's Practical Guide to Scales and Arpeggios, The Flatpicker's Guide to Old Time Music, and the Flatpicker's Guide to Irish Music. He has taught regularly at Camp Bluegrass, Kaufman Kamp, Colorado Roots Music Camp, Nashcamp, and the Swannanoa Gathering.
.png)
.png)
Mandolin Workshop
with Tim May at Main Stage
Friday, September 6th 2:00pm
Tim May who has taught regularly at Camp Bluegrass, Kaufman Kamp, Colorado Roots Music Camp, Nashcamp, and the Swannanoa Gathering is coming to the Ozark Folk Festival! This workshop is designed to cater to participants of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced players. Whether you're just starting out or looking to enhance your mandolin skills, don't miss this incredible opportunity to learn from Tim May and take your mandolin playing to the next level at the Ozark Folk Festival!
Ukulele Workshop
with Richard Gilewitz at Main Stage
Friday, September 6th 4:00pm
Don't miss out on the fantastic opportunity to attend Richard Gilewitz's Ukulele workshop at the Ozark Folk Festival! A master of fingerstyle guitar, Richard brings his expertise and passion to the ukulele, offering a unique and engaging workshop experience. Known for his captivating storytelling and intricate finger gymnastics, Richard will guide participants through the fundamentals of ukulele playing, covering essential techniques, chord progressions, and strumming patterns. Whether you're a beginner or already have some experience with the ukulele, this workshop is perfect for anyone looking to enhance their skills and delve into the world of this beloved instrument. Take part in this incredible workshop by Richard Gilewitz and unlock your full ukulele potential at the Ozark Folk Festival!
.png)
Evening Concert
with Tim May & Richard Gilewitz - Main Stage
Friday, September 6th 6:00pm
After bonding over your workshops throughout the day, join Tim and Richard for an early evening concert at the Main Stage Creative Community Center on both Friday night at 6PM and Saturday night at 5PM. Additionally, on Saturday at 2:15 PM, they will be treating attendees to another exceptional show at the Basin Park Bandshell. Don't miss out on these incredible performances by Richard Gilewitz and Tim May as they showcase their talent and love for folk music. Join them at the Main Stage Creative Community Center and the Basin Park Bandshell for an unforgettable evening of live music.
Folk Rocks Workshop
with Keith Symanowitz
The Auditorium Lower Level
Saturday, September 7th 11:00am
Learn the basics of playing spoons, washboard, & bones during this hands-on workshop designed for first-time players. Whether you have some musical ability (or none at all), you’ll enjoy playing simple rhythms and learning about historic rhythm instruments used in the Ozarks like pickin’ bow and Jew’s harp. The instructor, Keith Symanowitz, is an acclaimed percussionist, clogger, and park interpreter at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Ark., where he teaches rhythm instruments to students of all ages and abilities. Instruments will be provided and on-lookers are welcome!
Learn How to Jig Dance – Ozarks Style
with Keith Symanowitz
The Auditorium Lower Level
Saturday, September 7th 12:30pm
Earn your jig dancing certificate during this fun, interactive class designed for the absolute beginner! Whether you’re an experienced dancer (or just a curious on-looker), you’ll enjoy learning the rich tradition of freestyle dance and simple steps passed down for generations in the Ozarks and Southern Appalachian Mountains. The class’ instructor, Keith Symanowitz, is the 2023 Ozark Jig Dancing Champion and a park interpreter at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, Ark., where he teaches dancers of all ages and abilities. You may recognize Keith from his performance with Old Crow Medicine Show at The Auditorium in Eureka Springs earlier this year.