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Be inspired at SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival


16 May 24
by Nathon Jones

Good Guy Hank leading a workshop in 2023

On Saturday 18th May from 12noon, there are a feast of workshops to choose from! Acoustic Guitar with Timmy Allan and Scott McPherson, Mandolin with Willem McKee, Upright Bass with Christopher Quinn, Fiddle Workshop with Roo Geddes and Group Workshop with The Often Herd!

Are you a musician looking to improve your playing technique, or get some tips and advice on playing styles, practicing, theory?  Perhaps you've never played bluegrass music before and would like to learn more about it?

You'll learn from some of the best musicians on the scene in the relaxed and welcoming surrounding of The Vault Arts Centre and Festival Marquee.

Workshops are free for under 25s, £10 for everyone else or free for Weekend Pass holders!

Times and details are as follows:

Saturday 18th May 2024

12noon – The Vault Arts Centre
Guitar Workshop – Timmy Allan
Mandolin Workshop – Willem McKee

12noon – Festival Marquee
Upright Bass - Christopher Quinn

1pm – The Vault Arts Centre
Fiddle Workshop – Roo Geddes
Guitar Workshop – Scott McPherson

3pm - Festival Marquee
Group Workshop – The Often Herd
The Often Herd deliver a group workshop where the band talk about how to effectively play in a bluegrass ensemble, supporting each other and shining in your solos. They will teach participants a song, the melody (vocals and instruments) and chords, and lead some 3-part harmonies. This will be followed by a short Q&A.

In Other News


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Multi award winning Scottish folk band RURA and new kids on the block KICK have just been confirmed as performing at this year's Summer Trad Festival over the 10th-12th July 2026. WOW! There's still time to save BIG with a Weekend Pass, but you'll have hurry as that offer expires at 6pm!  

10 Jun 26
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Last chance to save with a Weekend Pass for Summer Trad Festival 2026 - extended to 6pm!

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9 Jun 26
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World-class bluegrass festival returns to Newton Stewart over 15-17 May 2026!

SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival celebrates is 5th year in 2026, bringing the very best in UK and International bluegrass/Americana/old-time music to you with concerts, workshops, open mic and pickin' sessions all weekend, LIVE in the Festival Marquee and The Vault Arts Centre in beautiful Galloway.  

7 May 26
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Trad Music Trust

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 13th year over 10th-12th July 2026. It's an incredible achievement. The charity has created a viable, sustainable, event that continues to grow and develop, proudly celebrating the very best in traditional Scottish, Irish and World music. Make sure you book early for what is shaping up to be the biggest event yet!

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