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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


What's on at this weekend's SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival?

Over 16th-18th May, musicians and music lovers will head to The Vault Arts Centre for a weekend of concerts, workshops and jam sessions featuring some of the very best bluegrass/Americana/old-time performing artists from Scotland, Ireland, England, Canada and the USA; and what a programme it is!  

13 May 25
Nathon Jones

Bluegrass workshops all weekend at top local festival

This year's SpringGrass Bluegrass Festival 16th-18th May 2025 gives you the chance to learn from the very best bluegrass musicians on the scene right now including Charlotte Carrivick (guitar), Evan Davies (mandolin), Eleanor Wilkie (bass), Kieran Towers (fiddle) and Eilidh Patterson (songwriting).  

12 May 25
Nathon Jones

Best Events Venue in Scotland 2025?

Huge congratulation to our colleagues and friends at the wonderful The Vault Arts Centre in Newton Stewart for reaching the finals, yet again, of the Scottish Entertainment & Hospitality Awards in the Best Events Venue category.  

19 Mar 25
Nathon Jones

Trad Music Trust

Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival will celebrate its 10th anniversary over 11th-13th July 2025. 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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