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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


MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards 2024 - Vote Now!

This year, 10 years since the very first Newton Stewart & Minnigaff Traditional Music & Dance Festival, we need your support more than ever. Despite continued funding cuts the event was still glorious, and the music absolutely mighty. Vote now to help save this vital traditional music festival!  

1 Oct 24
Nathon Jones

Outstanding sponsorship support from Five Kingdoms Brewery

Serving local produce ensures that the project supports local businesses and the local community. A huge favourite are the beers from Five Kingdoms Brewery which are brewed in Isle of Whithorn. We are hugely grateful to Alastair and his team for their very generous support for this year's festival.  

12 Jul 24
Nathon Jones

Workshops at this year's festival

With so many outstanding musicians in Newton Stewart this weekend it would be foolish not to take full advantage, and we've done just that with a superb programme of traditional music workshops which are included as part of the Weekend Pass ticket, £10 per adult or £Free for under 25s.  

11 Jul 24
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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