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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


Vote for Summer Trad Festival and The Vault Arts Centre

If you've enjoyed any of the events, festivals and/or tuition at The Vault Arts Centre this year, please drop us a wee vote for this year's MG ALBA Scots Trad Music Awards. Event of the Year? Venue of the Year? Tutor of the Year? Please vote, and share, and let's grab an award for Galloway!  

18 Oct 25
Nathon Jones

Full steam ahead for Autumn Trad Festival 2025

What a wonderful community of musicians, music lovers and supporters of arts and culture in Dumfries & Galloway we have! Tickets have been flying out the door for the 5th annual Autumn Trad Festival which will take place over 17th & 18th October featuring Tarran (Trio) and Swinging on Birches.  

14 Oct 25
Nathon Jones

Autumn Trad Festival 2025 update

Despite best efforts to promote this year's Autumn Trad Festival - an event that champions young people in traditional music and which was due to celebrate its 5th annual event this year - a lack of funding and poor ticket sales may see the event cancelled.  

9 Oct 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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