Hello all--

I wanted to give you an update about the Clawhammer Banjo weekend. As of now, it is going to be a one-day event, rather than a full weekend as previously publicized. Here are the full details and explanation:

5th Annual Dusty Strings Clawhammer Banjo Weekend
Has been revised!
Now one day of workshops and a concert!
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Sometimes life takes unexpected twists and turns, and this year change has hit the 5th Annual Dusty Strings Clawhammer Banjo Weekend. The nature of the times has led us to turn our planned three-day event into one action-packed day of workshops and opportunities for private lessons and jamming, all capped off with an evening concert.
We're thrilled to present two of the best old-time clawhammer banjo teachers and players—Bob Carlin and Chris Coole—to help inspire and offer skills and techniques that will lead beginning- and intermediate-level players forward in their musical adventures. Come support this local music event.


The Instructors
Bob Carlin
For over thirty years Bob Carlin has performed, lectured about, and taught the distinctive southern "clawhammer" banjo style to audiences around the world. As a solo performer, and a member of John Hartford's Stringband, Bob has appeared at countless festivals, clubs, schools, museums, and radio shows including the Philadelphia Folk Festival, Merle Fest, NPR's "Weekend Edition," and "The Grand Old Opry." His performances and teaching explore the history of the banjo and Carlin's own musical journey through West African roots and African-American banjo styles, minstrelsy of the 1840s and 1850s, Southern "old-time" banjo playing, and John Hartford's music. Bob has worked on over fifty different albums, participated in two GRAMMY®-nominated recordings, produced banjo instructional manuals and DVDs, and authored books, magazine articles, and CD notes about the banjo and old-time music. www.bobcarlinmusic.com

Chris Coole
Chris Coole's unique style of clawhammer banjo playing began to reach a wide audience with his CDs, Five Strings Attached With No Backing in 1997 and Five Strings Attached, Vol. 2 in 2000. His sparse, well-played arrangements of traditional tunes and creative originals struck a chord with old-time music fans worldwide. Chris was featured on Rounder Records' Old-Time Banjo Festival CD and he can be heard as a sideman on over fifty CDs by Canadian artists. He has taught at workshops across Canada and the U.S., including The Augusta Heritage Centre, Midwest Banjo Camp, and the British Columbia Bluegrass Workshop, and has produced a Woodhall Music instructional DVD The Elements of Clawhammer Banjo. www.chriscoole.com


The Workshops
Bob Carlin and Chris Coole will each teach one beginning workshop and one workshop for advanced beginner and intermediates. This provides students at each level the opportunity to learn from two of the best and benefit from the different perspectives offered by each instructor. Take two workshops and receive a special discount price that includes a concert ticket.

Saturday, May 2, 2009: 10:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Getting Started with Banjo I
Bob Carlin
For new beginners and players that want to review the first steps. Get started by learning basic right- and left-hand clawhammer banjo techniques. You'll be playing a tune by the end of the session.

The Five "T"s & a "P"—Tone, Time, Touch, Technique, Tuning, & Practice
Chris Coole
For advanced beginners and intermediate players. Learn about the "Five T's and a P"—Tone, Time, Touch, Technique, Tuning, and Practice—that can make or break your playing. Also, focus on how to practice on your own to develop these skills and prepare for ensemble playing.


Saturday, May 2, 2009: 2:00 - 4:00 p.m.

Getting Started II: Beyond Boom-Chuck
Chris Coole
Beginners continue working on basic right- and left-hand clawhammer banjo techniques and learn the what, how, why, and when of double thumbing (double noting) and drop thumbing.

Freedom from Tablature
Bob Carlin
Advanced beginning and intermediate players get used to chording, simple bass runs, and more to accompany singing with the banjo, while learning songs from the Ozarks and Appalachians. Break away from the written page and play!


Private Lessons
Opportunities for private lessons with Bob Carlin and Chris Coole will be available on a first-come, first-served basis during free times on Sat., May 2 and possibly at other times over the extended weekend. Private lesson slots fill quickly, so please contact Dusty Strings if you are interested in signing up for private lessons.

Jamming
On Saturday, May 2, from 4:14 - 5:45 p.m., Dusty Strings' normally scheduled Saturday Jam will be an old-time jam, led by members of Seattle's Atlas Stringband. Everyone is welcome and there is no advance sign-up needed. A $5 donation is suggested to support the jam session leaders.

Saturday Evening Concert, May 2, 2009
Bob Carlin and Chris Coole will perform in Concert at Dusty Strings at 7:30 p.m.

For more information, to sign up or to purchase concert tickets, give us a call at (206) 634-1662. Full pricing details are available by phone or at our website.

Thanks to all!

Cheers,

Molly