White Springs FL: Stephen Foster Old Time Music Weekend

This annual three day event celebrating old time music is held at the Stephen Foster Folk Cultural Center State Park.  This year the event was September 11, 12, 13, 2015.  As always, the weekend was sponsored by the Stephen Foster CSO (Citizen Support Organization)

The official poster
I won a signed copy in the silent auction!

Just in case you were wondering...  yes, we did volunteer again this year.  Bill provided sound support while I worked in the merchandise area with a friend Debbie.  Debbie and I first became acquainted through our interest in the folk/lever harp, perhaps fifteen years ago.

Debbie at the sales table
Silent Auction items in the background

The Stephen Foster Old Time Music Weekend is an opportunity for musicians to further their study in old time music techniques on the banjo, guitar, fiddle, and voice.

Banjo Practice

During the weekend you can attend in-depth instruction from well known and accepted old-time music professionals.  Much to my disappointment my fiddle was in the repair shop which meant I couldn't take classes from one of my favorite fiddlers, Beverly Smith. However, this let me focus on the banjo and guitar.  Sitting in on a guitar classes with John Grimm and Stephen Hodges greatly improved both my understanding and proficiency on the guitar.

Guitar Class with John Grimm
This class was an eyeopener for me

Then there was also time for a couple of banjo classes so I selected a great class with 

Cathy Fink, a workshop with Cathy Fink and Chuck Levy, and Sunday a wonderful study in D tuning with Bob Lanham.

My turn to practice
on the Michael Coleman Banjo

Popular Saturday afternoon classes are individual instruction and the string band class.  In String Band, the participants are divided into bands and then given an hour to perfect a tune for a performance.  They are not left to their own devices as each group has an instructor (or two) to guide them in perfecting the tune.  It is always amazing how quickly individuals who have never played together can create a performance ready tune.  The student concert is one of my favorite activities.

String band class
Led by Steve Hodges

Speaking of concerts, there are formal concerts on both evenings; Friday evening is the Florida Masters Concert and Saturday evening is the Instructor’s Showcase.  This year our good friends Ron and Carol Whister were the featured Florida Masters and provided a wonderful set.  They were followed by Florida artists Asha Ivy, Steve Hodges, and Chuck Levy.  The Saturday concert featured Cathy Fink (solo) and Beverly Smith and John Grimm.  I was so impressed with Cathy's solo performance which is rare in old-time music but she captivated us with the banjo and the uke. 

 

Class Picture
Bill Messer, far right with guitar

As always, it was a fun weekend and well worth the time and expense.  I am looking forward to the 2016 Stephen Foster Old Time Music Weekend.