WORKSHOPS

This year our three Workshops build upon each other. Attendance at any one or all three will enhance your ability to both express and enjoy the Blues as either a player or listener while you learn a few of the “tricks of the trade.”

 

All workshops at the Blues Tent will focus on the player and/or listener having fun through a better understanding of Blues music. These workshops are suitable for both professional and amateur players, and even Blues appreciators who just love to listen to the Blues.

 

As always, our workshop presenter, Chris Stevens will provide handouts so you can take information home with you and put your fingers on the frets you need to play the Blues You Brew.

BLUES YOU BREW

Learn how to play the Blues. Bring your brain. And don't forget your fingers!

Workshop #1

Location: The BluesTent
Time: 2pm

BIRTH OF THE BLUES

Includes an interactive discussion of the very beginning of the genre as it evolved from African music brought to the Americas by slaves. For example, the drum beats from the Mamprusi tribe of the Congo to the bania, a banjo-like instrument played by the Senegalese.

Workshop #2

Location: The BluesTent
Time: 4pm

ACOUSTIC GUITARS EMERGE

includes an interactive exploration of how the acoustic guitar came to dominate early Blues recordings. Artists such as Blind Lemon Jefferson emerged with songs of crazy women, double-crossing lovers, and other topics of the "Blues."

Workshop #3

Location: The BluesTent
Time: 5pm

ELECTRIC GUITARS IN CHICAGO

includes an interactive discussion and demonstration of how the acoustic Blues of artists such as "Big" Bill Broonzy evolved into the Electric Blues of McKinley "Muddy Waters" Morganfield, Otis Rush, Chester "Howlin Wolf" Burnett, that helped lead to Rock n' Roll.