Stories of the Blues
A series of classes exploring various facets of blues history, using recordings, live demonstrations and discussion. Subjects will include the roots of blues music, the relationship of blues and gospel, women in the blues, and a general historical overview of the field.

Rhythmic Trickeration: African and Caribbean Cousins of the Blues:
For experienced fingerpickers, this class explores how to expand beyond the alternating bass and 4/4 rhythms. We will learn pieces by the Bahamian master Joseph Spence and by Africa’s most influential acoustic guitarist, the Congolese legend Jean-Bosco Mwenda, as well as exploring New Orleans guitar and piano styles and the double-thumbing and rhythmic intricacies of Blind Blake. The idea is to break old habits, explore new ways of using your thumb and learn to play different rhythms, from waltzes to Latin and New Orleans rumbas.