MUSIC WORKSHOPS

SPRING 2026 WORKSHOPS

Junkyard Funk: A DIY Instrument Workshop with El Khat
The work of El Khat speaks to the nature of humanism, a trio of resilient musical renegades whose creativity persists through times of strife. This self-proclaimed junkyard band is led by multi-instrumentalist Eyal El Wahab and their sound is driven by both their Yemeni roots and their inventive new interpretations on Yemeni culture. Though the band is inspired by old Yemeni musical styles, their composition and interpretations of this sound is modernized, with their instruments built of up-cycled, reused materials. This DIY instrument workshop will showcase the principles behind each of their instruments and their ties back to tradition while driving a conversation around simplicity and creative freedom. It is part performance, part philosophy, and part invitation: come listen closely, create freely, and rediscover the joy of making music from what you already have. Front Porch Stage, 2pm Friday

An Exploration of Americana with Possum Monorail
All aboard the Possum Monorail for a tour through the wide-ranging genre of Americana music. Rooted in the musical history of the United States, Americana has taken many forms—from old-time and jug band tunes to bluegrass pickin’ and country swing—each one distinct, yet deeply connected. Join the Possum Monorail crew on the Front Porch Stage after they lead the Dance Tent Square Dance earlier in the day, and dig into the nuance of this tradition-rich music that helped lay the foundation for the GrassRoots organization. Front Porch Stage, 4pm Friday

The Sounds of New Orleans with Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars
From Second Line swingin’ to dance hall groovin’, the history of music in New Orleans is storied to say the least. Much like a musical gumbo, it’s thick with a cultural lineage informed by early jazz, blues, swing, Creole and Calypso, all of which blend together for the magical sounds of Sally Baby’s Silver Dollars. Join the band for an exploration on the evolution of New Orleans music and how they’ve drawn their own inspiration from the musical growth of the city. Be sure to stick around for a stripped down, intimate performance of some of the band’s captivating tunes on display throughout the weekend. Front Porch Stage, Saturday 12pm

Finding Your Groove: An Intro to DJ’ing with DJ Halo of the GrassRoots Vinyl Lounge
Long after the sun has set and the stages have gone dark, GrassRoots attendees gather in the quaint tent by the Meadow Stage for a late-night musical mecca: The GrassRoots Vinyl Lounge. Throughout the weekend, various DJs spin a diverse collection of vinyl records deep into the night, keeping the music flowing and the dance floor moving. Join DJ Halo of the GrassRoots Vinyl lounge for an introduction to turntablism and vinyl DJ’ing. This hands-on workshop will cover the foundational skills behind the impeccable vibes of the Vinyl Lounge. Whether you’re a fledgling DJ looking to hone your techniques, or just a curious onlooker eager to peer behind the curtain, this Vinyl Lounge workshop is not to be missed! Front Porch Stage, 4pm Saturday