JD Wilkes wit
Kentucky Colonel J.D. Wilkes — frontman of the Legendary Shack Shakers — has studied with some of the most notable Kentucky old-time music masters over his 25+ years as an artist. He will share with you a short history of Kentucky old-time music, anecdotes from his apprenticeships, and most importantly, a number of techniques he learned from these masters. His focus on basic technique of a variety of harmonica and banjo picking styles is suitable for beginners as well as more advanced players. Also included will be a discussion of gear options, from harmonica microphones to amplifying banjo, and how amplification choices may effect performance outcomes. At the end of the workshop, you will have experience with banjo picking styles ranging from clawhammer to thumblead, as well as the harmonica techniques of cross, straight & slant.