
Alabama Folk School
Upcoming Workshops & Events
From Scratch 2023
March 3, 2023 - March 5, 2023
A workshop weekend for true beginners. If you’re interested in learning a new instrument or art form, this is the weekend for you. Come learn with us in a beautiful and encouraging environment!
Confirmed Classes:
- Banjo - Herb Trotman $210.00
- Fiddle - Becky Buller $210.00
- Guitar - Ben Ayers $210.00
- Mandolin - Jason Bailey $210.00
- Ukulele - Jamie Finley $210.00
- Preserves & Ferments - Sarah Ward & Lindsay Whiteaker $230.00
- Foraging & Tinctures - Cameron Strouss $230.00
Bluegrass & Gee's Bend 2023
April 20, 2023 4pm - April 23, 2023 1pm
One of our most popular workshops is back with great bluegrass music classes and Gee's Bend quilting. This four-day workshop provides a truly immersive experience with a fun and enthusiastic community of musicians and artists. This year join us for bluegrass music classes, famed Gee's Bend quilting with Mary Ann Pettway and China Pettway, and more!
- Banjo I - Herb Trotman
- Banjo II - Scott Anderson
- Fiddle I - Robbi Podrug
- Fiddle II - Christian Ward
- Mandolin I - Jason Bailey
- Mandolin II - Mike Compton
- Guitar I - Allen Tolbert
- Guitar II - Kenny Smith
- Vocals - Stephen Mougin
- Dobro - Roman Locklear
- Gee's Bend Quilting - Mary Ann Pettway & China Pettway
- Blacksmithing with Brady Jackson
Youth Folk Camp
July 28, 2023 - July 31, 2023
Join us for Youth Folk Camp - our only Alabama Folk School workshop designed just for teens. Youth Folk Camp is a unique combination of summer overnight camp and folk school instruction in music, art, farming, and more! Campers choose one major and minor class for the session, all taught by expert musicians and artists.
- Ages: rising 5th - 12th graders
- Cost: $400 (need based scholarships are available)
- REGISTRATION OPEN NOW!
2023 Major and Minor Choices:
September Sampler 2023
September 2, 2023 9am
Join us Labor Day Weekend for a sample of all the Alabama Folk School has to offer. Sign up for one of our day classes for an immersive experience or choose a demonstration pass to experience live music, teacher demonstrations in baking, pottery, dancing, and more! Options available for lodging and meals throughout the weekend.
Registration opens spring of 2023.
Old-Time & Gee's Bend 2023
October 12, 2023 - October 15, 2023
Quilters, cooks, and blacksmiths pursue their work in an encouraging atmosphere while music students fully immerse themselves in old-time classes, their days and nights filled with instruction from master musicians, jam sessions, and an instructor concert. Afternoon mini classes give all participants a chance to take part in learning something totally new. With more than 1,140 acres of forest consisting of breathtaking canyons, waterfalls, miles of hiking trails, and glistening streams, there’s plenty of exploring to do during your free time. Take a hike, go canoeing, or pick a porch and rocking chair to relax.
Registration Opens January 2023
Creatives Retreat 2023
November 9, 2023 - November 12, 2023
Bring your personal projects and join us for a long weekend of focused time to create. We'll provide all your meals, access to wifi, nature trails, quiet space to work and rest, and evening refreshments.
Registration opens summer of 2023.
"I've been to the Folk School Old Time week for 2 or three years. Wonderful experience in a beautiful setting. I'll come again as soon as my shoulders allow me to fiddle. Great instruction." - Mary Brugh, Facebook Review