2025 Music Workshops
Learn more about the music you love!
Blue Ox is pleased to present its instrument and music workshops.
Location: Potluck Pickin Place, located within the campground near Eagle camp.
*Workshops will provide a beginner level instruction. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own instrument and chair.
Campfire Jams: When music workshops aren’t happening, enjoy campfire jams hosted by The Potluck String Band.
Potluck String Band creates the perfect setting for the Blue Ox community to gather around their campfire. A place where you can meet new and old friends and pick (or listen as spectators) to music during the day or until the sun comes up. So don’t forget to bring your instruments to join in campground jam sessions. And you never know who might show up unannounced.
Thursday, June 26
12:00 PM – Songwriting with Ben Suchy (Wayne Suchy Band)
Ben has been writing songs habitually for over 30 years, sharing his music on stages across the country—including Walnut Valley Festival, Kerrville Folk Festival, and GrassRoots Festivals in New York and North Carolina, among many others. He performs his signature blend of funky folk and stomp grass as a one-man band, and also collaborates in a side project with Wayne Suchy. Ben has also written for the reggae-fusion band Jon Wayne and The Pain, most notably contributing the songs “Festival Friends” and “Nooses.” He hails from Bismarck, North Dakota, where he and his wife Kelly are raising a couple of kids—and a whole bunch of songs.
1:00 PM – Blue Ox Songbook Sing-along (Potluck String Band)
Join the jam at the Potluck Pickin’ Place with pre-selected songs. All experience levels are welcome. Lyrics and chords will be projected on a screen to easily follow along. Join in on the refrain, lead the verses of a song, lend a harmony, or play the chords on your instrument of choice. This will kick off the weekend of music and merriment just before the main stage begins.
Friday June 27
10:00 AM – Resophonic Guitar with Mule Guitars (Charlie Parr and Tony Polecastro)
Join guitarists Charlie Parr and Tony Polecastro in conversation with Mule Guitars’ builder, Matt Eich. They will be discussing the unique world of the resophonic guitar. This clinic will feature several custom built guitars to demonstrate their tonal breadth and musical versatility.
11:00 AM – Guitar with Maddie Cody (The Cody Sisters)
Maddie Cody of The Cody Sisters is a Colorado-based multi-instrumentalist. An award-winning guitarist with years of formal training in classical and jazz guitar, she brings a strong technical foundation to her bluegrass roots. Over the years, Maddie has developed a unique style and is passionate about helping others discover their own voice on the instrument.
In this workshop, she’ll share techniques to spice up bluegrass guitar rhythm, along with tips for playing in a way that supports long-term, pain-free playing so you can continue doing what you love with ease.
12:00 PM – Mandolin with Megan Cody (The Cody Sisters)
Join Megan Cody of The Cody Sisters for a mandolin workshop. A seasoned performer and educator, Megan brings years of experience in bluegrass and acoustic music to her teaching. In this workshop, you’ll explore essential mandolin techniques, insight into playing with others, and ways to incorporate mandolin into unique band arrangements. Whether you’re picking up the mandolin for the first time or looking to refine your sound, you’ll leave this session with new tools, greater confidence, and a fresh perspective on your playing.
Saturday, June 28
10:00 AM – Fiddle with Shauncey Ali (MadFiddle)
Shauncey Ali has toured, recorded and taught in the U.S, Canada, Italy, Spain and Scotland. He has won the RockyGrass fiddle contest, been featured in Fiddler Magazine and received awards for composing and teaching. Shauncey is the director of MadFiddle, a youth development program in Madison, Wisconsin.
11:00 AM – Banjo with Anthony Ihrig (The High 48s)
As both the banjo player with the award-winning High 48s Bluegrass Band and a composer of original progressive banjo music, Anthony is able to help students navigate the entire spectrum of banjo picking styles— from traditional Scruggs techniques to modern newgrass approaches. Anthony’s teaching style is both informative and entertaining with an emphasis on creating an inclusive and positive learning environment for students of all levels.
12:00 PM – Collectiva: A Women’s/Non-binary Jam (Maura Dunst of Foxgloves)
Are you tired of being the only lady at the jam? Come to Collectiva, led by Maura Dunst! Get tips on how to jam, practice improvising a solo, work on singing harmony, and generally engage in magical musical sisterhood in a lady-led environment. Bring your instrument and gather ’round. All levels welcome!