Madrona Fest isn’t just about listening—it’s about joining in. Here’s the schedule:

12:00 PM – Music Workshop (Guitar, Fiddle & Banjo Together)

Old-Time focus, beginner-friendly, all levels welcome

Unlike most lessons that separate instruments, our workshop brings guitar, fiddle, and banjo players together in one circle. The goal is to learn how the instruments fit with one another—how the banjo drives the rhythm, how the fiddle carries the melody, and how the guitar ties it all together. By playing side by side, you’ll not only pick up essential skills on your instrument, but also discover how to really play with others.

The focus of this jam is old-time music—communal, ear-based, and rooted in the Afro-Anglo-Celtic traditions of barns, kitchens, and dance circles. But the lessons carry over naturally to bluegrass, giving musicians the timing, repertoire, and listening skills they need to shine in a jam or on stage.

1:00 PM – Old-Time Jam

Instructor-led, slow-paced, all instruments welcome

At 1:00 PM, the workshop flows into a relaxed, slow jam guided by the instructors. This is where everything comes alive—everyone playing together, trading tunes, and experiencing the joy of shared music-making.

Bring your instrument, pull up a chair, and join the circle.