Calling all Songmakers! In response to the layout at King Gillette Ranch, we are changing our TBFC strategy this year. Rather than counting on passers-by to join in with songleaders as we’ve done in the past, we will provide workshops and themed song circles to give festival goers a reason to come check us out and join in the fun.  

Come support Songmakers and Topanga Banjo Fiddle Contest and Festival by participating in one of our workshops and/or song circles! Bring a song, sing along, play along! Check out the list of events we have planned!

We are also looking for volunteers! Can you commit to hanging out at the Songmakers site to keep an eye on everyone’s equipment while those who plan to be there most of the day take a break from Noon-1pm. You are of course more than welcome to play, sing, jam with anyone comes by. Help set up tear down the pop-up site. You are invited to join the small crew who plans to set up pop ups, chairs, tables, etc on Saturday. We will also need help breaking “camp” on Sunday afternoon.  Many hands make light work!

10:30-11:00 a.m HOW TO STRING A 6-STRING GUITAR
At the mercy of the guitar store or your best buddy? BYO strings, or watch a demo!  Learn how to re-string your steel string guitar (and save $$) with Chuck.

11:00-Noon 3 CHORDS AND A CAPO SONG CIRCLE:      Wow your friends with 3-chord guitar songs! Use a capo to broaden your range. Learn easy play- and sing-along songs with Janice, then practice your skills in a friendly song circle. Everyone is welcome to join in the circle, even if you already have a few chords under your belt. You’ll even walk away with a handy reference card!

Noon-1:00 Break time!  We need one or more volunteers to stay at the site to watch over our gear. Many Songmakers use our site so they don’t have to carry their gear all over the grounds.

1:00-2:00 THEMED SONG CIRCLE: 50’s, 60’s, 70’s:     

You’re on! We’re on! Play, lead, or request familiar sing-along and play-along pop songs from the 50s through the 70s. Group singing is our thing. Buddy Holly, Leslie Gore, Beatles–you name it!

2:00-3:00 INTRO TO UKELELE AND SING-ALONG Come for a quick ukelele lesson, stay to strum, jam and rock out with us. Learn how to play (uke) well with others.  Already know some uke tunes?  Share with us in this uke-centric song circle. All levels welcome, but simple songs are greatly appreciated to include new players!

3:00-4:00 FOLK, ROCK, & FOLK-ROCK SONG CIRCLE  This your chance to lead or request folk, rock, and folk-rock songs from all eras. Songmakers thrive on making music together and getting everyone involved. Bob Dylan, Joan Baez, Simon & Garfunkel, CCR, CCN, Eagles, The Dead South, Rhiannon Giddens. What can you bring?

5:00-6:00 HOW TO BREAK DOWN A SITE!  Share the joy of working together to break down our site, and leave our location “better than we found it.”  All hands welcome!  High fives and gratitude included.