Grassroots Productions, Inc.

Grassroots Productions

Grassroots Productions, Inc. is a North Carolina nonprofit organization, with application for Federally approved nonprofit status, whose purpose is to educate, motivate and instill the love of folk, gospel, and bluegrass music into all ages, young and old, through live concerts, music camps, and educational workshops. By increasing the knowledge and awareness of the musical heritage of the population it will ensure the legacy of the history of the music of the Appalachians and North Carolina.

Bluegrass has strong ties in North Carolina with some pioneers of the music being North Carolinians . Doc Watson, Raymond Fairchild and Earl Scruggs of Flatt & Scruggs are just a few who have opened the doors for so many bluegrass musicians. Opening the doors for youngsters of all ages to learn about these pioneers and others before them is the main objective of these festivals.

Classes: Classes are offered every thirty minutes throughout the morning beginning at ten o’clock and continuing until one o’clock. This will allow time for all the classes to be completed before the music begins.. Each class is twenty minutes in length. Subjects include but are not limited to:

Pioneers in Bluegrass features history of some of the legends of bluegrass who helped form the music into what it is today. Pioneers such as Bill Monroe, Lester Flatt & Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson, Ralph Stanley, Charlie Waller, Raymond Fairchild, Josh Graves, and Kenny Baker.

History of Bluegrass in North Carolina features the history of how festivals evolved in North Carolina including pictures from the oldest festival held in North Carolina.

Introduction to the Bluegrass Instruments focuses on the bluegrass instruments: acoustic guitar, banjo, fiddle, mandolin, upright bass, or dobro, how they are constructed and what part each plays in the music. Focus on the difference of bluegrass with other genres of music is also included.

Families that play together, stay together features family bands who tour together and play bluegrass. Topics such as “harmony in the household” and how to tour with a busload of kids. The Doerfel Family: Mom Cheryl, Pop Tom, and ten children will be featured in April.

Field Trips: Teachers who would like to include a day as a field trip for the students should sign up for scheduling of each class available. Each festival will have different classes and workshops so there is lots to learn and enjoy.

Summer Camps: Camps are being planned for three weeks during the summer. .The camps will be divided into age brackets of five to twelve and thirteen to eighteen for two weeks. The third week will be offered to the hearing impaired of all age groups. Classes will be offered throughout the day for each instrument and a showcase for the entire family will complete the week. Full details will be offered as soon as available.

Please visit the campground website for all the information for the festivals. These are family oriented events that the entire family can enjoy. It is important to keep the music alive for the next generation.