White Oak Roots Weekend 2026

4:00 pm

Grounds Open for Campsite Load-In

6:00 – 7:30 pm

🍽 Dinner

Baked Penne Pasta with Side Salad · Cookies for Dessert

Instructor introductions and short performances

Barn

7:30 – 8:30 pm

Full Group Intro to African Dance

with Jali Kunda

Sundial

8:30 – 10:30 pm

🔥 Open Campfire Jams

7:30 – 8:30 am

🥯 Continental Breakfast

Bagels with Cream Cheese and Fruit · Coffee and Tea

9:00 – 10:15 am Workshop Session 1 — Choose One

Taylor Ackley

Melodic Ornamentation for String Instruments

Barn

Jess Baldessero

Music for Littles & Caregivers

Folk-rooted music, dance and play party games for the littlest attendees (6 and under) and their caregivers, in English and Spanish.

Quonset Hut

Jali Kunda

West African Drumming

Introduction to traditional rhythms, technique, and cultural significance.

Sundial

10:45 am – Noon Workshop Session 2 — Choose One

Sharon Bladholm

Seeing Seeds

A hands-on drawing and watercolor workshop focused on the importance of seeds — covering loss of seed diversity, seed structure, dispersal, seed banks, and ecological restoration.

Quonset Hut

Jonas Friddle

Intro to Jug Band Blues

All instruments welcome — homemade instruments provided.

Pavilion

Marlyn Barrera-Carrera

Intro to Mariachi

For the complete beginner.

Noon – 1:00 pm

🥔 Lunch

Loaded Baked Potato Bar — Butter, Cheese Sauce, Bacon, Broccoli, Chili, Chives & Hot Sauce

1:00 – 2:00 pm

Instructor Performances

Jonas Friddle · Jess Baldessero · Marlyn Barrera-Carrera

Barn

2:30 – 3:45 pm Workshop Session 3 — Choose One

Jali Kunda

West African Drumming

Introduction to traditional rhythms, technique, and cultural significance.

Sundial

Taylor Ackley

TBD

Jess Baldessero

Basics of Improvisation for Fiddlers

Ideal for fiddlers in old time or folk-adjacent genres who are comfortable with basic technique and have a working repertoire but are newer to improvisation. Bring your instrument and be ready to experiment! Many concepts apply across instruments — all are welcome.

Quonset Hut

4:00 – 5:15 pm Workshop Session 4 — Choose One

Marlyn Barrera-Carrera

Intro to Mariachi

For the intermediate player.

Barn

Jonas Friddle

Last Chance Tuning

For banjo players looking to tackle the unique tuning for the tune Last Chance Blues.

Quonset Hut

5:30 – 6:30 pm

🌭 Dinner

Hot Dogs (option to roast over the fire) · Coleslaw and Green Bean Sides · S'mores for Dessert

6:45 – 7:45 pm Workshop Session 5 — Choose One

Jonas Friddle & Jess Baldessero

Old Time Repertoire

All instruments welcome. Learn a couple of old time tunes to have in your pocket at jams!

Quonset Hut

Marlyn Barrera-Carrera

Intro to Mariachi

For the complete beginner.

Barn

8:00 – 9:15 pm

Instructor Performances

Taylor Ackley and Jali Kunda

Barn

9:30 – 11:00 pm

🔥 Late Night Campfire & S'more Jam Sessions

7:30 – 9:00 am

🫔 Chilaquiles Culinary Workshop & Breakfast

Learn to make chilaquiles — a traditional Mexican breakfast made in homes, markets, and the finest restaurants. Workshop leads into breakfast starting at 8:15am. Adults only, 25 participants max. Jam stations open for youth and non-cooks.

Main Kitchen

9:30 – 10:30 am Workshop Session 6 — Full Group Jam

Group 1

Taylor Ackley with Jali Kunda

In this final full group jam we explore ways to bring our various styles together. Pick one of two jam groups!

Barn

Group 2

Jess Baldessero with Jonas Friddle and Marlyn Barrera-Carrera

Quonset Hut

11:00 am – 12:30 pm

🥪 Campsite Breakdown & Lunch

Sandwiches and Chips