Banjo Contest: Preliminary Round
11:30am
Learn more about the RockyGrass instrument contests.
Workshops
Workshops
in the WildflowerWorkshops
Beyond the main stage, the more intimate Wildflower Pavilion hosts contests, workshops, and special performances.
Located in the back of the Festival grounds, the open-air Wildflower Pavilion provides a refreshing break from the summer sun (or afternoon rain) and some unforgettable performances throughout the Festival. Stop by the Wildflower on your way to the beer booth or between main stage sets for some bluegrass inspiration.
In 2021, we limited the capacity of the Wildflower Pavilion to allow for more social distancing. We asked that festivarians please plan to arrive early for the contests and workshops to claim their seat.
Keep an eye out for our updated 2022 Wildflower Pavilion schedule in the spring!
In the mean time, check out our 2021 Schedule below:
2021 Wildflower schedule
Friday
July 23 Jul 23
Guitar Contest: Preliminary Round
1:00pm
Learn more about the RockyGrass instrument contests.
Mandolin Contest: Preliminary Round
2:30pm
Learn more about the RockyGrass instrument contests.
Fiddle Contest: Preliminary Round
4:00pm
Learn more about the RockyGrass instrument contests.
Dobro Contest: Preliminary Round
5:30pm
Learn more about the RockyGrass instrument contests.
Saturday
July 24 Jul 24
Jam with Pete & Joan Wernick: Bring Your Instrument! (Slow tempos, only G,C,D,A chords)
Noon - 1:15pm
Bring your bluegrass instrument to the Wildflower Pavilion for a jam led by Pete “Dr. Banjo” Wernick and Joan Leonard Wernick. They will begin with slow tempos and you only need to know a few basic chords (G, C, D, A).
Renowned worldwide for his accomplishments and contributions to bluegrass music, Pete Wernick is the hot-picking force in several trend-setting bands including Hot Rize, innovative teacher and author, songwriter, and long-term President of the International Bluegrass Music Association. Always active in the teaching of banjo and bluegrass, Pete was the original pioneer of bluegrass music camps in the early 1980s. Having since taught about 200 camps in about half of the U.S. states and three other countries, he continues to host several per year. In 2010, Pete launched the Wernick Method of teaching bluegrass jamming which as of 2020 has certified teachers offering classes in 46 states and 11 countries.
Band Contest: Preliminary Round
1:30 - 3:15pm
Learn more about the RockyGrass band contest.
AWD: A Bela Fleck Tribute
3:30 - 4:30pm
Join Eric Wiggs (guitar), Sam Armstrong-Zickefoose (banjo), Troy Robey (bass), Justin Hoffenberg (fiddle), and Justin Konrad (dobro) for an all-Colorado tribute to Bela Fleck’s iconic instrumental record, Drive.
Michael Daves: Atlanta Songs
5:00 - 6:00pm
Sunday
July 25 Jul 25
Wes Corbett & Friends
12:15 - 1:15pm
The most recent addition to the Sam Bush Band, banjoist Wes Corbett has graced recent Planet Bluegrass stages as a member of Joy Kills Sorrow, Molly Tuttle Band, and the Biscuit Burners. Wes’s debut solo CD, Cascade, was one of our favorite instrumental releases of 2020.
Mile Twelve & Friends: A Special Jam
1:30 - 2:30pm
Although their sound is rooted in traditional bluegrass, Mile Twelve surveys a broader landscape on their newest album, City on a Hill. All five band members bring their own influences and observations into the music, resulting in a project that feels contemporary, thoughtfully crafted, and relevant. Produced by Bryan Sutton and engineered by Ben Surratt, City on a Hill follows significant recognition from the bluegrass community, including three IBMA Momentum Awards. With members based in Boston and Nashville, the lineup includes David Benedict (mandolin), Catherine “BB” Bowness (banjo), Bronwyn Keith-Hynes (fiddle), Evan Murphy (acoustic guitar, lead vocals), and Nate Sabat (bass, lead vocals).
Leslie Ziegler & Friends: Pickin’ Abroad
2:45 - 3:45pm
Founding member of The Railsplitters and director of the RockyGrass Academy Kids Camp, bassist Leslie Ziegler shares stories and music inspired by her last few years living, teaching and playing bluegrass in Asia - joined by a few of her talented RockyGrass musical friends!
Fireside Collective: The Evolution of Newgrass
4:15 - 5:15pm
North Carolina quintet Fireside Collective gather around a single microphone in the Wildflower Pavilion, sharing some of their favorite songs from bluegrass’s early years up thru the development of newgrass and their own original material.