True to its mission, Sugar Maple Music Festival is as much about education as it is about great performances. In the intimate setting of shelter #3, the Roots & Reasons Stage, offers a variety of hands-on instruction as well as in-depth discussion led by a variety of this year’s Mainstage musicians. In addition, interactive music sing-alongs and story telling especially for kids is added to the Roots & Reason schedule. And what’s that yonder sound? The freestyle frenzy of the new Jam Tent. The following is a tentative schedule of educational offerings at the 2008 festival, with more information coming soon.

FRIDAY AUG 1, 2008

6:00pm – Dave Landau (KIDS’ SHOW! In his fifth annual appearance at Sugar Maple, Dave plays his first of three shows this weekend.)
6:45pm – Banjo Styles (Smithsonian Folkways recording artist Mike Seeger discusses and demonstrates clawhammer, two finger uppicking, index lead, and three finger styles. Jim Robarts, Moderator.)
7:45pm – Square & Contra Dance Class (Get your legs ready for this evening’s Mainstage Sugar Maple Square Dance w/ caller Dot Kent and friends.)
8:00pm – Open Jam* (host TBA)

SATURDAY AUG 2, 2008

1:00pm – Old-Time Jam* (hosted by Chirps Smith, one of the foremost and formidable master fiddlers on the old time scene today.)

2:45pm – When Tracks Were Wax (Moderated by Tom Martin-Erickson, host of Wisconsin Public Radio’s “Simply Folk” program, The Goose Island Ramblers discuss the history of their first label Cuca Records.)
3:00pm – Bluegrass Jam* (Hosted by Bob & Lisa Steeno, who return to Sugar Maple for their second straight year direct from Florida.)
3:30pm – Dave Landau (KIDS SHOW! In his fifth annual appearance at Sugar Maple, Dave brings back all the favorites of his participatory kids show.

4:15pm – Mandolin Styles (Grammy Award winner Mike Compton discusses and demonstrates the styles fathered by the late Bill Monroe. Jim Robarts, Moderator)
5:00pm – Life as a Bluegrass Boy (Songs and stories from the understudies and stage-mates Bill Monroe. Jim Robarts, Moderator.)
5:00pm – Stringband Blues Styles* (Discussion and demonstration with Sugar Maple alum Charlie Parr, and Adam Tanner. Karen Sonnenblick, Moderator.)
6:00pm – Dave Landau (ENCORE KIDS SHOW! Parents Choice award-winning music and sing-alongs.)
7:00pm – Open Jam* (host TBD.)