The bonus workshops are intended to focus on specific instruments or aspects of bluegrass such as harmony singing. They are offered in addition to the regular workshops that focus on introducing all players to the joys of jamming. Many of these are co-sponsored by DBA and Chicago Music Store. The bonus workshops are free to members, and available to the general public for $20 (or they can simply join the DBA with all its benefits for the same price).

Upcoming DBA Bonus Workshops

Tom Carpenter Guitar Workshop – October 17, 2026
Chicago Music Store on Speeedway, 1-3 pm

Tom Carpenter is an accomplished bluegrass guitarist and the winner of the 2001 Four Corners Flat Pick Competition. For years, he drove the driving acoustic rhythm as the flatpick guitar player and lead singer for the Arizona-based bluegrass band, Crystal Ridge. Combining decades of stage performance with a deep passion for traditional and progressive flatpicking techniques, Tom brings a wealth of practical knowledge to his workshops, helping guitarists refine their right-hand mechanics, dynamic speed, and improvisational precision.

Alvin Blaine Banjo Workshop – November 7, 2026
Chicago Music Store on Speeedway, 1-3 pm

More information on these and more workshops coming soon.

 

Other Local Workshops of Interest

Jim Richter Mandolin Workshop – January 23, 2027

Past Bonus Workshops

Steve Smith – mandolin
Steve Smith – guitar
Anne Luna – bass
Andy McCune & Ric Volante – mandolin
Tyler James – banjo
Nick Coventry – fiddle

Questions or suggestions to:

Suzette Sommerer s.sommerer@icloud.com