Bluegrass concert, workshop set April 12-13 in Sparks

The Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association will present a “Weekend Workshop/Concert” on April 12 and 13.

“Banjo History and Performance,” includes a Friday evening lecture/presentation by ethnomusicologist Joe Zavaan Johnson of Indiana University, Bloomington on the African roots of banjo performance, as well as a Saturday night concert featuring Bay Area Banjo and old-time music and dance artists, the Evie Ladin Band, with guest artist, Joe Zavaan Johnson.

Saturday morning and afternoon are workshops in Banjo Playing and Old Time Harmony Singing. These workshops are offered free to high school and college students (pre-registration is required), and banjos will be provided for participants that need them.

The Friday evening lecture/presentation and the Saturday workshops take place at the Mountain Music Parlor, 735 S. Center St., Reno. The Saturday evening concert will take place at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1135 12th St., Sparks.

All events are open to the public. Limited seating and we do expect these activities to sell out. Advance registration required for all workshops.

Weekend passes for entry to all events are $40. Discounts for students with IDs and members of the Northern Nevada Bluegrass Association. Individual activity tickets are available, starting at $15, with Pay What You Can available for families with children.

For information, tickets and workshop registration, go to www.nnba.org. Click on the “Old Time Music Workshop” tab; email info@nnba.org; or call 775-348-4692.