Professional Instruction from RiverCity Performers in our
“High Level” (named after the bridge) Workshops!
Learn with the pros and supercharge your intermediate
playing and vocal techniques!
Saturday: 9:30 am to 12:30 pm
Location: East Tower
• You must have a Weekend Festival Pass to register for these workshops
• Workshops are interactive and taught at an intermediate level
• A minimum of 3 registrations per class are required, with a maximum of 12 per class
Our Instructors for 2027
Ethan Church
Amanda Cook Band
Mandolin
Sponsored by:
Ethan Church is a proud graduate of the renowned East Tennessee State University Bluegrass Program in Johnson City Tennessee. Recently recruited by Amanda Cook to join the band, Ethan’s playing is marked by precision, creativity, and a deep respect for the roots of the genre. His dynamic style and musical instincts add depth and drive to the band sound, making him an exciting addition to the lineup. Making his home in Newland TN, Ethan represents the next generation of bluegrass musicians, grounded in tradition while embracing a fresh, forward-thinking approach. With a strong foundation shaped by his studies at ETSU, Ethan will be a sure-fire winner for those looking to sign up for this workshop.
Chevy Watson
Amanda Cook Band
Flat Picking Guitar
Sponsored by:
Chevy now makes his home in Sevierville, Tennessee and is one of the newest additions to the Amanda Cook Band after a recent stint with Seth Mulder and Midnight Run. He brings a fresh energy and tasteful precision to the group’s sound. Known for his solid rhythm work and expressive leads, Chevy blends traditional bluegrass roots with a modern edge. His musicianship and natural feel on stage make him a strong complement to the band’s dynamic lineup. Those who experienced his workshop at Northern Lights Bluegrass festival a couple of summers ago are saying this one that is not-to-be missed.
Amanda Cook & Carolyne Van Lierop
Amanda Cook Band
Harmony Vocals
Sponsored by:
Amanda Cook
Rooted in the rich tradition of bluegrass while embracing a fresh, contemporary sound, the Amanda Cook Band has quickly earned a respected place in the acoustic music scene. With a full touring schedule across the United States and Canada, their performances have graced iconic stages as the Grand Ole Opry, The Station Inn, and the IBMA World of Bluegrass. Formed in 2013, Amanda Cook put together a group of seasoned musicians who share her commitment to authenticity, musicianship, and innovation in bluegrass music. Her journey began in her hometown of Jay, Florida, and evolved through years of performing alongside her father, shaping the heartfelt artistry she is known for today. As an award-nominated vocalist, Amanda Cook takes pride in delivering heartfelt storytelling with tight harmonies. That’s the kind of sweet stuff that is sure to be explored in this workshop.
Carolyne Van Lierop
Originally from Blountstown, Florida she began her love for bluegrass at a young age after watching the Lewis Family show at the annual Florida Sheriff’s Ranch. Carolyne began learning the 5-string banjo and in 2002, Carolyne joined her grandfather’s family band the Sheriff’s Posse. Later, Carolyne and her cousins formed the band The Rivertown Girls that played many festivals in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama and released 3 albums in six years. Following the Rivertown Girls, she performed with other bands including Big Bend and Big River Bluegrass band. Carolyne is a founding member of Amanda's Band joining up with her good friend in late 2013. It’s their tight female harmonies that are a signature of this band and will be the starting point of this not-to-be missed workshop.
John Showman
Lonesome Ace Stringband
Bluegrass Fiddle
Sponsored by:
John has established a reputation as one of the very best and most influential fiddle players in Canada. Over a 20-year career spanning 4,500 shows across North America and Europe, John is in high demand as a session player, sideman, and teacher. He brings a hard-earned, professional understanding to the music he loves to play.
He is a peerless innovator. Playing 5 nights a week in Irish pubs and folk clubs across eastern Canada, John fell in love with the sound of traditional fiddle playing, absorbing the playing of such greats as Vassar Clements, Scotty Stoneman, Kenny Baker, Buddy Thomas, Eck Robertson, and many others. Through careful study of written transcriptions and old recordings and a relentless pursuit of accurate reproduction he transitioned from a classical style. He is now a phenomenal encyclopedia of tunes, chops, styles, and technique.
As teacher, John has also built a stellar reputation with his online offerings and his frequent workshops at NimbleFingers. He has created a thoughtful a step-by-step approach to building your sound. This workshop will sell out in an instant.
Max Malone
Lonesome Ace Stringband
Bass
Sponsored by:
Max is highly respected as an intuitive and seasoned bass player. He also plays both clawhammer and Scruggs style banjo and rhythm guitar, which informs his overall understanding of the unique rhythms of bluegrass, old time, and country music.
By the age of twelve he was performing as a singer and bassist with his family band on a weekly gig in Toronto’s Cabbagetown. Born into a family of musicians, Max was raised in the rural wilds of Ontario and weaned on country music, both on the radio and through his mother’s work as a background vocalist on the Tommy Hunter show. During his high school years, he played gigs in his dad’s jazz trio, and in 1998 he discovered bluegrass and old time music. He was drawn to the rich soulful harmonies and the depth of the tradition; and he been hooked ever since. His performances with the Lonesome Ace Stringband are legendary.
Max is also a veteran instructor at NimbleFingers and beyond. This is not to-be-missed workshop.
Chris Coole
Lonesome Ace Stringband
Clawhammer Banjo
Sponsored by:
This man is a true pioneer of the modern clawhammer-style banjo, and this workshop is going to sell out quickly.
Chris has developed his own unique personal sound over a 30-year career as a full-time musician. First there was ten years as a Toronto street and subway busker; then ten years playing bluegrass residencies around Toronto’s bar scene; and another ten years touring internationally; both solo and with the David Francey Band, the Foggy Hogtown Boys, and the Lonesome Ace Stringband performing at RiverCity 2027.
“I think being far-removed geographically, and culturally, from the roots of the music associated with clawhammer banjo has afforded me a lot of freedom to develop my own voice and take my own path on the instrument. I would like to think that my love of traditional Appalachian music is apparent to a listener, but authentic re-creation or interpretation has never been a priority…. I’m a city boy from Canada….”
Chris comes from a family of schoolteachers and believes teaching can be as artful as any other part of music. Sign up now or be disappointed.
Logan Sarchfield
Bix Mix Boys
Rhythm Guitar
Sponsored by:
Logan’s obsession with guitars began as a toddler and has never waned. Working at a music store throughout high school only deepened his knowledge, skill, and passion for guitars and music. After moving to Edmonton, Alberta from Sussex, New Brunswick in 2005, Logan quickly became immersed in our city’s vibrant bluegrass scene. He also quickly realized that playing bluegrass rhythm guitar is a skill that requires a unique technique and special practice regime.
For the past 20 years, Logan has earned a reputation as a mighty fine rhythm guitarist and member of the Bix Mix Boys. Beyond the stage, Logan’s dedication to the craft extends to the workbench—he builds and repairs guitars at his shop in Fort Saskatchewan, Alberta, combining a lifetime of playing experience with a hands-on passion as a luthier.
This workshop has already received rave reviews from Logan’s recent offerings at NimbleFingers and the Shady Grove Bluegrass festival. Sign up now or be disappointed!
Darcy Whiteside & Jim Storey
Bix Mix Boys
Bluegrass Jamming
The Next Level
Mr. Darcy started playing banjo at the age of eight and in his teens took lessons from Canadian banjo champion Jake Peters. He is the host of the CKUA Bluegrass Hour every Sunday, noon to 1 pm and he has been a huge supporter of RiverCity Bluegrass since the beginning. Darcy has also taught banjo, guitar and vocals and vocal harmonies at numerous workshops including at last summer’s NimbleFingers.
You’re always in good hands when Sunny Jim is laying down the bass line. Hs first instrument was a Hawaiian steel guitar which led to a turn with the blues. Then he found bluegrass where he added guitar, banjo, mandolin, and finally upright bass to his repertoire. Jim is also one of the founding members of Edmonton’s Northern Bluegrass Music Circle Society and has played on-stage with some of Canada’s best musicians including Ian Tyson and Tony Michaels.
RiverCity Sponsors
