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Headwaters Brings Bluegrass Jam to Bemidji

Get Ready for a Bluegrass Blast in Bemidji!

Dive into the toe-tapping world of Bluegrass music at this Headwaters Music & Arts weekend extravaganza! We’re rolling out the red carpet for musicians eager to master the vibrant Bluegrass Jam format. Whether you’re a novice fiddler or a seasoned player, come join the fun and experience the magic of Bluegrass in Bemidji.

Introduction to Bluegrass Jam

  • Saturday, June 27, 3:00-5:00pm: Jam Session
  • Sunday, June 28, 11:00am-2:00pm: Potluck & Jam Session

Location: Headwaters Music & Arts, 519 Minnesota Ave NW, Bemidji MN
Suggested Donation: $10 per session
RSVP: Appreciated but not required
Contact: 218-444-5606 | info@headwatersmusicandarts.org

The weekend’s sessions will be led by the talented Bill Cagley, an award-winning musician known for his engaging and supportive teaching style. Bill will guide participants through basic chord progressions and help them gain confidence playing backup on songs they may never have encountered before. With his expertise in guitar, mandolin, banjo, and harmonica, Bill’s sessions are sure to be enlightening and fun. Bemidji’s own musical talents, Sawyer Corcoran and Corey Campbell, will be joining Bill, adding their expertise and enthusiasm to the mix.

Saturday’s Jam Session is a fantastic opportunity for musicians of all ages who play the mandolin, banjo, guitar, violin, viola, cello, ukulele, or bass to get their feet wet in the world of Bluegrass. Even if you’re new to fiddling, we welcome you to bring your instrument and join the session! Sunday’s Potluck and Jam Session combines the joy of music with the delight of community dining, so bring a dish to share along with your instrument. This exciting weekend is made possible in part by the Minnesota State Fiddlers Association, dedicated to preserving the rich heritage of fiddling.

For more information about Bill Cagley, visit billcagleymusic.com. You’ll find that Bill is not only a versatile musician but also a captivating performer who brings folk, country, and old-time music to life.

Since 1992, Headwaters Music & Arts has been a cornerstone of the Bemidji community, offering a wide range of music and art programs. Don’t miss our popular Headwaters Fiddle Camp from June 17-21, another fantastic opportunity to dive into the world of music.

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Headwaters Awards Three Music Dedication Scholarships

Jace Kar
Lucy Karpinski
Benjamin Fischer

Headwaters Music and Arts announces the recipients of Headwaters Music Dedication Scholarship. Created to encourage and reward hard work and commitment to studying music, the Headwaters Music Dedication Scholarship was awarded to three young applicants currently studying at Headwaters: Jace Kar, Lucy Karpinski, and Benjamin Fischer. The winners of the scholarship were selected from a pool of applicants based on demonstrated interest and personal investment in music lessons. Each of the selected recipients received a $300 scholarship to be applied to one-on-one music lessons at Headwaters Music and Arts during the 2023-24 program year. 

Jace Kar is entering second grade and studies piano with instructor Casey Rasmussen. Jace's mother, Seher, tells us that "This scholarship is important and encouraging for families to continue lessons. With this scholarship Jace can continue to attend lessons and we can save money for him to receive new material and items to support his love and excitement for piano. Jace is always wanting to practice piano and go to his lessons. His eyes light up and he gets so excited every time he learns something new or completes a new song, it is so joyful to see that as a parent."

Lucy Karpinski who is entering fifth grade and studies piano with NikkiLee Nolden. Lucy shared that "I think Headwaters is a good experience for everyone of all ages. The teachers have great talent and are good at teaching. You can learn so many instruments and they are so supportive. Music can change the world like Louis Armstrong. Sometimes it's hard work with practicing and lessons, but it is totally worth it!"

Benjamin Fischer who is entering 7th grade and studies guitar with Rolf Lund. Ben says, "I have learned that learning music take’s discipline and hard work. I have enjoyed learning a new skill. I am excited to be able to also apply my skills in the middle school jazz band this coming school year."

As an independent non-profit organization, Headwaters Music and Arts strives to create an environment in which the arts and arts education is accessible to all. They offer several scholarship options for youth who take part in their programming. The Headwaters Scholarship Program aims to remove barriers for youth programming and make creative offerings accessible to all. The Headwaters Scholarship Program is made possible by individual contributors, Minnesota State Arts Board, Region 2 Arts Council, and Bemidji Area Arts Endowment.  Read more about Headwaters Scholarship Program here.