Get to know the “Old Man,” an ever-present companion throughout Mr. Balfa’s musical journey, from the early Balfa Brothers recordings, through decades of performance, and even in the early years of Cajun Creole Week at Augusta. We’ll all get to play it a bit, and revisit Dewey’s approach and technique on a few songs. His methodology is very accessible, so all skill-levels are welcome.
**Mini-classes are held Monday through Friday the week of programming. They may be taken in addition to daytime classes or on their own. Cost is $75.**
Instructor Bio
Peter Schwarz grew up immersed in early country, Carter Family, bluegrass and Cajun music, and not just hearing it but by age 10 singing close harmonies, recording and touring professionally on a variety of instruments as a part of Tracy’s Family Band. While still in his teens, Peter received a National Endowment for the Arts apprenticeship with Dewey Balfa, followed by a Grammy-nominated recording, teaching and touring with Mr. Balfa as a second fiddler and bassist. He was a long-time member, composer and performer with Steve Riley and the Mamou Playboys through the 1990s. Peter continues to perform in the Austin area and has provided rhythm guitar, vocals and fiddle for his father, Tracy Schwarz, and Ginny Hawker on stage and in recordings.