To be brutally honest with you, I am missing the nights in the Dance Tent, when we were all having a beer and laughing as we tried to figure out a new movement that Mary-Alice Milnes was teaching us. There were a couple of times when she would have to physically demonstrate with the top square. It was a great way to spend an evening. I would endeavour to try and make sure that myself and whomever I was dancing with were in the same square as Chip Chase. The reason for that is simple: “Memorable chaos, mate!” as us British say.
It was one of the most awesome summers, and to see so many participants come across the five weeks to take classes or just to listen to the music made all the hard work and planning so worthwhile. We have had a bit of rest after the craziness of disassembling the dance floor and stacking the chairs, and are now ready to enjoy the autumn and other local seasonal programs to round out this bumper-packed year! Take a look below to see what’s going on. The team and I hope to see you at something else during 2026!
Hope to see you at something!
Roman Uhrig ( stage manager and social media guy)
Children’s Seasonal Programs
In early September, the Voices of Augusta Choir, beginning September 8, 2026, and the Augusta Strings Program, beginning September 10, 2026, will begin. Voices of Augusta is a dynamic and inclusive choir program for singers in first through sixth grade. Students will experience the joy of singing together while learning musical traditions from Appalachia and around the world, improving their musicianship and having fun with their friends. The choir is directed by Olivia Perske and
The Augusta Strings Program is a strings ensemble for students in fourth through 12th grade. Students will explore musical traditions from Appalachia, improve their musicianship and have fun with their friends. Each student can choose to learn banjo, fiddle or guitar. Each week includes one hour of group lessons on individual instruments, or band class, followed by 30 minutes as a full ensemble. No prior experience on a chosen instrument is required for group lessons. Classes are offered in Fiddle with Jesse Milnes, Banjo with Adam Casseday, Guitar with Seth Maynard and Band Class with Gerry Milnes.
Scholarships are available for both programs.
Autumn Retreats and Seasonal Programs
Lift Your Voice Choir
September 15 – December ( concert date TBC )
Augusta’s Lift Your Voice Choir is an inclusive community singing group for all ages, experience levels and vocal ranges. The choir explores traditional vocal music from West Virginia, including old time, bluegrass, shape note and gospel, as well as singing traditions from around the world. Singers will learn new songs, explore the cultures behind them and experience the joy of making music together. The program supports creative aging and lifelong learning in the community. Rehearsals are held Tuesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Arts Center, beginning September 15.
Augusta Presents Becky Buller and Ned Luberecki
September 27, 2026
We are is excited to welcome two of bluegrass music’s best, Becky Buller and Ned Luberecki, to downtown Elkins. Each will teach a workshop before performing together in an evening concert. Becky Buller is a 10 time IBMA Award winning fiddler, singer and songwriter who will teach a bluegrass fiddle class. Ned Luberecki was named Banjo Player of the Year in 2018 and Broadcaster of the Year in 2023 by the International Bluegrass Music Association. He will teach a bluegrass banjo class. Workshops will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. The concert begins at 7 p.m.
Old Time Retreat
October 21-25, 2026
The Augusta October Old Time Retreat takes place at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park in Cass, West Virginia. The event will be held in this authentic West Virginia timber town, now part of the state park. Share meals in the old Masonic lodge, dance in the community hall, enjoy the train whistle echoing through the hollers and jam on the many front porches overlooking the Greenbrier River. This year’s staff includes Rachel Eddy, who also serves as the Artistic Advisor for the week, Benny Bleu, Hunter Walker, Jesse Milnes, Sophie Wellington, Rhys Jones, Becky Hill and Gerry Milnes. All classes for the Retreat are geared toward intermediate and advanced players.
Dulcimer Retreat
November 5-8, 2026
Augusta’s Dulcimer Retreat will take place in the tranquil setting of Blackwater Falls State Park. Join Mary Faith Rhoads Lewis, Mary Lynn Michal and Hunter Walker for a musical weekend celebrating the mountain and hammered dulcimer. With Blackwater Falls State Park as the backdrop, students will study with masters of various dulcimer styles in an intimate setting, while also enjoying inclusive jams and a concert.
Irish Retreat
November 12-15, 2026
At the Augusta Irish Retreat, students can choose from dynamic sessions centered around learning Irish tunes, songs and traditions. Students will take part in learning sessions and experience authentic Irish music with master artists Brenda Castles, Cultural Advisor, Marla Fibish, Kevin Buckley, Liz Hanley and Brendan Dolan. There will be all day lessons with jamming in the evenings. On Friday, a Masters of Irish Music Concert will feature Augusta’s Irish Retreat artists. On Saturday, a traditional ceilidh dance will be held. These events are open to the public, with times and locations to be announced soon.
Monthly Local Events
The Elkins Barn Dance Collective
The Elkins Barn Dance Collective holds monthly square dances at locations including the Arts Center and Big Timber. With live music from local and regional artists and callers to guide participants of all skill levels, the dances are a great way to meet new people and enjoy one of Appalachia’s community based traditions.
Community Sing
The Community Sing is led by Olivia Perske and Connie Townsend. This monthly gathering takes place on the last Monday of the month from September through April. Participants sit in a circle and share songs from the folk tradition. All ages and skill levels are welcome to come sing and enjoy the beauty of making music together in a warm and welcoming environment.
