Punch Brothers' Chris Eldridge Guitar Workshop

The renowned bluegrass+ band, The Punch Brothers, has had a performers-in-residence affiliation with Oberlin for several years. They come each year for a concert and stay for several days of residency, giving master classes, workshops, participating in open jam sessions and so on. It is a highly popular annual event which draws equally from the Conservatory/College and the community. My schedule permitted my attending the guitar workshop this year.

Chris Eldridge, an Oberlin alum (though he never worked with me), is a founding member of this highly successful group. Prior to the founding of the Punch Brothers, he played with the award-winning Stringdusters and was grammy-nominated with the band, the Seldom Scene. Since its founding in 2005, the Punch Brothers has released three cd's, garnering two Grammy nominations, and toured the world. In addition to the work cited above, 

Chris Eldridge has worked with a diverse cast of musical luminaries, including 

Paul Simon, 

Renée Fleming, 

John Paul Jones, Marcus Mumford, Justin Timberlake, T-Bone Burnett, Jon Brion, Fiona Apple, Elvis Costello and others. His duet work with jazz guitar luminary, Julian Lage, led to a new duo recording.

The workshop, was geared towards general issues related to steel string guitar playing and was genial and informative. He is a serious musician with a thoughtful approach to his art who communicates beautifully the various concerns that might interest other players. A small group of interested parties attended, many from the community, and were delighted with his presentation and insights. Here are a few photos:

Thanks, Chris--we look forward to your return!