Donate to Make a Difference!

Rhythm & Repertoire with
Adam Hurt and Beth Hartness

Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025

Time: 1-3PM

Suggested Donation: $20-30

Pre-registration is not required for this event, but if you plan to come please rsvp by emailing cacaponmusicanddancefoundation@gmail.com so we can get a head count.

This workshop is in connection with the Capon Bridge Square Dance.

Players of any of the traditional old-time instruments--fiddle, banjo, guitar, mandolin, and more--will be guided as a group by Adam's fiddle and Beth's guitar through a selection of interesting tunes, with melodic, structural, and chordal details emphasized. While instrument-specific technical instruction will not be provided, we will present the tunes on fiddle and guitar at manageable tempos for on-the-fly learning, suggest appropriate chord progressions, and encourage questions and discussion throughout the class. Participants can expect to come away with new repertoire to make their own as well as a heightened understanding of how to analyze fiddle tunes for clearer learning in the future. The use of recording devices is strongly recommended so that the class material can continue to be finessed at home.

Suggested Donation: $20-30

About the instructors:

Prize-winning musicians Adam Hurt and Beth Williams Hartness perform duets of traditional music from the Appalachian south and elsewhere with clawhammer banjo, fiddle, fingerstyle guitar, and vocals. Their engaging program will appeal to players and fans of old-time music as well as those who may be getting their very first taste of this captivating genre.

Deemed a "banjo virtuoso" by the Washington Post, Adam Hurt has fused several traditional old-time idioms to create his own elegantly innovative clawhammer banjo style, having been introduced to the instrument at age eleven in his native Minnesota. A respected performer and teacher of traditional music, Adam has played at the Kennedy Center and conducted banjo workshops at many venues around the country and abroad. Since moving south in 2002, Adam has placed in or won most of the major old-time banjo competitions, and he has claimed several state banjo and fiddle championships. Adam's music can be heard on multiple recordings.

Raised on a tobacco farm in Caswell County, North Carolina, Beth Williams Hartness began singing and taught herself to play the guitar at the age of twelve, influenced by her mother's passion for early 1960s folk music. Beth was first introduced to old-time music in the 1980s while living in Charlotte, North Carolina, and during this time she was a founding member of the Charlotte Folk Music Society, serving as vice president and festival organizer. Beth has been a member of numerous award-winning string bands, and she has won ribbons of her own in competitions for back-up guitar. Her playing is featured on several recordings.

More info at www.adamhurt.com

Join us for a Square Dance in the beautiful valley of Capon Bridge, WV!

Square dancing is a traditional form of dance in Appalachia that promotes community connections, physical health and lots of fun and laughter!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Do I need to know how to dance? No! Our square dance welcomes dancers of all skill levels and all age groups. No experience is necessary to dance at a square dance. Prior to the start of each dance, the 'Caller' walks everyone through the steps of how to dance the next set, and then as the dance is going on, the caller continues to sing/call out directions for the dancers to follow along.

Do I need to bring a partner? Though in the dance you are often paired up with a partner, you don't need to bring one in order to dance. There are always lots of individuals in attendance looking for a partner to get out on the dance floor with.

What should I wear? There is no required outfits at our square dance. Wear an outfit and shoes that you can move in, are comfortable and make you feel good!

What should I bring? You are likely to get hot dancing, so be sure to bring a water bottle so that you can stay hydrated. Food is not served at the Fire Hall, but you are encouraged to support a local business by getting your dinner to-go and having a picnic at the square dance! Open during the dance and walking distance away we can recommend Nino's Pizzarama for all your italian food needs or El Puente for excellent mexican cuisine.

Where can I stay? We often have, and love to have out of towners come to the Capon Bridge Square Dance! If you are planning to make a weekend of it, there are some wonderful places to stay in the area. Walking distance from the dance, stay at Basswood and be sure to mention you are coming for the square dance in order to get the square dancers discount. Or go just over the mountain where you can enjoy being surrounded by nature at Buffalo Gap Retreat - cottages, cabins and camping available 3 seasons of the year. Larger chain hotels can also be found in Winchester, VA which is an easy 20 minute drive from Capon Bridge.

These dances are made possible through a Central Appalachia Living Traditions grant provided by Mid-Atlantic Arts