2025 Workshop Instructors

Our workshops will be led by our Main Stage performers along with these fine musicians.

Elwood Garden Ukulele Strummers

Formed in 2017, the Elwood Garden Ukulele Strummers play for seniors, church and school events, community groups, etc.

February Sky

February Sky is traditional singer and Celtic guitarist Phil Cooper with songwriter and singer Susan Urban, based in the town of Trout Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Phil and Susan present a combination of old and new songs addressing the widest possible range of experience, complete with vocal harmony, intricate instrumentation and thoughtful stagecraft. They believe that Folk Music is a continuum - whether the songs are self-penned or have a history thousands of years old, as long as they speak to the human condition and the human heart, they carry on the Folk Music tradition.

Chris Foss

Chris and Melanie Foss own and operate Songbird Dulcimers of Muscatine, Iowa. Originally a cabinet maker by trade, Chris started building hammered dulcimers full-time in 1992, and over the years has developed many original structural and aesthetic innovations. You can see an example of Chris’ innovative work in the Voyageur 14/13/6/7 Hammered Dulcimer that is one of the raffle items. (www.songbirdhd.com)

Lynn Garren

Lynn Garren describes herself as “incorrigible.” She dances, call, sings, and plays guitar in a string band. She has been a dance caller ever since a year at Mooney Hollow when nobody else wanted to go first. Lynn loves calling simple fun dances that everyone can enjoy. 

Dale Palecek

Dale is a well-known bluegrass producer in the Midwest, receiving Distinguished Service Awards from both the Minnesota Bluegrass and Old Time Music Association (MBOTMA) and the Badgerland Bluegrass Music Association (BBMA) for his efforts to preserve and promote bluegrass music in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. As a songwriter, he has received regional Emmy nominations, and his music has been used by ESPN and Lifetime Television. Dale is also a popular mandolin and hammered dulcimer workshop leader.

Peggy Peryam

Peggy Peryam has a great time playing all her instruments - 44 at last count! She has been involved in music and management all her life, performing from first grade on. Her bachelor’s degree is in music education, and she holds a master’s degree in elementary education with a focus in language arts and reading. She also studied at the Conservatoire de Musique in Geneva, Switzerland. Private, church, and public school teaching have been her major focus for the last 39 years, both in music, elementary classroom, university level, and most recently with gifted elementary school children. Peggy is the current Artistic Director of the Gebhard Woods Festival, and she gives concerts and workshops regularly all over the United States and beyond.

Greg Rouse

Greg Rouse lives in Elgin and has been playing ukulele for over twenty years. For the last five years, he’s been giving ukulele lessons to students and adults who are just learning the instrument. Greg also plays ukulele and harmonica with local folk and blues bands.

Anna Stange

Anna Stange runs the Festival’s Children’s Area. Anna has been performing, teaching, and working with children and families for three decades. She leads monthly SongFarmer song circles in Madison, Florida; with Pickleberry Pie, entertains hospitalized children in Chicago; and performs public concerts for children. Anna lives and farms on five acres in North Florida. Her recordings for children and families are available at the Festival.