Benefit for Walker Creek Music Camp - An Evening of American Roots Music

Walker Creek Music Camp Presents Teacher Concert Series V Benefit Concert Celebrating American Roots Music SEBASTOPOL, CA — Walker Creek Music Camp presents Teacher Concert Series V – Benefit Concert celebrating the rich traditions and exciting future of American roots music on Friday, September 11, 2026, from 7:00–9:00 p.m. at the Sebastopol Community Cultural Center, 390 Morris Street, Sebastopol. Proceeds from the concert support Walker Creek Music Camp’s mission to provide world-class music education and access to traditional American roots music for students of all ages. Audience members can look forward to an inspiring evening of live music featuring celebrated WCMC faculty alumni showcasing bluegrass, old-time, jazz, swing and other forms of American roots music. Performing artists: Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band – Evie Ladin Band – Pacific Drive Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band – Widely recognized as one of the most exciting young bands in acoustic music, Crying Uncle Bluegrass Band blends bluegrass, Dawg music, jazz, and original compositions with remarkable musicianship and youthful energy. Brothers Miles Quale (mandolin, guitar, vocals) and Teo Quale (fiddle, guitar, vocals) are joined by Andrew Osborn (bass, vocals) and 2023 National Flat Pick Guitar Champion Ian Ly (guitar, vocals), creating a fresh and innovative sound rooted in tradition. Named the 2023 International Bluegrass Music Association Momentum Band of the Year, the group made its Grand Ole Opry debut in 2024 and was honored to perform at the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame's induction of their musical hero, David Grisman. Their performances have taken them to premier festivals across North America, Europe, and Asia, earning a reputation as one of bluegrass music's brightest rising stars. "Go and check out Crying Uncle! We dig what they are doing! The future of music is in good hands here!" — David Grisman Evie Ladin Band – Banjo player, singer, songwriter, percussive dancer, choreographer, and square dance caller, Evie Ladin is one of the most dynamic and innovative voices in contemporary roots music. Blending old-time Appalachian traditions with influences from African Diaspora music and dance, her performances are rich in rhythm, storytelling, and joyful energy. A master of clawhammer banjo, Evie's music has been featured everywhere from A Prairie Home Companion and Lincoln Center to Hardly Strictly Bluegrass and Celtic Connections. Based in Oakland, California, she tours internationally with the Evie Ladin Band, featuring Keith Terry (bass, body percussion, vocals) and Erik Pearson (guitar, vocals). Together they create an exciting blend of old-time, folk, and contemporary roots music. The band has released five acclaimed albums of original "neo-traditional" music, along with Riding the Rooster, a collection of traditional fiddle-banjo duets. "A natural entertainer with a gift for infusing folk practices with contemporary verve." – San Francisco Chronicle Pacific Drive – Pacific Drive was born at Walker Creek Music Camp in 2015—at dances, beside the pond, and in late-night jam sessions that stretched well past midnight. The band features fiddler Dana Frankel, mandolinist David Thiessen, guitarist Jesse Fichman (formerly of AJ Lee & Blue Summit), bassist Helen Foley, and banjoist Sam Reed. Lifelong friends who grew up in California’s bluegrass community, they deliver hard-driving traditional bluegrass, tight harmonies, and the unmistakable chemistry of musicians who have played together since their teens. About Walker Creek Music Camp – Walker Creek Music Camp is a California nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation (EIN 99-3474773) dedicated to teaching, preserving, and celebrating American roots music traditions. Founded in 2013, the camp welcomes students of all ages to experience its world-class music education program held twice each year at the Walker Creek Ranch Conference Center, just west of Petaluma. Walker Creek’s Music & More (M&M’s) youth program offers tuition-free instruction for children ages 6–13, and also provides scholarships and work-trade opportunities that make music education accessible to all—ensuring that traditional music continues to thrive for generations to come.