FOLK AND BLUEGRASS

With Artists in Residence Peter McLaughlin and Chris Brashear

Artists in residence Peter McLaughlin and Chris Brashear lead a week of acoustic music and singing inspired by Americana, folk and bluegrass traditions. This workshop welcomes all string instrument players and/or people who enjoy singing together. The workshop leaders play and teach all stringed instruments. They facilitate a friendly welcoming atmosphere where beginners can learn about and experience participating in a jam session.

To provide focus, we will reach out to participants to gather a handful of favorite tunes to work on during the week. Lesson sessions can include the opportunity for individuals or small groups to practice these tunes and learn more about how to play with a group comfortably. The itinerary for the week leaves plenty of room for horseback riding and hiking.

Since 1992, Chris Brashear and Peter McLaughlin have established themselves as a pre-eminent songwriting and acoustic music duo with a particular interest in the American Southwest. Chris is a versatile instrumentalist on fiddle, mandolin and guitar; Peter is a National Flatpicking Guitar Champion. Chris and Peter continue to write, record, produce and concertize in a variety of contexts. New projects include a short film inspired by Glen Canyon and river journeys as well as a 2026 CD release of new songs with the working title When the Desert Smells Like Rain. They entertain and serve as musician hosts on guided trips on both the San Juan River in southern Utah, the Colorado River in Grand Canyon, and here at Elkhorn Ranch.
Learn more About Peter and About Chris

Learn more About Peter and About Chris

* Elkhorn has two guitars and a string bass available to borrow and we can connect you with instrument rental stores in Tucson and arrange for pick up and return of the instruments

* Note that there is no extra charge for this workshop

WORKSHOPS + EVENTS CALENDAR 2027

OLD-TIME MUSIC
January 11 – 18, 2026

DIGITAL PHOTOGRAPHY
January 18 – 25, 2026

DESERT LANDSCAPE ART
January 25 – February 1, 2026

COMING INTO BALANCE: EXPLORING RELATIONSHIPS THROUGH HORSEMANSHIP
February 1 – 8, 2026

HUMAN HISTORY OF THE ALTAR VALLEY
February 8 – 15, 2026

KATE AITCHISON – ARTIST IN RESIDENCE
April 14 – 25, 2026

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