MENNESOTA FEST WORKSHOPS • APRIL 21
Human Beat Boxing with Carnage the Executioner
A crowd entertainer and motivational speaker, Terrell X, aka Carnage the Executioner, presents Human Beat Boxing: Your BODY Is An Instrument. Each session features fun exercises delivered with a no-judgment approach. All ages (kids too!) are welcome to enjoy topics and activities that explore how mouth (vocal percussion) and body movements can produce music. No previous experience required. Show up with nothing but an open mind and a desire to find your own unique voice!
Learning Goals: Participants will explore the components of vocal and body percussion that can be utilized and implemented to create music from scratch. They will begin to identify Beat Box sounds by name, build stamina/breath control, discover simple and intricate patterns, improve rhythmic timing and increase confidence in public speaking. As part of being positively challenged, participants will: learn the importance of being good listeners; be encouraged to following directions while focusing on fine details; gain control over their bodies; collaborate with others; have fun! If time permits, participants will also have an opportunity try out their skills on the pedal board at the end!
https://carnagetheexecutioner.com/
Improvising on the Acoustic Guitar with Ben Ranson
Learn the simple ways of improvising on the acoustic guitar with finger-style guitarist, folksinger and guitar teacher Ben Ranson. Ben is known for his witty and amusing songs with sophisticated nylon-string guitar featuring extended solo improvisation.
Learning Goals: With a few easy patterns, even beginner guitarists can make up music spontaneously and sound good. We will cover: pedal point, call and response, drones, and sequences. But don't be intimidated by the fancy terms! If you can play E, D, and G, this class is for you.
https://www.benranson.com/
Songwriting with Todd Menton
TODD MENTON is the lead singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist for the legendary folk-rock band Boiled in Lead (BiL). A native Minnesotan, Todd joined BiL in 1985, and toured with the band for eight years, playing at major festivals and concert venues in Europe, the U.K., Canada and the U. S. He contributed songs and tunes to three award-winning albums, including From the Ladle to the Grave and Orb.
Todd and Boiled in Lead parted ways in 1992, and he hit the road playing solo shows in pubs, clubs, and festivals throughout the Midwest. During this time he released two acclaimed solo discs on New Folk Records, Punts and Where Will You Land. His third New Folk CD, The Dolmen Field, was released in 2008, followed by Rosie in the Stars in 2014.
At the band’s invitation, Todd rejoined BiL in 2005. Todd continues to forge new ground with the band while pushing boundaries and making joyous, raucously eclectic folk-noise in his ongoing solo work.
Todd’s calling card is his wry, edgy performing style, focusing on warm, vibrant vocals and sharp playing on guitar, bouzouki, mandolin, bodhrán, and tin whistle. Audiences can expect all the drama and hilarity of the traditional songs and tunes, and the darkly humorous word-play of his original songs, delivered with wit and crackling energy.