Driftless Days
May
2
to May 4

Driftless Days

Come spend some time at White Oak Savanna in the beautiful driftless region of Wisconsin.  Driftless Days is a chance to take a break from screens and experience the benefits of nature.  Our grounds will be open for hiking and camping so you can take the weekend to slow down and greet Spring.  Several driftless-inspired programs (Music, Art, Astronomy, Natural Science and Wine) will run throughout the weekend so you can learn a little and deepen your enjoyment.

$40 for the weekend

$20 Kids

$20 Camping Fee

Program Schedule

May 2nd

6 :30-8pm             Live music

8:30 – 10pm           Stargazing with Dr. Leisman  

(in case of inclement weather there will be an Astronomy talk in the barn.)

 

May 3rd

1pm                         Guided walking tour of the restored savanna prairie with Zach Pacana

4-6pm                    American Wine Project wine tasting and art viewing with Pam Sloan

6-7                           Astronomy talk from Dr. Luke Leisman

7-9                           Live Music

9pm                         Stargazing with Dr. Leisman  

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Creativity Retreat with Sons of the Never Wrong & Jonas Friddle
May
30
to Jun 1

Creativity Retreat with Sons of the Never Wrong & Jonas Friddle

The Sons of the Never Wrong Weekend Retreat returns!  This time they are joined by Honorary Son, Jonas Friddle.  Come spend a weekend with the Midwest’s beloved folk and friends. Indulge in workshops ranging from songwriting and harmony to recording and creativity inspiration, all in the natural beauty of the White Oak Savanna. There will be performance opportunities, concerts and a chance to scratch your artistic itches in a supportive and restorative environment. Open to both seasoned musicians, newbies and even non musicians who simply want to explore and demystify the creative process. Camp on-sight or find a local B&B or hotel.  Dinner will be provided on Friday night,  lunch and dinner on Saturday and a Sunday brunch.

Price:  $375

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White Oak Roots Weekend
Jul
18
to Jul 20

White Oak Roots Weekend

Come spread your roots! Grow on your core instrument while also exploring the many influences of American Roots Music.

Price: $150

Dates & Times: 4pm July 18 — 1pm July 20

INSTRUCTOR BIOS:

Taylor Ackley

Taylor Ackley is first and foremost a folk musician. Born into a working class family with a remarkable heritage of traditional American music, his work grows directly out of the rich musical expression cultivated across the generations of pickers, singers, song writers and fiddlers that populate his family tree. His academic training began at Adelphi University. He continued his studies at Stony Brook University, where he earned a Master’s Degree and a PhD in Composition as well as a Master’s Degree in Ethnomusicology.

Taylor is the founder and director of the Deep Roots Ensemble. A group which merges classical chamber music instrumentation and techniques with traditional American music performance practice into a refined and cohesive style. They have performed around the United States and have released two albums of Taylor’s music, Songs from the Bitterroot (2018) and Hard Tellin’ (2020) both through the 4Tay Records label.

Kabillo Music

Kabillo Music is a dynamic ensemble led by brothers Mamadu and Abdu, dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich musical heritage of West Africa, Senegal. As a master drummer and griot storyteller, Mamadu brings the heartbeat of Africa to life through powerful rhythms and interactive performances. Abdu, a skilled kora player, weaves enchanting melodies that transport listeners to the heart of Senegal’s griot traditions.

Jonas Friddle

Jonas Friddle is a singer, songwriter and Old-Time banjo player whose songs have received The John Lennon Songwriting Award, First Place in the Great American Song Contest and a nomination for Album of the Year in the Independent Music Awards. 
 Friddle was raised in the mountains of North Carolina and learned to play guitar on a yard sale Harmony six string.  He continued his love of music all the way to Berea College, where he found the deep well of the folk tradition. After serving his time in higher education, he spent a year traveling around the world playing music in pubs and living rooms. In 2007 Jonas landed in Chicago, started the Barehand Jugband, the Sleepy Lou Old-Time duo and joined the faculty at the Old Town School of Folk Music. 

Anna Jacobson

Anna is a highly sought-after multi-instrumentalist in the Chicago music scene, playing everything from French Horn to Fiddle. Anna has recorded on five studio albums with Jonas Friddle and teaches at the widely respected Old Town School of Folk Music. Their live show combines traditional American music with original songs. Also a dedicated chamber musician, she is a founding member of V3NTO Brass Trio and also plays with the Alloy Horn Quartet.  On horn, Anna has played with the Chicago Symphony, Civic Orchestra of Chicago, South Bend Symphony, Illinois Symphony, Dubuque Symphony, and many others across the Midwest.

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White Oak Festival 2025
Aug
8
to Aug 10

White Oak Festival 2025

The White Oak Festival is a celebration of the beautiful driftless landscape and a year of great programs at White Oak Savanna. Our vision is to grow into a diverse and self-sustaining festival that reflects the very land on which we gather. Festival attendees will be treated to amazing music, beautiful views and great company.  In addition to a full lineup of performances, there will be guided jams session, workshops, parades, yoga, a fun run, an art showing, an open mic, guided stargazing and s’mores!  Join us won’t you?

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Fall Fun Day 2024!
Oct
12

Fall Fun Day 2024!

Join us for Fall Fun Day 2024!

Celebrate autumn with pumpkin carving, an apple cider making demonstration, wagon rides, line dancing and yard games. Drinks available for purchase.

$10 at the door.

12 and under free.

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