Finally, in 2021, a few in-person events are being scheduled, and some will also be live-streamed.
You'll find details for all Live Streamed Concerts and Instruction on the Cattail-LIVE page!
Note: LOTS of concert and instructional videos and other instructional materials are available via our Patreon page.
Women Writing For (a) Change is sponsoring an evening of acoustic blues, original and traditional stories and songs by noted acoustic blues musician Scott Ainslie. An authority on the music of Delta Blues legend Robert Johnson, Ainslie has deep roots with elder musicians on both sides of the color line in the mid-south. His experience […]
I'm happy to be returning to Yellow Springs Arts Council's Community Gallery for another unamplified evening of acoustic music, stories and songs. On an inside weeknight last time we had roughly forty people who came and were delighted. Reservations are recommended because you know how people will talk! Reservations: by email or telephone, below.
My compatriot, Paul Heumiller, owner and spiritual advisor at Dream Guitars is arranging a small, blues gala with dinner and an extended conversation/performance examining the history and stories behind the music. Tuesday evening, January 22nd. Reservations please, via: larry@dreamguitars.com. This is going to be a very special evening. I can vouch for the food. I'm […]
The good people at Beacon Hall are developing a commmunity music program to provide the kids in their community with access to music, to resources, and constructive-engagement with instructors and each other. This Friday evening concert (and the guitar workshop to follow, Saturday morning) are in support of their mission and vision for transforming their […]
In support of this new program to involve the community in learning and making music, I'll be offering a masterclass/guitar workshop on the techniques of roots guitar playing, slide guitar, and the like on this Saturday morning, following the fundraising concert the night before. The workshop will b from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30. Participants should […]
My friend Reggie Harris and I are returning to the scene of our first public performances together to again present "Long Time Comin'" for the community and three educational concerts for middle and high school student audiences in Bryson City, NC at the Swain Arts Center. Public Community Concert: 2:30 p.m., Sunday January 27th Educational […]
My first exposure to the tradition of acoustic blues happened in a school. And for that reason, I continue to present teaching concerts on the African roots and American diversity of the blues. You never know when someone will catch fire, as I did at the sound of this music and its emotional power. I'll […]
I'm happy to be returning to this NC middle school for two teaching concerts, one each for the sixth-seventh grade students and teachers, and one for the eight graders. This performance is partially supported by the United Arts Council of Raleigh NC.
(AP Photo/David Goldman) Working with local organizations and organizers, I'll be donating a performance to raise money and spirits of those driven from their homes by the recent hurricanes in Lumberton NC. I have friends who had only been back in their homes for a few months before losing them to high water again, in […]
On Sunday afternoon, February 17th, I'll be stopping in Harrisonburg VA for a house concert. There will be a 45 minute set, refreshments and visiting time, and then a second set. We're coming to make new friends, see some old ones, and make a bunch of music - new and old. Reservations by email please […]
I'll be teaching in the pre-conference song school, and offering one of the two keynote addresses/performances (Bounded by Silence: Songs of Change). There will be a lot of good music and good energy here. Come join us.
Our new friend, Fred Pierce, is hosting us for a private house concert on May 3rd at 7:00 p.m. Come join us for an evening of unamplified, acoustic music, stories, and songs. Contact Fred at his email or phone number below to reserve your place. This will be a lovely and moving evening of music.
Having spent the intervening week in Nova Scotia, I'll be coming back through to Lubec, Maine to play a larger venue on Mother's Day, Sunday May 12th at 7:00 p.m.
What a delight to be returning to this lovely little town and this community of players, and I get to bring Reggie Harris with me for the fun! Always presented in collaboration with Huntingdon County Arts, the Folk College stresses open classes for mixed instruments as well as classes to drill down on core technique […]
After a few years away, I'm delighted to be returning the Deb McWethy's house concert series in Harrisville NH on Friday evening, June 14th (the date of the storming of the Bastille during the French Revolution)! Directions will be sent with reservation confirmations. Email: deb AT pfmsconcerts.org or call 603-318-9196 to reserve your place.
Brad Foster and the good volunteers at this Meeting House concert series have invited us to come for Saturday evening, July 13. Music starts at 7:30. This should be a magnificent venue for sound!
I'm happy to be able to have the chance to spend an hour on the air live with Blues DJ Dave Ziebarth on his Jump Blues radio show, Tuesday evening at 8:00 p.m. in Rochester NY, the town where I was born. I went to a little elementary school on Rogers Parkway in 1956-57. My […]
A Friday evening concert followed by a Saturday morning radio show at the Wild Rose Moon in historic downtown Plymouth, Indiana with our host George Schricker: great fun to be had.
The 34th Annual Woodstock (IL) Folk Festival takes place Sunday, July 21 from noon until 6:00 p.m. on Woodstock Square in Woodstock, IL. (RAIN location: Unity Spiritual Center, 225 W. Calhoun, Woodstock IL). I'll be presenting a 40-minute set there, followed by a 45-minute acoustic blues &/or slide guitar workshop. Bring your guitars! And slides, […]
How nice to be returning to this relaxed and friendly venue again. Wednesday night, so mark up your calendar and come to join us if you can. Spend hump day listening to some great slide guitar, fine singing, and stories of the blues.
An old friend, now retired from the Washington Post, Kay Coyte, is hosting Indian Woods House Concerts and has made room for us in her schedule. There will be a voluntary potluck at 5:30 with music starting at 7:00. Prepare for an intimate, lovely acoustic evening of blues, slide guitar and original songs. Reservations may […]
I am honored to be invited to teach, play, and carouse a bit with the remarkable community of players–students and teachers–at The Swannanoa Gathering. Nestled in the western NC mountains at Warren Wilson College, the setting is idyllic. For more than two decades, I've had a place at this musical feast. It is always a […]
While recovering from the joyous Guitar Week adventures at the Swannanoa Gathering, I am happy to be returning for a relaxed Sunday afternoon concert at the Village Pavillion in the Wolf Laurel community, up on top of the world in Mars Hill NC. Music will start at 4:00. This is a private, gated community. Tickets […]
Another round of irreverent, traditional and contemporary fun! This is a fine, and stand-out week of music, dance, songs, swimming (the water is simply unbelievable!)...plan to join us. There are a few slots left, at this writing.
A house concert in my own town, in the home of good friends! This is just wonderful to mull over. For the hometown crowd who's been wondering when I'll play at home, the answer is suddenly Saturday, September 7th. There will be room for 30, not more. Reservations required. I'll be performing acoustically on a […]
Friends in the little central Vermont town of Rochester are opening their carriage barn and home for a house concert. Rochester is damn-near exactly in the geographical middle of the state. A picturesque, working-landscape sort of a town. There will be songs, stories, music and friends made. Join us: Friday, (September) the 13th...always a lucky […]
I'll be presenting my "Lessons From A White Blues Singer" Vocal Workshop at 3 pm see description There'll be a potluck at 6 pm. And the evening concert starts at 7 pm $25 for concert, $30 for the workshop, $45 for both To reserve your place in the workshop or concert, email: ellencking88 gmail.com. Local […]
I am opening this new House concert series, on Saturday, September 28th. This will be a rare evening of acoustic blues, traditional and original songs, and stories. $20 at the door. Additional information is at Facebook event. Please come join me. Support live music in your community! P.S. I'll also be part of the Rhinebeck […]
This non-profit organization programs from October to May, with April being sequestered for auditions for the annual CT Folk Fest Emerging Artists' Stage. I'll be their opener this year and am looking forward to it.
Michael Ludgate, host of the Canaan Institute house concerts is a musician, photographer and publicist for the music and arts community. We've gotten connected by shared friends and I'm looking forward to meeting Michael and the musical community he's been building and part of in the greater Ithaca NY area. I'll be bringing a fiddle […]
We're making new friends in Maine each time we go. Such fine folks! Please pass the word about this October house concert and join us with friends for a great evening of fellowship, music, community-building, and a live experience that doesn't involve screens of any kind! As is customary, local directions will be provided with […]
On the evening of Friday, October 18, Scott Ainslie will present an unamplified house concert of acoustic blues and original songs in a loft space on Grand Street on the Lower East Side. The evening will begin with a potluck supper at 6:30 and music from 7:30-9:30. Scott's old friend, Bill Gordh will open with […]
Scott will be a featured artist on this monthly radio show - broadcast live from the Floyd Country Store, in Floyd, VA.
Coming back to my old haunt in Durham NC for a relaxed Sunday afternoon concert in early November: a perfect time of year for it. You're invited to bring snacks to share. Two sets, music starts at 4:00 and ends at 6:00. Nice and tidy set up. Reserve your place and get directions to this […]
I'm happy to be bringing my teaching concerts back to Albemarle, NC for Monday and Tuesday, November 4-5. These are student-oriented assemblies and permission would have to be sought from the administration for you to attend. But, they have been known to allow some parents and other members of the community now and again...
I'm happy to be returning to this little Tallahassee stand-by. Carrie Hamby and her crew always make us welcome. Come join us. A low $10 cover for the evening and a couple sets of fine singing, playing and storytelling are sure to be yours. Please pass the word and bring a friend!
We'll be back at Unity of Clearwater for Sunday service on November 10, and a concert on Monday November 11.
Our hosts are inviting ever-expanding circles of their closest friends. If there remain seats unclaimed, we'll post contact information here. Wednesday evening, November 13th.
A guitar student from Swannanoa has offered to host a guitar workshop at his house in Seminole, FL Limited to 12 students, this will be a fun Thursday evening gathering. Reserve your space by buying a ticket below. Exact address will be emailed to you after you sign up. Questions? email barb@cattailmusic.com The Workshop: Even […]
A concert in a wonderful-looking and sounding venue: Timucua.
Doors open at 7:00
Introductions at 7:30
Music (live-cast) starts at 7:38!
Not in Florida? You can watch from anywhere! www.youtube.com/TimucuaArts 7:38 E.S.T.
My musical brother Darryl Steele has paved the way for me to join him and the musical director Vicki Herlovich for a service at 10:30 Sunday morning. It will be good to be with them both again.
Music On Malphrus is a concert series hosted by the UU Congregation of the Low Country in Bluffton SC. Doors open at 6:00, music at 7:00 p.m. There's room for around 125 people. Reservations are recommended, but not required.
A first time house concert with a friend. R.S.V.P. lorna.songs@gmail.com -- She'll send you the actual address / directions. Pot luck snacks to share before and at the break between sets. BYOB if you want something special. Host will have soft drinks and wine. $15-$20 suggested donation.
Got the Black Friday Blues? Come to Floyd, Virginia on Saturday for a day of Blues Guitar Workshops and an evening concert. Stay over at the venue Hotel Floyd at a special discounted room rate.
Our hosts assure us that their email list will fill all the available chairs, and they've asked us only to make note of the event here, but not solicit reservations. There may be a workshop or private lessons offered in conjunction with this evening performance. Feel free to inquire about such things: scottAT CattailMusic DOT […]
An early afternoon educational concert sponsored by Scotia Bank at Studio Bell in The National Music Centre on the African Roots of American Music.
The Barns of Rosehill will be the site for this hands-on workshop for acoustic guitarists on the roots and branches of country blues and slide guitar. This 2.5 hour Saturday afternoon workshop will be paired with the evening concert for one discounted price or purchased separately, as you like. Feel free to contact me with […]
ALERT!!! TIME CHANGE!!! Doors open at 7:00; music at 8:00; an open session following the concert for those who'd like to play. They're building a scene and a community at the Barns and I'm happy to be a part of that. The workshop in the afternoon is $40 alone, $50 with the concert included. The […]
CHANGE OF VENUE! This concert and the Saturday Guitar Workshop will now be held at our friend Melinda Wood Allen’s house. Please contact her to rsvp and for address / directions. unitymusicmel@yahoo.com (817) 819-6022 House opens at 7:00 Friday, January 10, 2020 and music starts at 7:30. We'll be just under an hour west of […]
CHANGE OF VENUE! This workshop and the Friday night concert will now be held at our friend Melinda Wood Allen's house. Please contact her to rsvp and for address / directions. unitymusicmel@yahoo.com (817) 819-6022 We'll be just under an hour west of where Robert Johnson made his first series of professional recordings at the Brunswick […]
Sunday morning service at 10:30 Afternoon concert
The Good Shepherd United Church of Christ of Sahuarita, Arizona and Common Ground On The Hill in Westminster, Maryland cooperate in the production of this program examining the common ground we all share, regardless of where the border is drawn between us: race, class, religion, or nationality. It will be my honor to join them […]
One of the great things about the traveling life is making new friends, sometimes dozens of them at a time! Jacqueline Silva is one. We'll be coming to her House Concert series in January of 2020 while touring in southern California. The evening starts with a potluck supper at 6:00, music at 7:00, a break […]
We're coming to Fullerton CA to this Cultural Center for a Thursday evening presentation. Please save the date and join us there. About my work with Reggie Harris: "Standing in concert, armed with a variety of acoustic instruments, stories, and songs, Scott Ainslie and Reggie Harris–passionate performers and friends–personalize America’s history and the shared struggle […]
I'm happy to be returning to the scene of my double-bill performance with the august David Lindley (the Ruth B. Shannon Center for the Performing Arts) with my friend and sometime stage partner Reggie Harris. I have very fond memories of this stage and the community of volunteers who help staff the concerts and events! […]
No, Scott is not singing harmony with himself -- Harmony is the name of the place! Church service and Sunday afternoon concert - details to follow.
On Saturday, February 22nd, I'll be playing a rare date in Santa Fe, NM. Please alert your friends there to save the date. Details forthcoming.... Start @ 6pm with fingerfood and BYOB. 7pm music starts . 2 sets of 45 min RSVP: email : philmgarrett@gmail.com cell : 864-561-5208
I'll be presenting an early afternoon teaching concert on the African roots of American Music at the National Music Centre of Canada in Calgary, Alberta. Free with Museum admission....
Dave Donovan will be hosting us for a house concert at 4:00 p.m. A couple sets, a nice break between them to socialize on the First of March. Bring what you'd like to sip on. There is normally some food available between the sets (BBQ and Veggies). There are a maximum of 50 seats available […]
We're so looking forward to this! Details to follow!
Todd Reid and Sean McGowan have invited me back to address their students on Friday, the 13th of March. This general recital will include history, background, and blues, work songs, slide and ragtime guitar with time for questions at the end.
We met pastor Kathi Elliott at Common Ground on the Border in January and are please to say that we'll be playing a concert at her church in Indiana on our return trip in March.
Originally we were hoping to combine a Saturday house concert with a Sunday vocal workshop. We've had to cancel the workshop, but the concert will go on as a "virtual house concert" (Saturday evening, April 18 at 8 pm as originally scheduled) Information about how to join us online for this concert WILL BE posted […]
THIS EVENT HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2020 I'm happy to be returning to Isis, a club named for the Egyptian god before Islamic terrorists commandeered the acronym... The upstairs lounge is an intimate setting with good sound and not a bad seat in the house. Come join me for an evening of […]
THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED - DATE TBD My old friend and stalwart acoustic music promoter David Sardinha is hosting me for this Friday night in April at the Cary Theater in downtown Cary NC. A beautiful room to play. And a fine spring night in my former home state. There are just 160 seats […]
An old boy scout pal has been a master gardener at George Washington's estate south of Alexandria VA for nearly fifty years now. This winter he contacted me about coming to play for a conference of estate/historic gardeners, The Southern Garden History Society, a relaxed group of non-stuffy horticulturists with a reported bent for good […]
THIS EVENT WILL BE RESCHEDULED - DATE TBD Island Community House 6246 Mumford Street Chincoteague Island, VA 23336 (757) 336-5825 jane@sundialbooks.net 7:00 - 9:00 $15 suggested donation Don't publicize until March 1, or we hear from Jon.
This weekend featuring eight of the Summer Acoustic Music Week regulars is focused on the issues that singers and songwriters face in presenting a song: from writing to introducing; mastering the material and the microphones. Should be a grand reunion of staff and students!
We hope to be able to reschedule this -- some time! Megan Littlehales has been hosting events in an old farmhouse in Marlboro VT, bringing fine acoustic music into the area for a select audience of 30-40 people. I'm delighted to be joining the long list of august performers who've made music in that house. […]
THIS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FOR NOVEMBER 20, 2020. This non-profit music presenting organization was established in 2014 to bring fine live performances to Tuckerton and the surrounding area. I'm looking forward to my first performance there (courtesy of Tom Paxton and the Don Juans, who recommended me to the music coordinator there: this is how […]
I'm happy to be returning to northern Virginia to play for these good people on Saturday, May 16th.
Scott's ONLINE Streaming concert will be a 4:00 pm EDT Sunday afternoon, in hopes of making it easier for our friends in the U.K. and Europe, where it will be 9:00 pm. For west-coast friends, it will be 1:00 p.m.
Please bookmark and check the page at https://cattailmusic.com/live/ for the updated info and FaceBook event link.
As outreach hosted by our friends at Sumner Hall in Chestertown MD, I'll be presenting a teaching concert on the African roots of American music for the students at Kent County High School on Friday, June 5, 2020.
Tom McHugh has been tasked with booking a series of community concerts in one of only two existing African-American Grand Army of the Republic (G.A.R.) buildings still standing in the United States (and the only one offering regular programs). My friend and compatriot Reggie Harris played it last year and recommended me. The honor of […]
This cafe has been bringing great acoustic music into its beautiful upstairs room for years. I'm happy to be returning to make music at this all-volunteer run coffeehouse. Come join us!
This august festival has passed from the hands of Andy Spence to Joy Bennett and I am, as ever, delighted to have an invitation. The festival features workshops, small and main stages, and theme-oriented workshops (like Songs of Conscience, or Blues and Slide Guitar) that feature four or five performers in a round-robin format that […]
We met Steven Brown, the library director, when Scott played in Belfast last fall. He heard the radio show Scott did and contacted us right away, and we were able to get him in for the concert in Belfast. We've agreed on a date for a concert at the library, and hope that the health […]
I was looking forward to joining the staff at Summer Songs again, after an absence of many years.
Instead I’ll be doing two ONLINE WORKSHOPS.
More details will be added here!
As fine a gathering of musicians as one might hope for, instructors and students/participants at the Gathering have carefully honed a community that is questing, friendly, open, and welcoming. I have taught here for more than twenty years and my pulse quickens every time I am invited to participate once again.
Scott recorded instruction for his Mississippi John Hurt class that would have been this week at Swannanoa. See guitarweek page for details.
For and with our friends at Focus Music in Northern Virginia: On an internet device near you! https://focusmusic.org/event-3912162
Think of a week at camp: cabins, a clear swimmable lake, but add in phenomenal music and food that will completely obliterate one's notion about camp cafeteria cooking and cooks... And you get Traditional Music and Dance (TradMaD). Space is limited. Fun is not. Join us.
This is the date rescheduled from April, 2020. I’m happy to be returning to Isis, a club named for the Egyptian god before Islamic terrorists commandeered the acronym… The upstairs lounge is an intimate setting with good sound and not a bad seat in the house. Come join me for an evening of music, stories, […]
THIS HAS BEEN RESCHEDULED FROM APRIL 2020 This non-profit music presenting organization was established in 2014 to bring fine live performances to Tuckerton and the surrounding area. I'm looking forward to my first performance there (courtesy of Tom Paxton and the Don Juans, who recommended me to the music coordinator there: this is how the […]
This series, pre-pandemic, ran for 25 years at the Dickson Mounds Museum, a branch of the Illinois State Museum that sits on the bluffs of the Illinois River Valley overlooking the Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge. With the rise of the public health threat of the Covid virus, to keep the audience and performers safe and […]
I'll be teaching three classes via ZOOM and participating in a staff concert on Saturday evening at 8:00 pm with Phil Wiggins and Miss Tess.
Understanding Open Tunings 1 and 2. (10:00 am, Saturday and Sunday)
and
Slide Guitar, Essential Techniques (2:00 pm Saturday)
For more information: wumb.org
I'll be playing in the same room with a live audience for the first time since March 2020. Seating will be limited -- get tickets via their Event Brite page. For those of you who can't be in the room, the concert will be live-streamed on a donation basis here. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1_I4N_VG7rE
He calls this 'lessons from a white blues singer,' and that is exactly what it is. What techniques make black singing and speaking styles so compelling? How do we trigger the emotion of an audience when we sing? Can this be learned? Ainslie says, "Yes."
In person instruction (no streaming) for this private guitar camp.
Not sure how long they'll keep this up on YouTube - but I'll give you until the end of July, in case you missed the Festival on June 19, 2021 https://youtu.be/NhiTFZDqSrQ?t=2234
If you missed the festival the last weekend in June, you can catch one of my concert sets here through the end of July. https://youtu.be/EFJeU_wscjo?t=8221
Streaming Instruction in real time - See SG Online for details on the programs, schedule, and registration. My classes are: How Did Robert Johnson Do That? 1:45 - 2:45. M-F and Music of Mississippi John Hurt. 3:00 - 4:00 M-F
Happy to be back in Asheville, NC.
We met Steven Brown when we were in Maine a few years back, and had to cancel a concert last fall. We're delighted to be returning to this beautiful area for an outdoor concert. Note: this will be an outdoor afternoon concert, with a raindate on Sunday.
We're on the books for Pinewoods Camp in Plymouth, MA, but are awaiting decicisions re: Covid.
Blues, Bourbon, & Barbecue: A Benefit Family Promise of Beaufort County Crystal Lake Barn, Hampton Lake Bluffton SC https://familypromisebeaufortcounty.org/ Every Child Will Have A Home: Family Promise of Beaufort County’s mission is to mobilize interfaith and secular resources and communities to provide temporary shelter, family stability, and permanent housing solutions for homeless […]
October 7, 2022 7:00 p.m. Music on Malphrus RETURNS Unitarian Universalist Congregation of the Low Country 110 Malphrus Road Bluffton, SC tel. 843-837-3330 https://www.uulowcountry.org/music-on-malphrus.html This is the first show since the pandemic shuttered this wonderful acoustic music series and I'm proud to be helping them start up again. This show was […]
A potluck supper at 6:00, music from 7:30-9:00 or so in a large, high-ceilinged room with room for thirty to forty people, $25 donation per person. Some refreshments will be provided by the hosts. A private email list will be used to contact vaccinated acquaintances and friends to fill the seats. At this time, this […]