Due to the Global Pandemic, most of the gigs on my calendar have been postponed or cancelled.
Some will be replaced with Virtual Concerts, and you’ll find details for all Live Streamed Concerts on the Cattail-LIVE page!
October 2018
The Lab at the Barnyard
A friend of two different friends in the Carmel area, Kiki Wow has set up this Sunday afternoon concert at The Lab.
Find out more »Ojai Storytelling Festival – California
I am so pleased to be invited back to this lovely festival up in the hills above the Pacific in Ojai, CA. Brian Bemel's welcoming me and my spoken-word/poet compatriot Glenis Redmond back and we are both excited and pleased at the prospect of working together again and making new friends at the festival, on stage and off. From their website: Nestled in a valley filled with orange groves and flanked by the Topa Topa peaks, the charming city of…
Find out more »November 2018
Borrego Springs House Concert
This beautiful little desert town is home to dear friends who are going to open their home on a Monday evening for an early evening of music, stories and songs. An intimate setting for friends new and old to join us. Please contact Steven Forrest by email only: forrestastrology AT Gmail DOT com Address will be provided by our hosts when they confirm your reservation.
Find out more »Green Valley AZ House Concert
Our friends from Common Ground on the Hill (Maryland) and Common Ground on the Border (Arizona) will be hosting a house concert on the return leg of our tour. Please contact Rebecca McElfresh (mcelf.rebecca@gmail.com) to reserve a space for this unamplified evening of acoustic music, stories, and song. Years ago, my song, "The Land That I Love," brought me to Green Valley where I witnessed the work of the Green Valley Samaritans and No Mas Muertes, as well: humanitarians trying…
Find out more »Hillside House Concerts-Austin TX
Elise Bright will be hosting us for a house concert in northwest Austin, Texas on Friday evening, November 9th. Music starts at 8:00. Reservations are by email only to: musicgirl3205 AT gmail DOTcom. $15 donations will be gratefully accepted at the door. A couple of sets of finely wrought traditional blues and slide guitar, sprinkled with some select original songs, ragtime blues, and great stories. Come out, bring or send your Austin friends our way.
Find out more »Whirlybird – near Lafayette LA
Jim Phillips, Christy Leichty, and their crew of volunteers and friends are creating a music/dance/art scene in St. Landry Parish, north of Lafayette, LA. My friend David Greely introduced us and I'm looking forward to being part of the scene there. Saturday evening concert sets. Sunday, midday workshop. Details coming soon. Locations sent with email confirmation of your reservations. Here's what their site says: "Jim Phillips and his wife Christy Leichty are artists and educators who love Cajun and Creole music…
Find out more »Blues Guitar/Vocal Workshop – St. Landry’s Parish LA
The content of this workshop is yet to be settled, but I'm a fine slide guitar teacher, good delta and ragtime blues teacher, and I can coach singers into using the tools that make blues singers so emotionally effective. Teaching is a part of what I love. Content of these workshops is always driven by the agreed upon interests of those who come. Feel free to contact me before hand with your requests and questions. Reservations strongly advised. Thank you.
Find out more »St. Landry Parish Schools, Acadiana Arts Center Residency
The schools in St. Landry have entered into an educational arts presenters agreement with the good folks at the Acadiana Arts Center, who I've been working with for more than twenty years. I'm happy to be one of the first artists to go perform and teach for them.
Find out more »Acoustic Blues/Slide Guitar Workshop-Duluth GA
Eddie Owen and the Red Clay Music Foundry are presenting a workshop/concert combination on the Saturday before Thanksgiving. Details will be forthcoming, but note the date and, my dear Atlanta friends, get out of town and come see me. My workshops often include the music of Robert Johnson, Mississippi John Hurt, acoustic slide guitar techniques, right hand basics, open tunings and standard tuning, as well as blues vocal techniques for non-blues singers! Content is always shaped by who comes. We…
Find out more »Red Clay Music Foundry-Duluth GA
Eddie Owen Presents (EOP) is sponsoring this workshop/concert day north of Atlanta in Duluth GA. The workshop in the afternoon is for blues guitarists and singers. The evening performance is for anyone who values good music, longs to know its history and stories, and has a passion for great singing and acoustic guitar playing. Come out and join us. We will have a ball. Guaranteed! Note: There's a discount if you do the workshop AND the concert. Tickets
Find out more »Sunapee Coffee House
Our gig here last year was iced out by some frozen pipes. A return to this lovely (cool) local coffeehouse in the state next door! Hopefully not as cold as last year... Come join us for a great evening of acoustic blues, slide guitar, hand-crafted songs and stories.
Find out more »January 2019
The Peace Center, Greenville SC with Poet Glenis Redmond
My poetic compatriot and sister-from-another-mother, Glenis Redmond, and I will be presenting teaching performances during the day on Wednesday and Thursday, January 9 & 10, and an evening presentation on Thursday, January 10th at 6:30 as part of their Poetic Conversations Series. The opportunity for us to be on stage together is precious to us and we are both grateful for the vision and commitment of the Peace Center to presenting this compelling work.
Find out more »Greenville SC House Concert
My dear friends George & Kathy Avakian are hosting a private house concert on Saturday evening, January 12th. They have a long list of friends to invite and a few seats. (If your email invitation doesn't come, someone got to the reply button before you!). Details and directions will come with your reservation confirmation. It is always a pleasure to be with these two and I look forward to another unamplified evening in their home.
Find out more »Scott Ainslie @ Streamside
An amazing venue: I'm excited to play in Sally Sparks' house concert series in Arden.
Doors will open at 2:30 -- Two sets with a break.
Suggested donation $20.
RSVP (Facebook Event -- alert or invite your friends!)
Find out more »NCSU University Scholars Program-Raleigh NC
Over the past 20 years, I have been invited regularly to present and perform for the prestigious University Scholars Program at North Carolina State Universtiy in Raleigh NC. My programs on the African roots and American diversity of the blues, work, and slave songs have always been well-reviewed and the engagement of the scholars has been gratifying to me. Monday afternoon, January 14th at 3:00 p.m., I'll be back on the scholars' stage to work with the students and program…
Find out more »Magellan Charter School, Raleigh NC
As a sort of rite of passage, I have been performing for the 8th Grade at this lovely charter school in Raleigh for many years (well into the second decade). These sort of repeat gigs are immensely gratifying. The loyalty of the administration here is a testimony to the usefulness of my work, something I take to heart each time they offer me a part of their school day again.
Find out more »Private House Concert, Granville OH
Mike Morris is hosting us for a private house concert as a fund-raiser for the local Hospice chapter. Donations for the performance will go to them. This is a private event.
Find out more »Stories, songs, and acoustic blues with Scott Ainslie, Cincinnati OH
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 with his mentors infuses each story, each song, every note. Come join us for an informal evening of music and camaraderie. You are welcome to…
Find out more »Yellow Springs OH – YSAC Community Gallery
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.
Find out more »An Evening at Dream Guitars, Mars Hill NC
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 already drooling, just thinking about it.
Find out more »Beacon Hall Fundraising Concert, Salisbury NC
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 community.
Find out more »Beacon Hall Guitar Workshop, Salisbury NC
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 bring a guitar (acoustic, preferred); something to record sound, if possible; something to make notes on – and their musical curiosity!
Find out more »Swain Center for the Arts, Bryson NC w/Reggie Harris
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 concerts: TBA, Monday January 28th
Find out more »February 2019
Meadow School, Benson NC
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 present two concerts here for K-4 and 5-8 grades, at 1:00 p.m. and 2:15 p.m., respectively.
Find out more »Wakefield Middle School: Teaching Concerts
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.
Find out more »High Water-Hurricane Benefit, Lumberton 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 two successive 500-year floods! I had a routed night free on the road and will be doing a benefit for them on Saturday night, February…
Find out more »Cottage Music House Concerts, Harrisonburg VA
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 to: doogiemac AT outlook DOT com. Directions will come with your reservation confirmation.
Find out more »March 2019
14th Annual Posi Music Festival, Tampa FL
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.
Find out more »May 2019
House Concert-Lubec, Maine
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.
Find out more »Crow Town Gallery: Mother’s Day Lubec ME
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.
Find out more »Scott Ainslie & Reggie Harris, The Folk College, Huntingdon PA
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 and styles for guitarists, etc. Populated by fine humans with a flair for having a good time, this is always grand. This May 2019 program…
Find out more »June 2019
Peterborough Folk Music Society, House Concert
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.
Find out more »July 2019
1794 Meeting House, New Salem MA
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!
Find out more »WAYO-104.3 FM-Live Radio
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 brother George was born into that house, as well. It will be fun to be on the air there. Join us.
Find out more »Wild Rose Moon, Plymouth IN
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.
Find out more »Woodstock Folk Festival, Woodstock IL
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, if that's your interest. We'll talk over what would be most useful and settle on topics to be covered. It'll be informal and great.
Find out more »Cafe Carpe, Fort Atkinson WI
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.
Find out more »Louisville KY House Concert
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 be made by contacting Kay at: mkaycoyteAT Gmail DOT com, or 502-409-4501 Directions will be provided with reservation confirmations. Seating is limited, so reserve your…
Find out more »Guitar Week, The Swannanoa Gathering, Swannanoa NC
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 great joy to be invited back.
Find out more »August 2019
Village Club at Wolf Laurel-Mars Hill NC
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 will be available to community members and their guests through the Wolf Laurel Property Owners' Association. I'll be singing on what would have been my…
Find out more »TradMad Camp, Plymouth MA
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.
Find out more »September 2019
Brattleboro House Concert, Brattleboro VT
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 variety of instruments, singing and telling stories, new and old. Music in the air! Reservations by phone or email. Directions with reservation confirmation, as usual.
Find out more »Rochester VT House Concert
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 day! Admission by suggested donation, as usual.
Find out more »Vocal Workshop and Concert-Hudson MA
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 directions will be provided with your confirmation.
Find out more »5th Saturdays House Concerts-Kingston NY
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 Porchfest earlier that day.
Find out more »October 2019
Connecticut Folk, New Haven CT
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.
Find out more »Canaan Institute House Concert: Brooktondale NY
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 and banjo along with my other instruments to embrace a portion of my southern old-time music heritage, as well as the blues work and original…
Find out more »Common House Concerts-Belfast, Maine
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 your reservation confirmation. Space is limited, so please set the date aside. The presenter prefers that you use the reservation form at https://sites.google.com/view/bcechc/scott-ainslie, but emails…
Find out more »NYC-Lower East Side House Concert
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 a few songs. The following morning, Saturday, October 19, Ainslie will be offering a participatory vocal workshop for singers, ‘Blues Singing Techniques for Non-Blues Singers,’…
Find out more »November 2019
Floyd Radio Show
Scott will be a featured artist on this monthly radio show - broadcast live from the Floyd Country Store, in Floyd, VA.
Find out more »Big Porch House Concert, Durham NC
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 house on Georgia Avenue by emailing: reservations AT bigporch DOT us
Find out more »Albemarle NC Schools
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...
Find out more »Blue Tavern, Tallahassee FL
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!
Find out more »Concert, Clearwater, FL
We'll be back at Unity of Clearwater for Sunday service on November 10, and a concert on Monday November 11.
Find out more »Seminole FL – Private House Concert
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.
Find out more »Guitar Workshop: The Music of Mississippi John Hurt
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 before John Hurt was re-discovered in 1963 at the age of 71, his 1927 and 1928 recordings had influenced a small coterie of guitar aficionados.…
Find out more »Blues Concert at Timucua, Orlando, FL
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.
Find out more »Unity Eastside, Tallahassee FL
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.
Find out more »Music on Malphrus, Bluffton SC
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.
Find out more »Charleston House Concert
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.
Find out more »“Beat The Black Friday Blues” in Floyd, VA
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.
Find out more »December 2019
Private House Concert, Peterborough NH
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 com.
Find out more »The National Music Centre, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
An early afternoon educational concert sponsored by Scotia Bank at Studio Bell in The National Music Centre on the African Roots of American Music.
Find out more »January 2020
Acoustic Blues/Slide Guitar Workshop: Berryville VA
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 your hopes for the workshop portion. I'll teach the players who show up and we'll do our best to satisfy everyone's hopes. How's that!!!
Find out more »The Barns of Rosehill, Berryville VA
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 concert will be $20 in advance; $25 at the door. Save the date and join us, Saturday, January 4th.
Find out more »Acoustic Blues Concert – Fort Worth Area TX
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 where Robert Johnson made his first series of professional recordings at the Brunswick Record offices on the third floor of the 508 Park Avenue building…
Find out more »How Did Robert Johnson Do That? Fort Worth Area Guitar Workshop
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 Record offices on the third floor of the 508 Park Avenue building in Dallas. Some of his music will be resonating again in this part…
Find out more »Cathedral of Light
Sunday morning service at 10:30 Afternoon concert
Find out more »Common Ground On The Border 2020, Sahuarita AZ
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 to lead two two-hour classes on "Raising Your Voice For Others," and to present a concert on the Friday night of this weekend. Set aside…
Find out more »Harmony Playground House Concerts, Poway CA
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 for dessert and visiting, then a second set at 8:15. This will be fun. Tickets reserved online at https://harmonyplayground.com/about-scott-ainslie-concert/
Find out more »February 2020
Muckenthaler Cultural Center: Long Time Comin’ w/Reggie Harris
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 for equal social and civil rights. In their interactive concert program, Long Time Comin’, we are welcomed and wrapped up in that journey. 'Tracing the…
Find out more »Whittier CA with Reggie Harris
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! We'll be presenting teaching concerts during the day on Friday, optional workshops (TBA) on Saturday midday, and an evening concert Saturday night. Please plan to…
Find out more »Harmony Center for Spiritual Living – afternoon Concert
No, Scott is not singing harmony with himself -- Harmony is the name of the place! Church service and Sunday afternoon concert - details to follow.
Find out more »Santa Fe House Concert
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
Find out more »March 2020
Studio Bell, The National Music Centre, Calgary Canada
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....
Find out more »Calgary House Concerts, Calgary Canada
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 on a first-come/first-served basis. Reservations recommended via their website: https://calgaryhouseconcerts.ca/events/scott-ainslie-march-1-2020/ Address and additional details will be returned to you with confirmation of your reservation. On…
Find out more »On The Edge Concert Series, Calgary-Alberta, Canada
We're so looking forward to this! Details to follow!
Find out more »University of Colorado-Denver, General Recital
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.
Find out more »POSTPONED-First Congregational Church of Terre Haute
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.
Find out more »April 2020
Folk Song Society of Greater Boston – Virtual House Concert
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 on the Folk Song Society's page: https://www.fssgb.org/fssconc.shtml#ainslie The link will also be here: https://cattailmusic.com/live/
Find out more »POSTPONED Scott Ainslie at ISIS Lounge Concert, Asheville NC
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 music, stories, and songs. Tickets: https://isisasheville.com/event/acoustic-blues-slide-guitar-master-scott-ainslie/
Find out more »POSTPONED – The Cary Theater, Cary NC
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 and we hope to sell out. Please reserve your seats early. Pass the word and join us, if you can.
Find out more »POSTPONED-Washington’s Mount Vernon-Private Conference
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 food and drink. It should be a blast. As a young boy scout, every Washington's Birthday holiday between 1963 and 1968, we'd all get up…
Find out more »POSTPONED Sundial Books Presents An Evening WIth Scott Ainslie
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.
Find out more »May 2020
POSTPONED-The Singer & The Song-WUMB Weekend
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!
Find out more »POSTPONED: Marlboro VT House Concert
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. Come!
Find out more »POSTPONED – Lizzie Rose Music Room, Tuckerton NJ
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 the music life works best! Thanks, boys!!). NEW DATE: Friday evening, November 20th, 7:30 p.m. Two sets and all the fun you can have.
Find out more »POSTPONED-Focus, Sterling VA
I'm happy to be returning to northern Virginia to play for these good people on Saturday, May 16th.
Find out more »ONLINE LIVE-STREAM, co-sponsored with RiverVibes Concerts and The Cooperage Project
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.
Find out more »June 2020
Kent County High School, Chestertown MD
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.
Find out more »Sumner Hall, Chestertown MD
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 working in this building, with this community, affirming the contributions and importance of African-Americans to our shared history is now also going to be mine.…
Find out more »Carroll Cafe, Takoma-Washington DC
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!
Find out more »CANCELLED for 2020: Old Songs, Altamont NY
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 encourages community building on-stage, and off. Come for the day, or for the weekend. It's a blast.
Find out more »July 2020
Searsmont, Maine Library Concert
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 and cooperation of all will allow this event to proceed. They do not accept reservations: first come, first seated. Email or phone contact for information…
Find out more »ONLINE TEACHING for the REVISED Summer Songs, Stony Point NY
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!
Find out more »CANCELLED for 2020: Swannanoa Gathering-Guitar Week
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.
Find out more »Guitar Week Swannanoa
Scott recorded instruction for his Mississippi John Hurt class that would have been this week at Swannanoa. See guitarweek page for details.
Find out more »August 2020
Focus Music Live Stream Concert
For and with our friends at Focus Music in Northern Virginia: On an internet device near you! https://focusmusic.org/event-3912162
Find out more »CANCELED-TradMad, Pinewoods Camp, Plymouth MA
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.
Find out more »