CLASS | TUESDAYS FROM OCTOBER 7–DECEMBER 2 | 6:30–8:30 PM | $350

Grateful Deadhead Ensemble—Music Class
The Jug Band and Folk Roots of the Grateful Dead

Music educator Jason McInnes is back with another round of an 8-week music class for adults, at FUSION on Tuesdays, October 7–December 2 (no class on November 11), from 6:30–8:30 PM.

ABOUT THE CLASS

In the fall of 2025, the Grateful Dead Ensemble will focus on exploring the jug band and folk roots of the Dead's music. Get on the bus as you, your intrepid teacher Jason McInnes (knowingtrees.com), and your fellow Deadheads gather for this eight-week adult education music class dedicated to studying and performing the music of the Grateful Dead. 

Designed with beginning, intermediate, and advanced musicians in mind, Grateful Deadhead Ensemble offers a deep dive into the music that inspired the band. We’ll learn songs by foundational artists like the Memphis Jug Band, Elizabeth Cotten, Bill Monroe, the Carter Family, and Rev. Gary Davis. Then, we’ll use these songs to explore musical concepts like arranging, improvisation, harmony vocals, and ensemble playing. 

Class includes hands-on instruction, group rehearsals, and opportunities to jam in a relaxed, collaborative setting. Beginning musicians will find space to grow without the pressure of being “good”, all the while having the benefit of playing alongside more accomplished musicians. Experienced musicians will have opportunities to strut their stuff, hone their chops, and make music with a diverse ensemble of instruments and players.

Whether you're a guitarist, bassist, vocalist, keyboardist, drummer, or other instrumentalist, you'll gain new insight into the Dead’s music through playing it among this generous, encouraging community. 

New for the Fall 2025 Session 

The jug band and folk repertoire lend themselves to DIY instruments, which are ideal for those who consider themselves “non-musicians”. Milk jugs, washtub bass, kazoo, and washboard, among others, will be available for all to play. 

End-of-Session Gig 

The class will culminate with a gig at FUSION on December 5, as part of the December ABQ First Friday celebration. Details TBA.

For additional information about the class, Click Here.

Registration Open Until October 22!

ABOUT THE TEACHER

Once…a music school dropout. 

Now…a practiced and proficient music educator who helps folks realize that music can be for them, whether they think they are musical or “talented” or have some doubts about that. 

For 20+ years, Jason McInnes has helped thousands of people develop intrinsic validation of their musicianship by coaching people focused on guitar, banjo, harmonica, music theory, and performance. He especially enjoys gathering folks to develop their skills for playing music as a community, either by building a band or through less formal open jams and sing-along sessions. 

For 17 years, Jason was an award-winning faculty member at Chicago’s Old Town School of Folk Music, where he led group and private classes for youth and adult musicians. Now, he facilitates his Guitar Crew classes, workshops, and private lessons in his home studio in the South Valley, as well as leading music classes at Bernalillo County senior centers. 

Jason is the host and administrator of Getting to Know Trees: Creative Inquiries with Jason McInnes; a blog/website where he shares music lessons, songs, and artwork, as well as featuring the creative practices of others in his community.