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Free Jam Class @ Raleigh Wide Open Festival

Name: Free Jam Class @ Raleigh Wide Open Festival
Start: 2026-10-02T16:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-10-02T18:00:00-04:00
Location: Raleigh Wide Open Festival

Oct 2 @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm

Taught by Leslie Dare & Susan West using the Wernick Method

Raleigh, NC at the Raleigh Wide Open Festival

Downtown, Raleigh, NC 27601

Friday, 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Tuition: Free!

• Assisted by Kathy Foster-Patton

Free! Festival Admission Not Required

As soon as you register you’ll receive our Student Prep Guide with links to our 116 Bluegrass Jam Favorites Playlists.

Leslie Dare & Susan West

Leslie Dare & Susan West (Raleigh, NC) have found great synergy in working together to teach others the essentials of bluegrass jamming. Both grew up with music but after being musically inactive for many years, both joined the bluegrass community through their experiences at camps run by Pete and Joan Wernick, and Gilbert and Leigh Nelson, re-discovering the joys of music later in life. Leslie plays guitar and bass, and Susan plays mandolin, bass, and guitar. They are both active in the Raleigh, NC-area jamming scene, including the Raleigh chapter of the Handsome Ladies.

Email Leslie & Susan

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Watch Teacher Play

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“Susan and Leslie’s warm & welcoming teaching style helped me do something a little scary in each class which made me a better player.”

“The most enjoyable learning experience I have ever had.”

“Susan West and Leslie Dare are the best group music instructors I’ve ever experienced. I went from feeling nervous/uncomfortable about taking breaks and improvising, to feeling confident and capable.”

“Leslie is a talented, welcoming leader who makes jamming fun for everyone, regardless of their level of proficiency.”

“I feel so much better equipped to jam now. Y’all are the best!”

“Leslie and Susan were so organized and helpful. They do a great job of gently urging a student to try something new. I learned a lot and had a great time.”