Every summer, the Augusta Heritage Center in Elkins, West Virginia, transforms the City into a vibrant cultural haven where music, dance, craft, and community culminate! For generations, the Augusta Heritage Center has been a place where learners of all ages and skill levels gather to connect with master artists and immerse themselves in traditional arts. As the 2025 summer season approaches, we caught up with Executive Director Seth Young to learn what’s in store this year.
Q: What can participants look forward to in Augusta’s 2025 summer program?
Seth Young: You can look forward to immersive, authentic, in-depth learning experiences with culture-bearing masters of our day. You’ll be plugged into our community and gain a sense of belonging and togetherness. Evenings are vibrant with dances, jams, concerts, and camaraderie among like-minded new and old friends.
Q: Are there any new workshops, themes, or special additions this year?
Seth Young: Yes! We’re excited to debut our new Bluegrass Kids Academy for teens during Bluegrass Week—the same week that won the 2020 “Event of the Year” from the International Bluegrass Music Association. Students will study with master artists throughout the week, then work with the U.S. Navy Bluegrass and Country Bands in the final two days, culminating in a concert where they open the show. As a reminder, scholarships are available to remove any financial barriers.
We’re also bringing in a bevy of new master artists and offering unique new craft classes—check out those instructor bios on our website!
Q: What sets the Augusta experience apart from other arts and culture programs?
Seth Young: Our focus is on traditional arts—the wellspring from which all art derives. When participants come to Augusta, they’re tapping directly into the source of the art they wish to experience. We use an immersive learning model. Once you set foot in a class, you’re eating, drinking, and sleeping the art you’re learning. It’s truly transformative and has changed lives for the better.
Q: Can you share highlights about this year’s instructors and their expertise?
Seth Young: Certainly! Click on these links to find master artists, their bios, and class descriptions!
• Cajun & Creole Week – Cajun & Creole Week is a vibrant, week-long celebration of the rich cultural traditions of Louisiana, focusing on its iconic music, dance, and, of course, food. This event offers an immersive experience with workshops all day in Cajun and Creole music, including fiddling, accordion, singing, guitar, and cooking.
• Classic Country – Learn all about how the great country artists made the music you love, and also how to make those sweet sounds yourself. Dancing, jamming, and a whole lot of laughing round out the week.
• Bluegrass – Bluegrass Week brings together some of the most incredible musicians on the bluegrass circuit today with students of all levels to share a week of learning, playing, and deep listening.
• Vocal – Whether it’s the rich harmonies of the all-group sings, the intricate stylings of solo singing learned in a class, or a serendipitous collaboration with a new singing buddy in a jam, Vocal Week offers a diverse range of musical delights for singers of all interests.
• Blues – Augusta Blues Week celebrates the quintessentially American genre of blues through workshops in guitar, harmonica, piano, and singing as well as gatherings centered on music, dance, food, and fellowship.
• Old-Time – Old-Time Week is the perfect place to learn not only your next favorite tune AND some new techniques to work on for the coming year, but to connect with other musicians who want to learn the tunes and the history of this rich musical style.
• Traditional Craft – Traditional craft classes at Augusta offer a way to be immersed in all of the Augusta music and dance activities on campus during the week while engaging your creative side through visual art workshops.
• Folk Arts for Kids, Bluegrass Kids Academy, and Teen Augusta – Augusta Folk Arts for Kids participants (ages 5-11) explore visual arts, dance, and crafts through the creation of a variety of artworks and explorative experiences. Participants will paint, sketch, dance, sing, weave, bind, mold, sew, experiment, and more as they learn about how crafts are connected historically and to the world today.
Q: Is Augusta open to all skill levels, or should participants have prior experience?
Seth Young: Augusta is open to everyone—whether you’re just starting from scratch, intermediate, or advanced. There’s something here for every level. Here is a brief guide to Augusta’s skill levels (in general, we advise that musicians choose classes that are challenging but not overwhelming) –
• From Scratch – I’ve never even held the instrument. I need to be taught from the very start.
• Beginning – I can play slowly. I have some starts and stops when I’m playing. I’m looking to smooth my playing and express myself more freely.
• Intermediate – I can play several songs or tunes in the style at a moderate tempo. I’m not starting and stopping anymore, but I’d like to work on my technique and style.
• Advanced – I can play many songs and tunes in the style and at the tempo of the seminal examples. I’m looking to further my knowledge of a specific technique or musician and add to my repertoire. Beyond the notes, I’m also interested in furthering my understanding of the people behind the music.
Q: What does a typical day look like during the summer session?
Seth Young: You’ll wake up to the sound of music outside your window, walk past a jam session on your way to breakfast, and eat with friends. In the morning, you’ll take two unique classes with a coffee break in between. After lunch, we gather for a group event called a Culture Session—a deep dive into the human context of the art and music we’re learning, with expert discussions and demonstrations of seminal works. Then, it’s back to your chosen class, jam practice, or rest before dinner. In the evening, you can take an optional mini-class before heading to a concert or dance—and if you still have energy, you can jam until you’re ready to call it a night!
Q: How does Augusta engage with the local community during the summer program?
Seth Young: Our Volunteer Collective plays a big role. They help welcome participants, set up for concerts, serve as ushers, and more—all while getting access to no-cost programming. Our concerts and dances are open to the public, and locals should definitely take advantage of our mini-classes—they’re a great after-work activity. Any locals facing financial barriers should reach out to us for scholarship options.
Q: Are there public performances or showcases that visitors won’t want to miss?
Seth Young: Absolutely—every week features concerts, dances, and other events that showcase the incredible talent of our instructors and participants. These are can’t-miss events for locals and visitors alike.
Q: What should participants know about accommodations, meals, and campus life?
Seth Young: We offer several housing and meal options. You can stay in the conference center, student dorms, or suite dorms with common areas. We also have camping and RV packages available. Meal plans are available right on campus.
Q: How can people contribute to Augusta’s mission?
Seth Young: Anyone who wants to provide a transformational experience for someone else can contribute to our scholarship fund—or donate to Augusta in general. We also welcome support for our Wilt Building initiative, which aims to transform the historic opera house into a hub for Augusta year-round.
Q: How can someone register, and what are the key deadlines?
Seth Young: Registration is open now at augustaartsandculture.org. That’s where you’ll find deadlines, tuition info, and everything you need to plan your summer.
Q: What’s ahead for Augusta beyond the summer season?
Seth Young: This May we’re excited to announce our Flatpicking Guitar Weekend right here in Elkins, WV. We have exciting Fall programs, too—like our Irish Retreat set right in downtown Elkins, a brand-new Mountain Dulcimer workshop at Blackwater Falls State Park, and the Old Timer Retreat at Cass Scenic Railroad State Park.
Come Be a Part of the Tradition
Whether you’re drawn to Augusta for the music, the learning, or the magic of being part of a community deeply rooted in tradition, the 2025 season promises something unforgettable. With transformative experiences, award-winning programs, and new offerings for all ages, Augusta Heritage Center continues to celebrate and preserve the arts in powerful ways. Don’t miss your chance to be part of it.
For full program details, instructor bios, and registration, visit augustaartsandculture.org.