James Keelaghan, Noon Performance Workshop
The Art of Presentation
DATE
Saturday, April 4, 2026
TIME
12:00 pm - 2:00 pm
VENUE
The Robin Theatre
1105 S. Washington Ave, Lansing
COST
$20 Public; $18 Fiddle Members; $5 Students. Available online or at the box office one hour before showtime.
You are invited to spend an afternoon exploring elements that make up a top notch artistic presentation.
“The Art of Performance”
James Keelaghan, Canadian Troubadour
The Robin Theatre, Lansing, MI
Saturday, April 4, Noon – 2 pm
You are invited to spend an afternoon exploring elements that make up a top notch artistic presentation.
Fifteen years ago, at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City, James Keelaghan gave a brilliant two-hour workshops on ‘The Art of Performance.’
Simultaneously, James was the musician arriving, setting up and then giving a performance, all the while sharing the details of every decision he made – and why, from deciding what songs to sing, to where to put the microphones, to communication with the producers as well as the audience.
(… reminding participants of how skillfully Pete Seeger could line out a song, lead the song, and sing the song, all in real time.)
For performers, for teachers, for any type of presenter, this workshop is a gold mine. You are invited.
“The Art of Performance”
Spend two hours reviewing each and every element needed to sculpt a marvelous performance from one of the finest performers in the acoustic music community. James Keelaghan has given this workshop at countless venues and festivals, including the annual Folk Alliance International Conference.
“James Keelaghan gave the best workshop I have ever attended,” stated Sally Potter, Booking Manager for the Ten Pound Fiddle.
“James talked about the micro and the macro. We watched him enter the workshop space, set up what he needed, coordinate with the sound personnel, arrange his performance space, check the lighting, set up his merchandise area, and more. While in motion, he explained the reasons for everything he does, including where he positions his guitar, chair, and body, what he says between songs, his length of sets, what type of tuner he uses, etc…
“Throughout, James explained the secrets of a working, traveling musician. He also talked about what creates the magic: the necessity of making the material accessible to the audience; the need to make the message relevant in today’s world; the need to authentically connect.
“These strategies are similar to those used by successful directors, managers, teachers, administrators, public servants, politicians, entrepreneurs and parents,” added Potter. “As a high school teacher, I took several ideas and immediately implemented them in my classroom. As a performing musician and song leader, I use many of his suggestions to this day.”
The Ten Pound Fiddle is offering this one-of-a-kind workshop at The Robin Theatre, Lansing.
Award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter James Keelaghan will give a Ten Pound Fiddle concert at The Robin Theatre on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Limited seating; tickets available online.)
The next day, Saturday, April 4, from noon-2 pm, also at The Robin Theatre, James will give this workshop on ways to become the best presenter you can be.
In addition to his distinguished musical career, James serves as the Music Director for Ontario’s Owen Sound Music Festival, choosing acts for his annual summer line-up. As both a performer and a producer, he has terrific ideas about what works on stage, and better yet – why.
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“The Art of Performance”
James Keelaghan, Canadian Troubadour
The Robin Theatre, Lansing, MI
Saturday, April 4, Noon – 2 pm
You are invited to spend an afternoon exploring elements that make up a top notch artistic presentation.
Fifteen years ago, at the International Folk Alliance Conference in Kansas City, James Keelaghan gave a brilliant two-hour workshops on ‘The Art of Performance.’
Simultaneously, James was the musician arriving, setting up and then giving a performance, all the while sharing the details of every decision he made – and why, from deciding what songs to sing, to where to put the microphones, to communication with the producers as well as the audience.
(… reminding participants of how skillfully Pete Seeger could line out a song, lead the song, and sing the song, all in real time.)
For performers, for teachers, for any type of presenter, this workshop is a gold mine. You are invited.
“The Art of Performance”
Spend two hours reviewing each and every element needed to sculpt a marvelous performance from one of the finest performers in the acoustic music community. James Keelaghan has given this workshop at countless venues and festivals, including the annual Folk Alliance International Conference.
“James Keelaghan gave the best workshop I have ever attended,” stated Sally Potter, Booking Manager for the Ten Pound Fiddle.
“James talked about the micro and the macro. We watched him enter the workshop space, set up what he needed, coordinate with the sound personnel, arrange his performance space, check the lighting, set up his merchandise area, and more. While in motion, he explained the reasons for everything he does, including where he positions his guitar, chair, and body, what he says between songs, his length of sets, what type of tuner he uses, etc…
“Throughout, James explained the secrets of a working, traveling musician. He also talked about what creates the magic: the necessity of making the material accessible to the audience; the need to make the message relevant in today’s world; the need to authentically connect.
“These strategies are similar to those used by successful directors, managers, teachers, administrators, public servants, politicians, entrepreneurs and parents,” added Potter. “As a high school teacher, I took several ideas and immediately implemented them in my classroom. As a performing musician and song leader, I use many of his suggestions to this day.”
The Ten Pound Fiddle is offering this one-of-a-kind workshop at The Robin Theatre, Lansing.
Award-winning Canadian singer and songwriter James Keelaghan will give a Ten Pound Fiddle concert at The Robin Theatre on Friday, April 3, 2026. (Limited seating; tickets available online.)
The next day, Saturday, April 4, from noon-2 pm, also at The Robin Theatre, James will give this workshop on ways to become the best presenter you can be.
In addition to his distinguished musical career, James serves as the Music Director for Ontario’s Owen Sound Music Festival, choosing acts for his annual summer line-up. As both a performer and a producer, he has terrific ideas about what works on stage, and better yet – why.