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Youth Arts Program, Friday May 2

Promoting arts enrichment for youth in our community

We’re looking forward to the 2025 Youth Arts Program!

The Youth Arts Program is intended to give area youth an opportunity to spend time with world-class artists across the genres of music, theater, and dance— inspiring them to either get involved with or continue the study of arts in their area of interest.

The program is free and open to youth ages 10 to 18.

Sign up form for the 2025 Youth Arts Program on Friday, May 2 will be posted soon. Stay tuned for announcements about the available workshops and class schedule!

Parking is at Gate 1. All adults must be accompanied by a youth. All youth workshop attendees can purchase a $5 one-day pass to the festival for their day of choice. 

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to learn more about the Youth Arts Program

Workshops are located at Ponderosa Hall and Oak Grove Stage at the Nevada County Fairgrounds

The workshops are approximately 50 minutes and take place at the Nevada County Fairgrounds on Friday before the festival begins. Participants can take from 1-3 consecutive workshops of their choice.

Parking is at Gate 1. All adults must be accompanied by a child.

Youth program participants receive:

  • Up to 3 workshops of their choice
  • Refreshments
  • $5 One Day Youth Ticket to the Celtic Festival
    (to be purchased on site at the workshop and good for one ticket per attending youth)

The KVMR Celtic Festival Youth Arts Program is sponsored by:

Schedule

Friday, 4PM

  • Introduction to Fencing
  • Celtic Art
  • The Art of Magic Level 1
  • Singing Workshop
  • Build A Tune with Amie, Athena & Hayley
  • Beginner Harp with Lisa Stine

Friday, 5PM

  • Introduction to Fencing
  • Celtic Art
  • The Art of Magic Level 1
  • Irish Step Dancing- Beginner
  • Advanced Tunes with Cassie and Maggie MacDonald

Friday, 6PM

  • The Art of Magic Level 2
  • Cassie and Maggie in Concert
  • Irish Step Dancing – Intermediate

Sunday Main Stage Youth Arts Performance

Instructors Amie Ferrier, Rose- May Mickelson and Lisa Stine present Sunday Youth Arts Performance. Contact these instructors or Laurie@nullkvmr.org if you want to be involved in the performance.

2024 YOUTH ARTS EVENTS

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Introduction to Fencing The Diamond Rose Academie D’Armes

Learn the art of the sword ! The Diamond Rose Academie D'Armes is a historical fencing school teaching the use of the rapier and smallsword of the late 17th century.  Participants will learn the basics of historical fencing techniques, emphasizing timing, balance, defense and coordination of mind and body.  They will also learn about the history and culture of fencing and dueling in 17th century Europe, as well as observe live demonstration of historical techniques between combatants. Waiver required.  Class Limit 25 participants.

Celtic Art With Christine Nys

Celtic Knots In Celtic lore, knots are a form of power and magic. Where does the knot begin or end? That is the mystery of it. This year’s Art Program will give kids beautiful ways to make knots in many forms, from simple to elaborate, leading to wearable items such as bracelets, belts, headbands, pouches, and pendants. Dress up for the festival in style, as a Celtic elf, maiden, warrior or magician. Without your magic knot, you are powerless.

The Art of Magic – Beginner (Level 1) by Merloch Silvermaine

Merloch teaches two professional-quality, fully-scripted card magic routines that include comedy elements yet focus on the experience of magic.  By the end of the workshop, every participant will be able to confidently perform the routines to mystify an audience.  Only active participants allowed. Class limit: 25 participants.

Singing Workshop with The Shanty Mountain Bards

Saturday, May 2nd 12pm-12:45pm Singing Workshop with the Shanty Mountain Bards Join us for a lively and engaging workshop celebrating the rich musical traditions of Ireland and Scotland! Participants will learn a variety of Celtic folk songs, pub songs and spirited sea shanties, guided by the talented group Shanty Mountain Bards. Lyric sheets will be provided, making it easy for everyone to jump in and sing along. Experience the thrill of discovering new melodies and the joy of blending voices as you create harmony together in a welcoming, fun-filled atmosphere. The Shanty Mountain Bards are Rod Baggett, Robbie Merchant and Heather Grove. They have been performing and leading vocal gatherings together for many years and have been featured at the KVMR Celtic Festival and the WorldFest with their previous bands Sierra Capella and Harmony Happens. They regularly lead “The Foundry Sings” at the Miner’s Foundry

Build A Tune with Amie Ferrier

Attendees will work through a Celtic fiddle tune in this beginner's workshop. Amie Ferrier has led the Youth Arts Performance at Celtic Fest since 2015. Amie began playing the fiddle at age five,  plays her great-grandmother's violin, and currently teaches over 120 students weekly through her school, Whole Music Studio.

Irish Step Dancing with Nicole McKeever

All are welcome to this introductory lesson in Irish step dancing. The McKeever School of Irish Dance of Sacramento offers Irish dance lessons from beginner through champion levels to both children and adults. Owner and Instructor Nicole McKeever toured the world for seven years with professional dance companies such as Riverdance, the show. She has a Masters Degree in Irish Dance Performance.

Advanced Build a Tune with Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’Leary

Join Nuala and Eamon to have fun and learn a new tune. There will be an opportunity to perform this on stage with Nuala and Eamon on Sunday during the festival. Noted for their instrumental skills and songwriting, Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’ Leary are internationally recognized members of the traditional music community, with a diverse repertoire of traditional and contemporary songs.

Birds of the Celtic land

Sierra Foothills Audubon Society Education Team Can you build like an eagle and fly like an owl? Come check out the wonders of Birds of the Celtic Lands and help take care of some birds here at home, too. In this workshop we will build a giant five foot wide and two foot tall golden eagle nest out of locally found materials. Let your imagination take wing as you participate in a guided free draw of splendid great horned and snowy owls that are almost 100 years old, preserved in clear cases by the art of taxidermy. Learn cool facts and identifying features of some birds from Celtic lands, or make sweet little seed balls to take home and plant in your yard to create food and habitat for our very own locally awesome birds. The Education Committee is a team of volunteers who enjoy teaching bird identifications (by sight or sound), ideas for bird habitat restoration and nesting box building for Bluebird Trails.

Interactive Concert with Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O’Leary

Friday's festivities will wrap up with a concert by Nuala Kennedy and Eamon O' Leary. With an engaging stage presence and understated virtuosity, they present a timeless selection of songs and instrumentals that range from the ancient Irish tradition to reflections on the present day.

The Goblin Forge

Embark on a journey of imagination, teamwork and personal growth through tabletop gaming. Engage in storytelling and problem-solving to develop essential social and cognitive skills. Through storytelling and problem-solving, kids develop important social and cognitive skills in a fun and interactive way. Foster friendship and teamwork while embarking on D&D adventures, creating characters, learning game basics, and crafting miniatures throughout the weekend.

YOUTH ARTS PROGRAM SIGNUP

The program is free and open to youth ages 10 to 18.

2024 Youth Arts Program Sign Up
Name
Name
First
Last
4:00 PM Classes (Choose 1)
Note: Fencing Class and Beginning Harp are full
5:00 PM Classes (Choose 1)
Note: Fencing Class and The Art of Magic Level 1 at 5pm are full
6:00 PM Classes (Choose 1)
Note: Magic Level 2 Class is full

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May 1 – May 3, 2026·

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May 1 – May 3, 2026·