Introduction to the Washboard with Mikkel Beckmen

Introduction to the Washboard, with Mikkel Beckmen
Friday, September 26, 2025 from 6:30-8:30pm.
This popular workshop is BACK! Register early to reserve your seat because this one fills up quickly.

Mostly associated in the US with pre-WWII blues, jazz, jug band and old-timey music, the washboard has been used around the world as a handy percussion instrument by many cultures. Attend this workshop to discover why the washboard is the perfect percussive accompaniment instrument for acoustic music!

Learn through playing, listening and composing brief percussion pieces together. In addition, a brief history of the washboard will be covered.

Please bring your own washboard if you have one, otherwise, one will be provided.

Cost: $35
Ages: 16+
All-genders welcome
Register here: https://womensdrumcenter.org/events-calendar/washboard-workshop-sept-2025

Meet your instructor:
Mikkel has been playing the washboard live on stage for over 27 years. His washboard sounds have appeared on over 50 albums. He currently performs around 200 shows per year with Ice Horse, Corpse Reviver, Jeff Ray & the Stakes and other Minnesota musicians.

He's the host of the weekly Workers Playtime series at the 331 Club as well as the Acoustic Thursday Happy Hour at the Dubliner and his playing has taken him around the United States and Europe.

Getting there and accessibility:
Please be prepared to remove your street shoes at the door. You're welcome to bring slippers or non-street shoes to change into upon arrival. We also have a limited supply of clean socks available to borrow. Our no-street shoe policy is designed to protect our new floor for posterity.

Our center is located in the basement of the Dow Building; it is accessed by one flight of stairs.