MOO Music Gathering
November 6-8, 2026
We have a great slate of Featured Performers and workshops lined-up, with Matt Watroba and Annie & Rod Capps bringing their special brands of musical magic to the Gathering.
Matt Watroba last graced the MOO stage in 2016. Many people know him as the voice of folk music in Michigan for his work producing and hosting shows for public radio. He has devoted his life and career to being a custodian of American folk and roots music. This has helped shape a repertoire and presentation that is unique on stages across the state and country. He is committed to inspiring the world to sing-- one town at a time. In 2019, Matt, along with his life-long musical partner Robert Jones, Co-founded the Detroit Non-Profit, Common Chords. Also in 2019, Matt Was inducted into the Folk DJ Hall of Fame at the Folk Alliance International conference in Montreal.
Choices: Making the most of every song & performance 10:15-11:45 AM
In this interactive workshop, Matt will show you the choices great performers make to get the most out of their songs and their time on stage. Participants will then be encouraged to apply what they’ve learned in their own performances. This workshop promises to be a safe, friendly place where beginners and professionals alike will benefit from the wisdom and experience of the instructor as well as the group. Phrasing, stage fright, transitions between songs, using humor, audience connection—these are just a few of the areas the class will explore on the way to wowing any audience with the power of your music.
Community Singing: For the Sake of the Song 2:45-4:15 PM
This will be an opportunity for you to learn what you need to know to unleash the power of song in your community. Matt will share his experience as a song leader and community performer by teaching and leading a wide variety of songs in a wide variety of styles. After learning song leading and Community Sing organizational techniques, participants will be encouraged to bring in songs and try out their song leading talents on the class. There will be lots of singing and you will be inspired to take what you've learned back into your community
Annie and Rod Capps have done it all; from hard rock to musical theater. The 80’s and 90’s found them dividing their time between original projects and cover bands. In the later 90’s, Annie picked up the guitar again and started writing. The transition to “folk” was gradual but eventually they shifted to acoustic instruments, away from the bars and into the coffee shops. It was through the open mic scene they found a new community and discovered a world of listening rooms. As with many singer/songwriters whose instrumentation is primarily acoustic the word “folk” covers a broad sonic range of genres and influences – what comes out is a hybrid sound all their own. Genuine and playful; effortless and endearing; this duo has been delighting audiences in quality music venues, house concerts, coffeehouses, and festivals throughout their home state of Michigan and beyond.
Before You Call it Done (a Songwriting Workshop) 8:30-10:00 AM
When is a song truly finished? This songwriting workshop explores the space between inspiration and intention. We’ll examine how to take the song from first drafts, through to lyrical precision, better melodic choices, tempo, and phrasing to uncover what a song is really trying to say. Learn how to recognize when a song has reached its strongest, most honest form and when it needs more work.
Serving the Song 1:00-2:30 PM
In this workshop we'll explore how arrangement and delivery shape what listeners feel. Through mindful listening and creative choices, this workshop helps performers let songs breathe, support the story, and step forward or disappear when the music asks for the greatest emotional impact. Participants will also learn to collaborate with a side player and how to use dynamics, tasteful embellishment, and restraint.
REGISTRATION
You can sign up for one, two, three, or all four performer workshops, in addition to some great participant-led workshop sessions! Click the link below to start the registration process.
Click here to return to Announcement Page and begin registration