Podunk Bluegrass Kids’ Academy

Kids Academy Staff

(Subject to Change)

Sal Sauco is a member of one of Rhode Island’s best known local bands, “Lizzie James and the Greystone Rail.” They regularly play around the area at events such as; The Bluegrass on the Pawtuxet Festival, Bluegrass on the Bogs Festival, various street festivals, both of RI’s weekly Bluegrass shows, clubs, weddings, and parties.

Sal also runs Providence’s only weekly Bluegrass show: Bluegrass Throedown at Nick-a-Nee’s, and has done so for almost four years. During that time he has cycled many local, regional, and national bands though the club. He schedules and promotes the bands, runs the sound, and MCs each show.

Sal is the former President of the Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance. RIBA serves to promote Bluegrass and its education in the southern New England area. Sal also provides lessons to local musicians on guitar and mandolin, and he hosts three local jams in Rhode Island regularly held on the 1st Saturday, 1st Sunday, and 3rd Tuesday in three different locations around the state.

Jeremy Place has been playing bluegrass music in the New England area for the past 16 years with his band, Four Bridges. Along with playing guitar, Jeremy also plays mandolin, banjo, cello and drums. He is the music teacher at both elementary schools in Norton, MA (Kindergarten through third grade).  Jeremy is always excited to work with students of all ages and assist them in making music together.

Debbie Hall cares about people and built a reputation for quality and integrity as a leader among Rhode Island’s bluegrass community when she co-founded Rhode Island Bluegrass Alliance (RIBA) in 2013. Currently, Debbie holds a seat on the executive board as Outreach Director. Established as a rhythmic driving-force on the upright bass she currently performs with “The Bill Thibodeau Band.” Debbie taps into her childhood memories and draws from her deep-rooted passion to deliver an energized, authentic bluegrass experience.

Born the daughter of iconic New England bluegrass pioneer and band leader Bill Hall, bluegrass music is Debbie’s heritage and passion. Fundamentally, she cares about people and demonstrates that in her communication style. Debbie moves people through kind and encouraging words, and with authentic gestures of exceptional thoughtfulness, she assures people of their individual significance. Adjectives routinely used to describe Debbie Hall include “compassionate” “kindhearted”.

Denise Conway

Tom Pritchard Tom Pritchard has spent a decade as a public school string orchestra teacher and continues currently as a private lessons instructor. An accomplished musician, he is sought after for session work as well as playing in multiple bands, such as Greystone Rail and The Hope Valley Volunteers.