WINTERGRASS STAFF
Patrice O’Neill, Executive/Artistic Director
One of the four founders of Wintergrass, Patrice can probably answer your questions about anything festival related. If you can catch her. When not Wintergrass-ing, Patrice performs with both Uncle Bonsai and The Go Janes and is the happy owner of PONO tenor and baritone ukuleles.
Maria Camillo, Assistant Artistic Director
Maria books & manages the artists. She is also the workshop wrangler, social media manager and mistress of the web(site). She’s stepped into this role after many years of being the primary photographer for the festival. She is also a source of knowledge about curly hair care products, and makes a mean lasagne.
Stephen Ruffo, Director of Operations
Stephen takes care of all technical and production needs and he has a great smile. He’s got a growing collection of fine guitars and can identify pretty much any car by just looking at the fender.
Jen Kunitsugu, patron Manager
A friend introduced Jen to Wintergrass several years ago and she and her family have been attending and volunteering ever since. By day, Jen is an accountant for a non-profit child services organization. She’s a classically trained violinist who loves old-time music. She’s lovely, patient and ready to help you keep Wintergrass thriving with your generous donations.
Janet Brightly, Sponsor Manager
Janet takes care of all Wintergrass sponsors. She is all about fun. Of course we can’t say “For a good time, call Janet.” That’s taken. Let’s just say, you’ll be glad you contacted her.
Bruce Adolph, Exhibit Manager
If you’d like to show your wares at Wintergrass, Bruce is the guy. He has vast experience producing a number of guitar shows and events at the annual NAMM show, among many other skills.
Amy Hakanson, Volunteer Manager
Want to volunteer? Need help with figuring out what, when and where to do so? Amy’s your girl. You’ve seen her sporting a Nyckelharpa at Wintergrass many times.
OUR EDUCATION TEAM:
TOM PETERSEN, JAMZ MANAGER
Long serving as the Wintergrass Education Concierge, Tom Petersen is taking on the duties of managing all JAMz programs. JAMz1 (ages 4-6) JAMz2 (elementary & middle school) and JAMz3 (high school and college) are all under his direction. Tom is a longtime public school teacher specializing in social studies. He’s an avid bluegrasser, jam leader, and award winning blood donor.
THE JAMZ TEAM:
Sandra Buchner (JAMz1); Tom Petersen (JAMz2); Kat Bula (JAMz3)
DR CHRISTOPHER HANSON, ORCHESTRA DIRECTOR
Seattle Pacific University Dr. Christopher Hanson serves as the lead conductor for the orchestra. Dr. Hanson also directs the Rainbow City Orchestra, a community music ensemble serving and supporting the LGBTQIA+ community in greater Seattle.
THE ORCHESTRA TEAM:
Dr Renata Bratt, arrangements; Darol Anger, arrangements;
Gwen Franz, artist liaison
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Mary Pat Byrne, Acoustic Sound Board President
Mary Pat brings a decades long career of arts management and instigation to Wintergrass. She also brings her mandolin. She’s tried to figure out how to bring her piano but it won’t fit in the elevator.
RACHEL Papadopoulos, vice president
Mark Demaray, secretary
Bill Clements, treasurer
DALE ADKINS
SUZANNE ADKINS
ROMY BROCK
BOB EVONIUK
ROLAND MACNICHOL
ROB NEWSOM
Ricky Gene Powell
DON SHARE
General Inquiries
PO Box 2024
Milton, WA 98354
(253) 428-8056
Wintergrass is a production of Acoustic Sound, a 501(c)3 not-for-profit organization. EIN: 91-2103544
all photos copyright Maria Camillo