Blues Ensemble
- Blues
- Folk
- In-Person Classes
- Soul
THIS IS AN IN-PERSON CLASS
Dive into the rich world of blues music in this engaging ensemble led by visiting artist-in-residence Mercedes Escobar and co-instructor Maxfield Anderson. We’ll explore various blues styles and grooves while developing (or refreshing) essential skills in this foundational American art form. You’ll build confidence playing blues with others in a hands-on, supportive environment.
Explore call-and-response, expressive techniques, and improvisation fundamentals. We’ll draw inspiration from the African-American blues legends who shaped this powerful and influential musical tradition.
All instruments welcome! All levels welcome. Intermediate playing skills are encouraged.
Class ScheduleTuesdays: May 6, 13, 20, 27, June 3Time: 6:30–7:45pm ET
Location: Passim School of Music, 26 Church Street, Cambridge, MA(Classrooms are located on the third floor; unfortunately, there is no elevator.)
Ages: 18+
Please Note:Pre-sales are highly encouraged! Online sales end 2 hours before the class begins. Tickets may be available at the door. A minimum of 6 students are required for the class to run. If canceled due to low enrollment, you will be notified and receive a full refund.
About Mercedes Escobar
Guatemalan singer-songwriter Mercedes Escobar, referred to by her home country’s press as “La Peregrina del Blues” (The Blues Pilgrim), brings a lifetime of blues admiration and devotion to her role as visiting artist-in-residence. From playing in Guatemalan bars as a teenager to receiving a Berklee scholarship after a Boston fan encouraged her to apply, her musical journey has been remarkable. After graduating with honors and receiving a Berklee songwriting award in 2024, she quickly earned a nomination for Latin Artist of the Year at the Boston Music Awards. Her upcoming album (fall 2025) features collaborations with multiple Grammy-winner Gaby Moreno, blues icon Joe Bonamassa, Fabiola Mendez and Luis Conte. Mercedes has been featured in acclaimed Guatemalan film soundtracks including Tremors (2019) and Cadejo Blanco (2022). Her performance at DC’s The Hamilton Live and sold-out show at legendary Club Passim have drawn enthusiastic audiences.
Maxfield Anderson
- Bluegrass
- Roots
Maxfield Anderson is an American roots multi-instrumentalist, teacher, writer and music director, currently living in Somerville, MA. As an artist, Maxfield aims to bring new light to honored traditions and to share the joy of making music with others.
Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Maxfield’s home was filled with an array of musical styles. After years of playing violin, his attention was taken hold by bluegrass and western swing fiddle, quickly leading him to discover the mandolin. He moved to Boston to study mandolin and American roots music at Berklee College of Music. Additionally, Max is a proficient guitar player, and after a year of isolation, finally broke down and added clawhammer banjo to the repertoire.
Teaching music has always been a big part of Max’s artistry. He believes that traditional music is an excellent vessel for understanding an instrument and finding your own voice as a musician. Teaching at Club Passim since 2020, Max has taught group courses in Beginner & Intermediate Mandolin, Bluegrass Ensemble (co-taught with Trevin Nelson), and Intro to Tune Writing. He also offers private instruction on mandolin, fiddle, guitar, music theory, and tune writing out of his home studio.
In addition to performing and teaching, Maxfield recently wrote and music directed the ‘Homegrown Stringband’ roots trio at Cedar Point Amusement Park in Sandusky, OH. The trio performed authentic bluegrass, folk, and old time string band music throughout the summer season of 2022.
Maxfield graduated from Berklee College of Music with a BFA in Music Performance. He is an active gigging musician in the Boston music scene, and has toured throughout the Northeast playing listening rooms, ball rooms, bar rooms, back rooms, front porches and festival stages.
Mercedes Escobar
- Blues
- Country
- Singer/Songwriter
Fluctuating between unleashed and sweet, Guatemalan singer-songwriter Mercedes Escobar’s raw, guttural vocals dominate any stage. Her voice has been likened to a mix between Linda Ronstadt and Howlin’ Wolf. She’s created a unique genre which blends the rawness of old blues and country vocals and guitar, with the intensity of magical realism lyrics and the sonic traditions of her home culture; All while staying true to her modern values against prejudice in music, race and gender, and highlighting her story-driven songwriting. She calls this “Latin Americana.”
Mercedes has shared the stage with artists such as Gaby Moreno, Rubén Albarrán (Café Tacvba), Malacates Trébol Shop, etc. She is also featured in the soundtrack of acclaimed independent films Temblores (2019) and Cadejo Blanco (2022; the latter also credits her as music supervisor). After graduating Berklee College of Music in May 2024, Mercedes is recording an upcoming bilingual album, which is being co-produced by Grammy-winning producer and artist Gaby Moreno. This show will be an exclusive preview of that album’s work.
Other than her work in music, Mercedes organized the first Pride event in Antigua Guatemala, and was appointed “Ambassador Against Violence Against Women and Girls” by UN-Women Guatemala.
