Welcome to Lark Traditional Arts

Lark Traditional Arts (LTA) is a nonprofit formed in 2019, but the community of talent and spirit it supports has been growing for over 40 years in Mendocino and the Bay Area.

LTA began primarily to ensure the continuation of Lark Camp, an 8-day traditional music, song, and dance educational event held annually in the Mendocino Woodlands. Now, six years and one global pandemic later, LTA has carefully grown.

Besides our magical 8-day Lark Camp (traditionally held the week surrounding August 1st every year), we host our annual Jug Handle Campout (every October) on the Mendocino Coast, and our online Virtual Lark (every February), a weekend of free live-streamed workshops and jams. In 2026, we partnered with Berkeley’s legendary roots music venue, The Freight, to start our first Youth Camp (ages 8-14) in Berkeley. And, we are proud to offer our new “LTA Presents” education series, presenting year-round in-person workshops, sessions, and performances in the Bay Area and the Mendocino Coast.

Your Musical Journey, Your Way

We’re excited to help you create memories, learn skills, and take your musical abilities to the next level. Whether you’re a beginner looking to start learning traditional music, song, or dance, or a professional wanting to expand your creative toolkit, LTA has you covered with camps, workshops, jams, classes, and events led by culture-bearing instructors from around the world.

Lark Traditional Arts is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization (EIN 83-2424940)

Our Mission Statement:

“The mission of Lark Traditional Arts is to present, preserve, and promote traditional music, song, and dance by engaging culture-bearing artists and creating educational opportunities that bring communities together in our shared worlds of music.”


LARK CAMP 2026: July 31st-Aug 8th

Registration is OPEN!


WORKSHOPS FOR 2026 (still subject to change)

Get ready for a summer experience you’ll never forget—Lark Camp 2026 is where music, dance, creativity, and community come alive. Whether you’re brand new to the performing arts or have years of experience, you’ll find a welcoming space to learn, explore, and grow at your own pace.

Picture this: music filling the air from morning to night, hands-on workshops led by inspiring teachers, and jam sessions where you can jump in, experiment, and have fun. You’ll discover new styles, build confidence, and connect with people who share your passion for music, dance and creativity.

But Lark Camp is more than just classes—it’s an unforgettable community. From spontaneous collaborations to late-night jams under the stars, every moment brings connection, joy, and inspiration. You’ll leave not only with new skills, but with lasting friendships and memories that stay with you long after camp ends.

Step outside your routine, try something new, and be part of something truly special. Lark Camp 2026 is your chance to create, connect, and be inspired.

Register now and start counting down to the most musical, meaningful week of your year.

Purchase your official 2026 Lark Camp t-shirt on Etsy.

all sales directly support our educational program development



As we prepare for Lark Camp 2026:

ENJOY a few snippets of the edifying, epic Lark Camp 2025!

Ty Rust leasds the Balkan/Klezmer Ensemble: 2025 Lark Camp – video by @askspencerhill
Julia Chigamba leads Zimbabwean Dance class performance: Lark Camp 2025 – video by @askspencerhill
Gregg Moore leads the World Band – Lark Camp 2025. Video by video by @askspencerhill

Worlds Of Music

For Lark Traditional Arts, “Worlds Of Music” refers to the diverse and rich musical traditions, songs, and dances from cultures across the globe. It highlights the unique contributions of different communities, blending various musical expressions into a global tapestry that celebrates the shared human experience through rhythm, melody, and movement.

Balkan Dance party!

Because, at the core of our work, lies the truism that “Music Connects Community”.


LTA UPCOMING EVENTS

WHENWHAT WHERELINK TO MORE INFO/TICKETS
July 31- Aug 8, 2026LARK CAMPMendocino Woodlands, CALINK HERE
registration open
Oct 16-18, 2026Jug Handle CampoutJug Handle Creek Farm and Nature Center Caspar, CA (Mendocino Coast)LINK HERE
registration opens late-Summer 2026
Feb 2027Virtual Lark
OnlineLINK HERE
registration opens January, 2027

LTA ETSY STORE

for LTA and Lark Camp T-shirts, hats, merch, and more (https://www.etsy.com/shop/LarkTraditionalArts)
All sales go directly to LTA’s Educational Program, and support our vision of presenting, promoting, and preserving traditional music, arts, and dance from around the globe.