Minnesota Bluegrass August Festival  

2019 Instructional Camps

This year we will feature bluegrass and old-time music instructional camps in advance of the festival. This is your chance to take your playing to the next level and learn how to play with others in an ensemble setting!

Bluegrass Instructional Camp (aka "Jam Camp")

Attention all Bluegrass Players! Join Monroe Crossing for the 2019 Bluegrass Instructional Camp (also known as Jam Camp). Bring your bass, guitar, mandolin, banjo, or fiddle to this fun, intensive event and get more out of your playing!

Students need to be at least 12 years old. For more information or questions, please contact Martha at galep@wwt.net

Camp Begins: Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00 p.m.

Cost: $125 until July 1 ($150: July 2 – August 1)

What to Expect: Classes and breakout sessions covering work in instrument groups (all divided into the 5 standard bluegrass instruments: guitar, banjo, bass, fiddle and mandolin), ensembles, seminars on lead and harmony singing, music theory, song arrangement, jam etiquette, and more. The camp will close out with all students performing their recitals on the Main Stage on Thursday evening.

Old-Time Instructional Camp

Attention Old-Time Players! Join Steam Machine with AJ Srubas (fiddle), Aaron Tacke (banjo, vocals), Rina Rossi (guitar, vocals), and Nokosee Fields (bass) for a fun, two-day intensive old time music and dance camp! Take classes in old-time fiddle, banjo (clawhammer and 2 & 3 finger style), guitar, bass, and square dance calling. Attendees must be 12 years or older and have some prior playing experience.

Questions? Contact AJ Srubas at steammachinebooking@gmail.com.

Camp begins: Tuesday, August 6 at 7:00pm with an open jam and ends  on Thursday, August 8 with a main stage recital to kick off the festival.

Cost: $100 until July 1 ($110 from July 1 through August 6)

What to expect: Morning sessions will focus on individual instruments, including repertoire, style and technique. In the afternoon, students can either choose to form ensembles, working on a tune or song to perform Thursday night on the Main Stage, or learn square dance calling basics.

Register for Old-Time Instructional Camp