Bluegrass Jam Camp

Bluegrass Jam Camp 2022
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Thank you to the IBMA Foundation for their generous support of this camp!

About Bluegrass Jam Camp

The inaugural Sisters Folk Festival Bluegrass Jam Camp was June 23-26, 2022 outside at the Sisters Art Works building. The 4-day program focused on musicianship and collaboration through ensemble practice and performances for the traditional bluegrass instruments of guitar, mandolin, fiddle, banjo, and bass. Topics included music theory, singing, and harmony. Led by members of the professional Colorado-based bluegrass band FY5, plus guest instructor Eli West, the camp explored the role of instrumentation in a bluegrass format and provided opportunities to form bluegrass ensembles. The ensembles learned collaboration and performance skills, culminating in a final concert by the camp participants for the public at The Barn.

 

Stay tuned for updates on the second annual Bluegrass Jam Camp in 2023!

 

2022 Jam Camp Instructors

Additional details

  • Enrollment will be limited to approximately 30 participants for 2022
  • Our “pay what you can” model ensures no one is prevented from attending for financial reasons! Choose to “pay it forward” to support others in need.
  • Recommended skill level: advanced-beginner and above. Intermediate+ level ideal:
    • All players should be able to keep up playing along with traditional bluegrass songs at moderate tempo and be able to lead (introduce) a song or two comfortably.
    • Guitar/mandolin/banjo players should be able to comfortably move between all open chord types with medium tempo songs. Having some lead/melody skills a plus.
    • Fiddle players should be comfortable playing a few traditional bluegrass melodies.
    • Bass players should be able to keep steady time on traditional bluegrass songs at medium tempo.

For questions contact:
Jam Camp Director: Dave Ehle
[email protected], 541-588-7066

FAQs

1. Is there a minimum age to participate?
Yes, participants must be at least 18 years old.

2. Where can I stay?
On site dry camping is available for tents and small RVs (less than 25′), with porta-potties, potable water and handwashing stations provided. Cost is PER PERSON, not per site. Dry camping (tent or small RV) for 4 nights, June 23-26. Includes access to porta-johns, handwashing station and potable water. Located behind the Sisters Art Works building, in downtown Sisters, Oregon. 

Jam campers may also elect to stay in lodging in the town of Sisters or camp elsewhere. We encourage you to check out our Where To Stay page under the festival menu at www.sistersfolkfestival.org for recommendations or to call the Sisters Area Chamber of Commerce at (541) 549-0251. There are numerous vacation rentals in Sisters through Air BnB, VRBO, Vacasa, etc.  We strongly encourage campers to investigate those options well in advance, as accommodations book up early in Sisters.

3. Are meals provided?
There will be a community-building BBQ on the first night, then campers are on their own for meals. The camp location is located within walking distance to several restaurants and food trucks..

4. Can I arrive early? No.

5. Can I bring my spouse/partner with me if they are not participating in camp?
They are welcome to camp with you, but cannot attend any of the Jam Camp programs with the exception of performances. Please note, additional campers will be subject to the $50/person camp fee.

6. Can I bring a pet?
Only service animals are permitted at Camp.

7. What is the refund policy for this camp?
Full refund less $50 fee if cancelled by 4/23 (60 days); 50% refund less $50 fee if cancelled by 5/23 (30 days). No refunds after 5/23/22.
If camp is cancelled by Sisters Folk Festival Inc. full refunds will be issued to all campers.