Camp Details:

Instructors

Clawhammer – Riley Baugus – Riley is a banjo player and builder from Walkertown, North Carolina.  Riley’s credits include Cold Mountain Soundtrack and Raising Sand (Alison Krause and Robert Plant).  Riley regularly tours with Tim O’Brien and Dirk Powell.

Bass – Sam Allison – Sam often performs sunder the stage name Lotus Wight.  Sam is a Juno and Folk Music Award-nominated producer, a bass player and multi-instrumentalist who has performed and recorded with Jenny Whitley, Luke Mercier, Joey Wright, Sheesham and Lotus and ‘Son, Sarah Harmer and many more. 

Bluegrass Banjo – Rob Mclaren – As a member of the Barrel Boys, Rob has toured and performed at many top Bluegrass and Folk Festivals and released several acclaimed albums, including a recent solo record.  Rob is a camp favourite returning to teach this summer along with band-mates Kyle and Nate. 

Fiddle – Nathan Smith – Another member of The Barrel Boys, one of Canada’s top bluegrass ensembles, Nathan is an accomplished fiddler in the old-time and bluegrass traditions, with an upbringing in Celtic and Canadian styles as well.  We are thrilled to welcome Nate back to camp. 

Mandolin – Will Meadows – A friend of the camp, Will has been pickin’ with the top “bluegrassers” in Ontario since he was a teenager.  Will performs often with Nichol Robertson, Kristine Schmitt and The Hamstrung Stringband.  Will is a Central Ontario Bluegrass Award winner for Mandolin Player of the year.  

Guitar – Kyle Kirkpatrick – We are spoiled to have three members of the Barre Boys joining us this July!  Kyle is returning by popular demand to teach guitar, but he may also treat us to a dobro lick or two!  Kyle has toured and performed with many top acts on the Canadian acoustic music scene.  He has also taught at some of North America’s finest camps and workshops. 

A typical day at Old School Bluegrass Camp…

8:00 Early Bird Coffee Time
9:00 Breakfast
10:00 Hands-On Instrument Class (with 10 students max!)
11:30 Workshop (eg: Stage Fright Bootcamp- bring your instruments!)
12:30 Lunch (sign up for open mic)
2:00 Band Lab (working with instructor to learn, arrange and perform your new repertoire with your group!)
3:30 Free Time
4:30 Workshop (Three-Chord-Wonders – bring your instrument!)
6:00 Dinner
7:30 Instructor Concert on Sunset Stage
8:30 Slow Jam in the Pavilion
10:00 Fire-side Jam Sessions