9/13/21 – Bluegrass Jam Camp with Gilbert Nelson – Boomer, NC

Gilbert Nelson’s Basic/Early-Intermediate Jam Camp in Boomer, NC — using the Wernick Method (just prior to Merlefest)

A more advanced camp will also happen concurrently at the same location: The Intermediate-Advanced Bluegrass Camp is for experienced jammers, directed by Pete Wernick (limited to 50 students).

Both camps will run Monday-Thursday 9:15am-5:00 daily, in separate but close-by locations at Camp Harrison. Both camps’ students will have meals together and may arrange accommodations on-site.

September 13-16, 2021
Monday – Thursday prior to MerleFest at the beautiful and spacious grounds of the Camp Harrison YMCA at Herring Ridge, 10 miles outside of Wilkesboro, NC. Lodging and meal packages available directly from Camp Harrison.

Total Tuition = $425
Includes lunches, snacks, and Camp Harrison student fee
Other meals and on-site bunkhouse or tenting or RV accommodations are arranged directly with Camp Harrison

All bluegrass instruments welcome
No jamming experience necessary
You will be jamming the first class!
Friendly, encouraging, knowledgeable teaching.
Mistakes allowed!
Singing not required, but encouraged and taught.
Easy 2- and 3-chord songs, slow speeds.
Soloing not required! “Faking” solos taught.

Do you qualify? It’s easier than you may think!
If you play guitar, mandolin, banjo, fiddle, bass, or dobro… you can be part of a bluegrass jam.

Only requirements:
You must be able to tune your instrument (electronic tuning devices welcome) and change smoothly between G, C, D, and A. (Fiddles and basses need to know which notes work with which chords)

The sooner you sign up, the sooner you’ll receive the student study materials for the camp. Click on ‘Tickets’ above.

Gilbert Nelson has been a regular on the jam scene for 30 years, with a passion for jamming, performing and teaching a variety of instruments. Gilbert’s teaching is action packed and always encouraging, emphasizing fun and success, providing a safe and supportive learning environment while still finding ways to stretch comfort zones and bring students to a higher level of musical maturity. Gilbert leads his own band “The Jam Town Grass” as well as coaching other groups in musicianship and stagecraft.