Here’s some great news for beginning jammers who had been hoping to attend Pete Wernick’s Jam Camp later this month in North Carolina.
Pete has announced that a group of former camp attendees have pooled their resources to offer a full scholarship for the April 25-28 camp, held just ahead of Merlefest. This scholarship is specifically for someone who would be otherwise unable to attend owing to lack of resources. It is intended for a student under 25 years of age, but Pete says that is not a requirement.
April 17 is the deadline to apply, and the scholarship recipient will be announced on the 18th. To apply, simply email Pete with your age, where you live, and a brief description of the circumstances of your financial strictures. The scholarship, valued at $650, includes camp tuition, plus lodging and meals from dinner April 24 through lunch April 28.
Wernick hosts this camp each year during the week before Merlefest at Camp Harrison Y Camp, located just 10 miles from the festival site. It’s designed to help new pickers dip their first toe into playing with other musicians, and assist intermediate players improve their jamming skills. This is the 12th year for this camp, which has welcomed more than 400 jammers over the years from 34 states and as far as Sweden, Australia, and Japan.
You can find more details about all of Pete’s camps online.
Speaking of Merlefest, our friend Ted Lehmann has posted his annual preview on his web site. Each year, Ted compiles a useful overview of this mega-fest, designed to help both new attendees and experienced Merlefest veterans navigate the many stages and modes of transportation, plus tips and hints to get the most out of your time in Wilkesboro.
We plan to have a correspondent in attendance this year as well.
