jamming

Why I (Still) Go to Bluegrass Camp

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I had no idea what I was getting myself into when I pulled my car up to the cabin at Camp Harrison, site of Pete Wernick’s pre-Merlefest Jam Camp.  It was in April 2014, and since that time, the “Boomer Camp” has become a regular fixture of my year.

I have added one other major camp to my current schedule–I also really enjoy Leigh and Gilbert Nelson’s Abingdon, VA camp that takes place before the Bristol Rhythm and Roots Festival.  Both of these camps are about 4 days long, the campers eat and sleep on-site, and both have become my favorite ways to spend my vacation time.

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Why Learn a Second (or Third) Instrument?

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After I had been playing mandolin for a few years, I found my eye wandering to other bluegrass instruments.  I decided to give the banjo a try, and I’m really glad that I did–not because I have become a great banjo player, but because it changed the way I think about the music that I play.  When I decided to give the bass a try, I found my world broadening even more, and I realized that there are benefits to playing multiple instruments, even if you don’t become proficient on all of them.

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