...learn from the best and make new friends!

Two days of exclusive masterclasses from renowned bluegrass musicians from the US and the Netherlands, for beginners and advanced players!

This year the Rotterdam Bluegrass Camp will be held for the first time. As a participant you will have the opportunity to follow exclusive master classes with renowned bluegrass musicians from the Netherlands and America for two days. The master classes are for both novice and experienced musicians. If you want to specialize on the banjo or guitar, or become better at polyphonic singing, then the Rotterdam Bluegrass Camp is definitely for you. The brand new initiative will take place on Thursday 27 and Friday 28 June.

When?

• Thursday, June 27 - 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
• Friday, June 28 - 10:30 am - 4:00 pm
• Extra masterclasses on Saturday and Sunday

Where?

• Nivon Huis, Dirk Smits Straat 76, 3031 XE Rotterdam

Cost

• € 150,- including festival pass & lunch
• € 115,- masterclasses only & lunch

Tickets

Program

Masterclasses by Golden Shoals, Bertolf, and others.

The cornerstone of the masterclasses is a two-day session led by Golden Shoals (USA). Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski will assist you in forming your own bluegrass or old-time band. Who knows, you might even get invited to join them on stage!

Additional masterclasses will be conducted by Bertolf (NL), Riley Baugus (USA), and members of the Kody Norris Show (USA). On Saturday and Sunday, there will be extra masterclasses by Annie Bartholomew (USA), Dirty Grass Players (USA), Tray Wellington (USA), and Tijmen Veelenturf (NL).

Description of Masterclasses

Bertolf - Bluegrass Guitar

During the Rotterdam Bluegrass Camp, Bertolf will be conducting two masterclasses on Bluegrass Guitar. Using tablature from two of his own instrumentals, he will cover technique, backup playing, improvisation, arranging, and composition. There will also be ample opportunity to ask questions and engage in discussions with Bertolf about all things related to guitar playing and Bluegrass.

Bertolf Lentink went to Nashville in 2022, where he recorded the album 'Bluefinger' with great heroes such as Jerry Douglas, Stuart Duncan, and Mark Schatz.

Golden Shoals with Mark Kilianski - The Wide World of String Band Guitar

The groove lies literally in your hands! The guitar is the glue of the collective rhythm in a string band. During this masterclass, Mark Kilianski of Golden Shoals will explore aspects such as timing, tone, chord choices, bass lines, jam etiquette, practice techniques, and more. Together, you'll listen to a wide range of guitar approaches in the Old Time genre and discuss a world of possibilities, as well as the history and development of the music.

Golden Shoals with Amy Alvey - Old time fiddle workshop

Tune your violin, tighten your bow, and play! Based on a few violin melodies, Amy Alvey of Golden Shoals will help you master the old-time fiddle groove. Specific attention will be given to bowing and articulation. We'll work together on performance, drive, and melodic variations, honoring the violinists who laid the foundation for the unique fiddle sound. Amy will also explore what you find fun and interesting: perhaps alternative tunings? Tone, timbre, and music theory? Your input is welcome!

Golden Shoals with Amy Alvey and Mark Kilianski - Honky-Tonkin’ Harmony Singing

Amy and Mark of Golden Shoals will teach you the secrets of two- and three-part singing, abundant in American roots music. It's sure to put a smile on your face and a twinkle in your eye. Expect great songs, soft sounds, and a pleasant, fun learning atmosphere. All experience levels are welcome.

Riley Baugus - Clawhammer banjo focusing on the Round Peak Style from North Carolina’s Blue Ridge Mountains.

You don't necessarily need to be experienced, but it's helpful if you're familiar with the concept of 'clawhammer' (down-picking) and know what the Bum Ditty rhythm entails. Banjo player Riley Baugus will work on clawhammer techniques for both the left and right hand in this masterclass, covering a large portion of the history of this specific style.

Riley focuses on some well-known tunes from North Carolina, such as John Brown's Dream, Cripple Creek, Sally Anne, and Susananna Gals or Soldiers Joy. He knows a lot of tunes that will be elaborated upon in this special class. In this masterclass, Riley Baugus will also discuss some unusual tunings.

The Kody Norris Show - harmonies workshop 

The members of The Kody Norris Show will guide you through the world of harmonies, as well as the aspects of touring and life on the road together. Based on questions from the participants, they will discuss what works for them. How do they ensure that everything is in order, from the music itself to touring.