HoustonFest in Galax has partnered with Junior Appalachian Musicians, Inc. for the third year of Houston’s Bluegrass Bootcamp during this year’s festival, coming up June 10-11, 2022 at Felt’s Park in Galax, VA. Houston’s Bluegrass Bootcamp is a two-day traditional music education program for children grades 3-12, featuring workshops, classes and activities led by award-winning youth musicians of the region. The teacher lineup includes the popular ShadowGrass band: Clay Russell (Troutdale, VA), Kyser George (Westfield, NC), Luke and Madison Morris (Johnson City, TN), and David George (Westfield). Additional instructors are Karlee Keepfer (Sparta, NC), Grace Bemus (Charlotte, NC), Lake Carver and Brant Wimmer (Mocksville, NC).
Participants will enjoy a variety of coaching at all levels (beginner to advanced) for bluegrass and old time fiddle, mandolin, guitar, bluegrass and old time banjo, bass, dance, songwriting, and vocals, as well as showcases from festival performers and additional enrichment activities. The sessions will be from 1 – 5 p.m. on Thursday, June 9 and 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. on Friday, June 10 at the Galax Rec Center. Instruments are available on loan, and camp tuition is only $25/student with discounts for multiple children in a family and full scholarships available. Children do not have to be in a JAM program to attend. The camp will be capped at 50 students with pre-registration ideal before June 6.