May 29-June 1, 2025
This year, Laurie Lewis has handed the reins of Bluegrass in the Gorge to Dave Keenan – and we are thrilled to see this succession of leadership. Dave is not only an incredible musician, he is an amazing human being and has been a friend amongst his colleagues the last 2 years at Bluegrass in the Gorge. Dave has gathered a stellar faculty for Bluegrass in the Gorge. Imagine 4 days and 3 nights in the Columbia River Gorge all focused on bluegrass music. Guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle, and bass bring ’em all!
Menucha is a magical spot in the Columbia River Gorge. Late May/Early June is a beautiful time to be here. We’ve got comfy beds, great rooms, porches and patios on which to gather and make music. We’ll do all the cooking while you focus on learning and performing music. This workshop has a capacity of 50.
Stay tuned for announcement of faculty!
Cost To Attend for 2025 will be announced soon.
Thursday, June 1, 2023 | |
3:00-5:00 pm | Arrival and Check-in |
5:15 pm | Welcome and Orientation to Menucha |
6:00 pm | Dinner |
7:15 pm | Welcome by instructors/ice-breaker jamming with instructors |
Friday, June 2 |
|
8:00 am | Breakfast |
9:30-10:30 am | Classes |
10:45 -11:45 am | Classes |
12:00 pm | Lunch |
1:30-2:45 pm | Classes |
3:00-4:15 pm | Classes |
7:00 pm | Dinner |
8:15 pm | Jams |
Saturday, June 3 |
|
8:00 am | Breakfast |
9:30-10:30 am | Classes |
10:45 -11:45 am | Classes |
12:00 pm | Lunch |
1:30-2:45 pm | Classes |
3:00-4:15 pm | listening session with all instructors |
6:00 pm | Dinner |
7:30 pm | Instructors Public Concert at the Columbia Grange Hall in Corbett |
Sunday, June 4 |
|
8:00 am | Breakfast |
9:30 am | Wrap-up and Song Round up |
11:00 am | Check out |
Testmonials from past participants:
“Bluegrass in the Gorge was one of the best music camps I’ve ever attended. The setting is beautiful and the food is great but what I appreciated the most was the structure – the workshops were so well-designed for learning. Sometimes camps have a frenetic pace but here we weren’t rushed. I had time during the camp to revisit what I’d learned so far. I came back feeling like I’d been at a music retreat – refreshed and inspired, not exhausted.” – Linda Leavitt
“After many years of admiring Laurie Lewis and Tom Rozum, I was so excited to have a chance to learn from them. I was not disappointed. They filled our days with wonderful music and vast knowledge of the bluegrass genre. I came away inspired and excited for the next opportunity to work with them!” – Anna Berry
“What I loved most about this weekend at Menucha was the personal touch everyone received from Laurie and her friends. In the rhythm guitar workshops, Laurie offered useful tips to each individual player tailored to their skill level. I know I came home with a few gems! I also loved that she stressed the importance of a rhythm guitar player, whether or not they had interest in learning to play leads. And the harmony workshop where we all learned to sing A Beautiful Life was such a great way to top off a wonderful few days of Bluegrass in the Gorge!” – Molly Westmoreland
“I went to Menucha to see Laurie and Tom and was happy to listen to stories and learn a few things. Both are warm, friendly, inclusive people who have made a study of bluegrass music for all of their adult lives. I try to see them when they come this way and am never disappointed. Their music, their detailed understanding of it and their ability to share with others are simply top notch. As someone who likes to sing, I was especially happy that I went.” – Elliott Picciotto
“I had been really looking forward to meeting and having classes with both Brandon Godman and Justin Hiltner, because I play both fiddle and banjo. Getting to meet and interact with them was my favorite experience at camp. I was very satisfied with their classes, as well.” – Donna Dunaif
“I came away from the experience with a better sense of serenity and community than I had when I got there. The picturesque setting and helpful, informative staff made Menucha a wonderful retreat from the bustle of daily life. The great musical instruction and enthusiastic students made Bluegrass in the Gorge a one-of-a-kind chance for hands-on learning with Laurie Lewis and her friends.” – Nora Candey
Click this link to read Nora Candey’s in-depth review published in the Oregon Bluegrass Association’s Bluegrass Express newsletter: Bluegrass in the Gorge Review Article for OBA newsletter summer 2018