Blues Week, in its 26^th year at Augusta, unites aspiring students with some of the world's finest blues musicians to celebrate a classic form of American roots music.

Blues Week coordinator Rich DelGrosso has brought together a stellar roster of master musicians/teachers this year. Joining the Augusta Blues Week this summer will be Michael (Lightnin') Wells, teaching blues guitar, and Eduardo "Lalo" Garcia, teaching blues bass. Stan Hirsch, Eleanor Ellis, Elijah Wald, Steve James, Jake Heck, Rich DelGrosso, Rick Franklin, and Joan Fenton will teach a wide variety of guitar styles and techniques. Gaye Adegbalola [top left photo] will teach blues vocals; Andra Faye [top right photo] will teach blues repertoire for voice, fiddle, and mandolin; and Steve James will teach mandolin (in addition to guitar). Ann Rabson, Daryl Davis [top left photo], Erwin Helfer [bottom right photo], and Judy LaPrade will teach blues piano. Blues harp will be taught by Grant Dermody, Joe Filisko [top left photo], Phil Wiggins [bottom left photo] , and Allen Holmes.

NEW CLASSES!    Harmonica: All levels of students will work with all 4 harmonica instructors.
Blues Duo: A class for harmonica, guitar, mandolin, and fiddle covering arrangements and the art of working together.

The highly talented Roddy Barnes [top left photo], in addition to supporting the blues vocal classes, will be on hand for piano accompaniment and assistance, as well as teaching a Gospel mini-course. Richard Smith, “the Spirit of Blues Week,” returns to assist the vocal classes, and he will again organize the bands for the daily Band Labs in the afternoon. Maria Woodford gives the Blues Week teens a workout as she organizes and supports the Teen Bands in their own band lab in the afternoons. Elijah Wald will teach the Music of Blind Lemon Jefferson (guitar) and will captivate us all as he presents lectures on the rich blues history in the afternoons on a variety of topics. Blues Week coordinator Rich DelGrosso will present daily group sessions, and the Ice House campus pub will host its legendary jams nightly. Late-night electric jams rock the Boiler House Theater. Ian Walters will be on hand as staff musician and as coordinator for the Blues Week Dances. Concerts, informal sessions, dances, and a Wednesday night “Blues Week Party” will all give students many opportunities to interact with the Blues Week staff. Don't forget the take advantage of our mini-courses which will be available in the evenings on a variety of instruments and dance styles. It will be an exciting week!

All classes (except dance and vocals) are intended for those who can already play their instrument to some extent and are ready to start learning blues style, technique, and repertoire.

To register, specify “Blues Week” and your main instrument or vocals.

Students will sign up for morning and afternoon workshops at the Sunday evening orientation. Pre-registration is required for Blues Vocal Performance and Piano classes.