The cornerstone of the Port Townsend Country Blues Festival is the weeklong workshop, July 29 – August 4, 2007, where participants live and play with the bearers of acoustic country blues traditions. The main focus of the gathering is on older prewar styles of blues, but the music and culture from derivative forms is also presented. Daily classes are offered in Piedmont style fingerpicking, blues guitar, slide guitar, harmonica, fiddle, mandolin, blues piano, blues singing, and gospel choir, all taught by masters of the traditions.
Introductory “tracks” are offered in Piedmont style fingerpicking, blues guitar, harmonica, mandolin, fiddle, and piano.
Intermediate/advanced level classes are offered in blues guitar, slide guitar, harmonica, mandolin, fiddle, and piano.
Is it your first time at the Blues Festival? If you like, we will pair you with a mentor to be your resource throughout the week, guiding you to the sessions which are most appropriate for you and making sure your experience exceeds your expectations.
Tuition is $440 ($340 for a veteran participant who refers a new participant who pays full tuition; and $100 for gospel workshop-only attendees) which includes admission to all festival events. Room and board options at range from $200 to $385.
Special notes on 2007 housing
Due to special circumstances in 2007, on-fort housing is limited. Please note that for 2007:
- All dorms are "quiet" dorms
- Couples rooms are not available
- Late registrants will be roomed in "barracks" style dorms with 2-5 bunk-style beds/room, with partition walls.
- As always, we’re happy to provide you with a range of alternative housing options near the Fort.