Lasting friendships have formed at our workshops and keep our fellow harmonica enthusiasts coming back year after year. Here’s what some of them have to say...
“I’m so excited to learn that jam camp will continue under the new name of The Harmonica Experience led by the same wonderful coaches Cheryl Arena, Hash Brown, TJ Klay, & Ralph Carter. I have been to over 10 Jam Camps and it is the most wonderful experience. No matter what level harp player you are, you will have fun and come out a more accomplished player. Workshops, jamming with the band, singing, after-hours jam sessions with other attendees, nights at local blues clubs and making new friends are all part of the scene and in the fantastic setting that is The Shack Up Inn, Clarksdale, Mississippi.”
-Kate Wakeling Sydney, Australia
“The Harmonica Experience isn’t really about licks and technique (tho’ you’ll learn plenty of that sort). It’s about making new friendships, renewing old friendships, and being wonderfully immersed in the musical and cultural history of the Blues. Whether one is a long-time gigging pro or an absolute beginner, this is a wonderful opportunity to open one’s musical brain and heart in the company of the consistently friendly, welcoming and encouraging folks that make up the Instructor group, the staff at the Shack-Up Inn, and the town of Clarksdale. It’ll be a life-changer in ways far beyond the simple 10-hole blues harp.”
-Rob Sawyer Sacramento, California
“I’m thrilled that The Harmonica Experience (THE) is continuing the blues harmonica camp at the Shack Up Inn. One of the nicest aspects of the camp is that beginners are welcome! The coaches are fabulous and the other campers are so supportive and encouraging that it feels like a big family. I would encourage anyone who has ever thought about learning blues harmonica to come to THE!”
-Susie Miller Medfield, Massachusetts
“I attended my first harmonica jam camp in Clarksdale, Ms. five years ago. I came to playing harmonica rather late in life and my goals were pretty modest. I told myself that I would just like to be able to join in and jam with other musicians and maybe just play a bit of background to add something to the music. I spent a week in Clarksdale, immersed in the blues and this little instrument, and came away convinced that I could do much better than that if I just put my mind to it and kept the harmonica in my mouth as much as possible. While there I met players at all skill levels, talked to them, played with them and laughed at our mutual problems. The coaches, incredible performers and teachers, opened my eyes to possibilities and showed me the way to get there. Now, no one learns to play like Little Walter in a week. What you do learn is where you are going down the wrong road, how to get on the right road and what you need to do and practice to make progress down that road. Oh, and did I mention, it’s great fun. I’ve been back twice more since that first experience and I can hardly wait for this pandemic to be in the rear view mirror so I can get down there again.”
–Eddie Ruhl Furlong, Pennsylvania
“I have attended five camps in the last ten years. My experiences have been both fun and challenging, with fun at the top of my list. Getting up on stage was a first for me, playing harmonica and singing. The support that the coaches and other campers gave me made it possible to do that. The amount of information that comes from each coach is huge & each has their own way of teaching and playing, always with something new to give you.
I started playing music real late in life, around 65 years of age, so I had a lot of life experience but not much musical ability. Each time, I learned an amazing amount in 5 days! Of course I’m looking forward to attending another camp…it’s the best and most positive thing I’ve ever done for myself.”
–Laraine Latourette Portland, Oregon
“Back in my early twenties I was introduced to Blues music from a friend who played harmonica. He got me started with some basics in playing second position. After about a year I put playing aside to focus on marriage, family and career. Fast forward fifty years, now retired and getting back to playing, I came upon the Blues Harmonica Jam Camp. I signed up without hesitation for the Spring 2018 session and was met with friendly and reassuring instructors. Thanks to them I came away with enough confidence to start playing and singing at local Blues jams and open mics. I found other musicians in my neighborhood which has expanded my experience even further. I attended the 2019 Spring camp and was signed up for 2020 which of course did not happen due to the pandemic. Thanks to the coaches of The Harmonica Experience we are able to keep music sharing going with their monthly zoom meetings. I look forward to things opening up again and attending another camp. I can’t say enough about how these events have become woven into my musical fabric and beyond.”
–Earl Ellsworth Ocala, Florida