Alberta Swing Camp started in August 2021 when musicians from Edmonton, Calgary and Red Deer decided to meet up at a central location to play some of their favourite music. These people were interested in swing music in general, Western swing and Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. A group camp-site about half-way between Edmonton and Calgary was booked for a weekend in August. The weekend was mostly about jamming, but there was some interest in adding some informal instruction and workshops.

The music camp has been successful so we decided to do it all again in 2022 and 2023. The attendance in 2023 was almost double that of the previous year so it seems interest is growing. Along with jams aimed at both novice players and advanced players, instructional workshops were run on violin and guitar. This was hosted at a private acreage about half-way between Edmonton and Calgary, not far from Bowden, Alberta. Since it is private property the exact location is only given to registered participants.

The date chosen for next year is July 5-7, 2024 so mark that on your calendar. More information will appear closer to that date.

All levels of players are welcome, both beginner and advanced. It would be helpful to know your instrument a little bit and a bit of music reading skill is helpful but not necessary. With a range of skill levels, we can split jams and workshops into novice and intermediate/advanced. Instruments are typically acoustic so no amplification is necessary. Instruments typical in this style of music are: guitar, violin, viola, upright bass, accordion, clarinet, and mandolin.

Please watch this site for updates and pass the information around to your musician friends who may have an interest in swing, hot club/Django and western swing. For information contact Kevin at the_cave@yahoo.com.