Hi all. It’s been a busy year so I’m a bit behind on updates. Alberta Swing Camp 2023 is definitely on this year: July 7-9, 2023 at a private acreage near Bowden, Alberta. The portapotties are booked, so that means we’re serious. Attendees are interested in swing tunes of all sorts, especially the type of tunes played by Django Reinhardt, Stephane Grappelli and the Quintet of the Hot Club of France. We may also have some people interested in Western Swing so we could have multiple jams going if necessary.

Beginners and advanced players are definitely welcome. If we have enough of each level we can split into separate jams according to skill level. It’s a very welcoming group so you don’t think you’re not good enough.

All instruments are welcome but we stick to more of an acoustic format so we don’t have to set up any sound systems. Guitar, upright bass, violin, viola, accordion, clarinet, horns, vocalists, drums (quiet brushes would be nice to blend in), etc. If you do need an amplifier please keep the sound level quiet enough to blend in with the acoustic instruments.

We have two instructors confirmed: Phill West teaching hot club guitar and Cam Neufeld teaching swing violin. We can also have some informal and beginner instruction as needed, and facilitated jams for beginners and advanced players.

This year we decided to have one flat rate for the camp to cover the portapotty rentals and pay the instructors: $50 per person for the whole weekend, including camping, jamming and instruction. That’s pretty cheap fun. Bring your own food and beverages. There is a park nearby so you could bring a bike or paddle board.

In order to get a good idea of how many people to expect, please e-transfer $50 to hold your spot to Kevin Jacobson, the_cave@yahoo.com by June 17, 2023. Please include your name, email address, instrument(s) played and your skill level. Please let me know what kind of camping setup you have (tent, trailer size).

Because this is a private acreage I will send the exact location of the camp to registered participants only. For planning purposes, it is close to Bowden, Alberta. It is about 2 hour drive from Edmonton, about 1 hour 15 minutes from Calgary.

There is plenty of space for camping so you can bring a tent or trailer. There is some water on site but you might want to bring your own.

That’s it for now. Please email Kevin at the_cave@yahoo.com if you have any questions.