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Grand River Blues Society
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Woodshed Weekends

If you have ever seen the students from the Grand River Blues Camp  perform at the Kitchener Blues Festival and wondered or said..."I wish there was a camp like this for us big kids."  Well, that is why the Grand River Blues Society has developed Woodshed Weekends, adult-oriented programs for blues lovers and musicians of all kinds.

While our specialty music Clinics are shorter, one evening learning opportunities, Woodshed Weekends are intended to provide a more extended and immersive learning experience. These weekend-long learning programs are geared to adult music learners who are looking for something longer than a music lesson or 2 hour clinic, where new skills can be learned, practiced and developed over a couple of days.

Woodshed Weekends will include a minimum of 12 hours of instruction, handout materials and practical breakout sessions on specific skills, styles and techniques. Each Woodshed Weekend will specialize on a specific instrument or vocal instruction with blues being front and centre. Instructors for Woodshed Weekends are professional, working musicians who will lead participants through small group breakout sessions and larger group instruction. These weekend programs will be offered based on demand and we hope that they will be as beneficial to adult music learners as our Grand River Blues Camp has been for our youth.

Hone your skills, have fun, try something new, meet new friends. 

Come out to the Woodshed and get whooped into shape!

Woodshed Weekend #1 - Electric Guitar

Hey all you basement guitar players! It's time to push your boundaries, get out of your comfort zone and meet some other like minded folks interested in learning more about blues guitar. If you have been stuck in a rut, playing the same old songs and same old licks, then Woodshed Weekend #1 - Electric Guitar is just what the doctor ordered.

When:      Friday April 27, 6:00 pm - 7:30 pm - meet/greet with a "no pressure" open Jam to follow till 10:00 p.m.
                  Saturday April 28, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Woodshed Day 1                  
                  Sunday April 29, 9:00 am - 5:00 pm - Woodshed Day 2

Where:     Lancaster Smokehouse, Kitchener 
                  
574 Lancaster St W, Kitchener, ON
                   The Lancaster Smokehouse not only offers great food but "The Lanc" has been named one of the top 10 blues clubs in Canada!      

                   www.lancsmokehouse.com
              
Cost:          $350* includes instruction; continental breakfast and lunches
                   
*$15.00 discount for GRBS members at the door
                    All profits are used to support the ongoing educational efforts of the GRBS .
                    REGISTER HERE


Who should come out to Woodshed Weekend #1 - Electric Guitar?
  • You are over the age of 19 and play electric guitar;
  • You want to expand your guitar repertoire to include some blues;
  • You want to explore various blues styles;
  • You want to learn some useful blues licks;
  • You want to learn more about major and minor pentatonic scales;
  • You want to develop your ability to solo;
  • You want to learn about participating in a jam and performing with others;
  • You want to practice jamming with a professional rhythm section.

Woodshed Weekend #1 - Electric Guitar will include breakout sessions for small groups on specific topics - blues styles, rhythm/timing/feel, licks and tone, phrasing, pacing solos to create tension and release. Each afternoon will include a jam session with a professional rhythm section so that participants can try out some of the new skills they have learned.  

After this immersive weekend of guitar instruction, you will come away with a new repertoire and techniques, a reinvigorated sense of direction and purpose, and a greater confidence and joy in creating music.

Woodshed Weekend #1 - Electric Guitar space will be limited, so reserve your spot soon!

Instructors:
Each of these instructors have been specifically selected due to their wealth of performing/teaching experience combined with the ability to connect with students of all capabilities. Together they have created an exciting schedule of sessions for the weekend for participants of all levels.
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​Paul Fernandez

​Paul began playing guitar in 1987. He studied for several years with Steve Adams of Kitchener Ontario. Paul has played weddings and private events when something "special" is called for.  In 2007 he produced two instrumental CD's, "Guitarzilla" and "Just for Today" which  featured him as a guitar soloist. Most recently he has written a guitar lesson book, "Your Best Guitar Lesson" that focuses on the 12 bar blues form and how to apply many concepts in the blues framework

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Darryl Romphf   
 
​With an aggressively soothing voice and guitar chops to back it up, Darryl Romphf is the real deal. A Rock n Roll spirit with dark Blues and soulful twist is on full display with Romphf's passionate and expertly delivered vocal and melodic guitar work. A simmering and brooding Artist, Romphf is equally adept in studio as he is on stage, acting as producer, mixer and guitar player with . Kitchener Waterloo blues rock artists Lumberjunk, John McKinley Band and the Jordan Patterson Band.


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John McKinley

​John McKinley, has been involved with the KW music scene since 1979. Hailing from Roswell, New Mexico, John cut his teeth as a  young man playing in blues and horn bands across the Southwestern U.S. ... and it shows. John McKinley has made a great impact  in his adopted homeland of Canada with his critically acclaimed debut album Window On the World. Honoring his dedication to mentoring young musicians and his contribution to the local music scene John was awarded the prestigious Mel Brown Award. Says  Claude Cloutier, Vice President and Artistic Director of the Kitchener Blues Festival: “John McKinley is truly a musical treasure  to the local community...We are fortunate to have such a talented musician in our midst.”


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  • Home
  • Join
  • Education
    • Blues in the Schools
    • Blues Camp >
      • Blues Camp Instructors
    • Woodshed Weekends
    • Youth Legacy Showcase
  • The Blues Buzz
  • Blues Links
  • Newsletter
  • Road to Memphis
  • About Us
    • Our Team
    • Contact
  • Support
  • Archives