The Americana Song Academy (ASA) started in 2002 with 12 students and four instructors, held at Caldera, high in the Cascade mountains. The original intention was a "master-class" for experienced Americana Project students and community musicians and songwriters. It has grown over the past 12 years to include 75 participants, 25 instructors and over 25 staff and support people.
The experience is extraordinary.
Perched on the shores of Blue Lake, the venue, Caldera provides an inspirational setting for a supportive music community, exceptional music and instruction, and an intimate, intensely creative experience. The food is healthy and bountiful, and participants are encouraged to immerse themselves in their own creative exploration and journey … and play a lot of music!
Sisters Folk Festival artists arrive Monday evening, get settled, and the camp runs Tuesday morning through Friday at noon, September 3-6, 2013. The schedule includes classes on guitar, songwriting, performing, mentor sessions, open mic and artist performances. It is a relaxed pace but is full of helpful material, insights and curriculum to engage all ability levels (there's a sample schedule here). One of the greatest attributes is that the creative and communal energy then translates into Sisters Folk Festival in Sisters, September 6-8, 2013.
The journey can be transformative.
There is on-site camping, shared tipis, and room to expand and enjoy. Many attendees return year after year to a place they call home, and a tribe of folks that encourage one another to be their best creative selves.
We're happy to report that this year the Sisters Folk Festival is adding art classes to the Song Academy curriculum! The music & songwriting camp at Caldera will now feature instruction in painting, drawing, sculpture, ceramics and more. Visual artists with all levels of experience are encouraged to register now for the annual four-day camp. Artists and musicians will camp on the shores of Blue Lake and dine together at Caldera's amazing indoor facility. Participants will choose daily from a variety of classes, workshops and private mentoring sessions. This integrated academy will focus on creative inspiration and motivation, regardless of medium. Attendees are encouraged to "cross over" and try something new.
Visual Arts Instructors this year include Rick Bartow, drawing, painting and sculpture; Pat Horsley, ceramics; Natalia Zukerman, painting; Philip Krohn, recycled installations; Danae Miller, sculpture; Ingrid Lustig, painting; Paul Alan Bennett, drawing; Adam Haynes, drawing and design; and Pat Clark, printmaking.
Songwriting and music instructors include: Ryan Montbleau, Richard Julian, Natalia Zukerman, Melissa Ferrick, Amy Speace, Steve Poltz, Amber Rubarth, Ray Bonneville, Chuck E Costa, Mira Stanley, the Shook Twins, Nathaniel Talbot, and RJ Cowdery thus far.
Camp staff includes Founder/Director Brad Tisdel, Beth Wood, Victor Johnson, Chris Kokesh, Sean McGowan, and Kathy Nagel.
If you love music and visual arts, we strongly recommend that you experience this inspirational environment.
Sisters Folk Festival Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.
Donations to Sisters Folk Festival Inc. and its programs like Sisters Americana Project and My Own Two Hands are tax deductible.
Sisters Folk Festival is supported year-round by these generous sponsors:
instructors, held at Caldera, high in the Cascade mountains. The original intention was a "master-class" for experienced Americana Project students and community musicians and songwriters. It has grown over the past 12 years to include 75 participants, 25 instructors and over 25 staff and support people.
