Bluegrass (mandolin/fiddle) workshops in Florida

[Ace]

Anyone know of any workshops, colleges, free training in or around central Florida?

Thanks...

[Ace]

WOW, I guess there aren't any in Florida!
Oh well...

[fishdawg40]

I've been reluctant to post because it's a big N-O. Nothing much going on here. I think there was a music camp in St Pete at the beginning of this month (I think Sunshine State Music Camp). But that's about it. As for colleges and free training I'm not understanding those within the context of what you're talking about.

[Ace]

Heck it doesn't have to be free but you would think that as many players we have in Central Florida, there would be workshops or experienced players getting together to help those of us that are not! I know we have guys who give lessons and that is good but nothing like a group getting together for some learning session/s!
I also know we have jam sessions but those too have dwindled down to only a few and even those are the more experienced or should I say advanced players getting down with some real bluegrass. Kind of hard to sit in or even behind on a make up band that is far beyond your experience.
I guess we'll just keep pickin and doing the best we can by ourselves!

[Brent Willis]

Tom Henderson used to have weekly jam sessions where players would get together at the Bluegrass Parlor in Tampa. He would have professional groups come in and give concerts also. Does anyone know if thats still going on?

[GTison]

I guess it's your job to start one!

[Taylor and Tenor]

There are BG sessions every Sunday under the trees at Jervis Park in Ocala for what that's worth.

[Ace]

Start one? LOL I'm just getting to the point where I can change chords using 4 fingers and that is questionable sometimes as I don't always get "right on" but one thing I have been doing and that is practicing playing chords in the dark while watching TV (during commercials). It sort of makes me find the chord without looking for it, if that makes any sense!

[pinky57]

It depends on how far you want to drive. There is a mandolin workshop in Jupiter(a little over 2 hours from you) starting Wed. After that class there is a performing with others class. I drive an hour and a half to take those classes because there isn't much bluegrass music in S. FL. That being said I just found out about the South Florida Bluegrass Assn. which is supposed to meet the 2nd Sun. of the month. I haven't hooked up with them yet, so I don't know what happens there yet. Good Luck!!!

[mandocrucian]

It seems that I will be down in FL (Vero Beach & then Melbourne) the week after the election. If someone is interested in trying to set up a private lesson, drop a me PM.

Niles Hokkanen

[Cara Z.]

Earlier today I googled onto the sunshine state music camp

http://camp.cgmusicman.com/ssamc.htm

which happens in mid-Nov. in St Pete. Not exactly in my neighborhood. :-)

[Ace]

I tried to find out more information on this Jervis Park or Jarvis Park in Ocala and can't find anything on it. Does anyone know where exactly this is or how to get there? What are the times they jam?

Thanks

[Taylor and Tenor]

The jam sessions at Jervis Park/Coleman Park start about 12:30 PM on Sunday afternoons.

It is a multi-use park off of SE 17th Street behind the MacDonald's

[Taylor and Tenor]

The address for Jervey/Gannt Park is 2200 SE 36th Street in the SE area of Ocala

[fishdawg40]

Hey Ace,

Here's a list of jams in Florida, broken down by regions. I didn't know what you meant at first or I would have posted this already. The Cassia jam is supposed to be really good with a bunch of different skill levels.

http://www.foff.org/nm/publish/news_11.html