Article Contributed by Gratefulweb
Published on 2026-02-23
Astoria, OR – Bluegrass Pride is proud to announce the launch of Camp Bluegrass Pride, a first-of-its-kind immersive bluegrass and roots music camp welcoming musicians of all skill levels, identities, and backgrounds. The inaugural camp will take place June 21–26, 2026, in the historic coastal town of Astoria, Oregon.
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Pacific Northwest coast, Camp Bluegrass Pride brings together queer and allied musicians for a week of learning, collaboration, and celebration in a joyful, affirming, and inclusive environment. Registration is now open at bluegrasspride.net. Space is limited, and early registration is strongly encouraged.
“Having seen firsthand the magic that happens at music camps, I’m thrilled to help bring Camp BGP to life,” said Lillian Werbin, Board President of Bluegrass Pride and CEO/Co-owner of Elderly Instruments. “This camp will create a space where people can grow as musicians, but also join a community that celebrates and uplifts each other.”
Camp Bluegrass Pride offers multiple instructional tracks tailored to musicians at all levels, from beginner to advanced. Instruction will be available in fiddle, guitar, banjo, mandolin, upright bass, voice, and songwriting, with a curriculum that blends hands-on workshops, small-group instruction, collaborative jam sessions, and evening concerts.
The camp is led by a stellar lineup of nationally respected instructors known not only for musical excellence but also for their dedication to teaching and community building. Highlights include GRAMMY Award–winning songwriter Melody Walker, whose songs have been recorded by artists such as Sierra Ferrell, Molly Tuttle, Della Mae, and others, and CJ Lewandowski, widely respected both as a master mandolinist and as a highly skilled mandolin builder whose instruments are played by musicians across the bluegrass world. Additional instructors include Cody Bauer, Keith Billik, Kat Bula, Noa Eve, Kaden Hurst, McKain Lakey, Mandy Lynn Danzig, Taylor Shuck, Grace Van’t Hof, and Nelson Williams.
Camp Bluegrass Pride takes place at the Charlene Larsen Center for the Performing Arts, with additional programming woven throughout downtown Astoria. While lodging and most meals are not included in camp tuition, Bluegrass Pride has secured special discounted room rates for campers at The Hotel Elliott and Bowline Hotel. It is actively working to provide additional lodging options and local recommendations to ensure an accessible and comfortable experience for all attendees.
Founded in 2017, Bluegrass Pride exists to encourage and support LGBTQ+ bluegrass musicians at every level of musicianship, while promoting acceptance, allyship, and equity throughout the bluegrass community. Through concerts, jams, showcases, educational programming, and community gatherings, Bluegrass Pride works to uplift both the genre and the people who make it thrive.
Camp Bluegrass Pride welcomes all identities, expressions, and skill levels.
At Camp Bluegrass Pride, the mission is simple: make bluegrass and roots music accessible to everyone.
For registration details, instructor updates, sponsorship opportunities, and travel resources, visit BluegrassPride.net.
