Acoustic camp hits a high note

This camp is the only one of its kind in Alaska. It doesn’t tell where the camp site will be each summer, but it’s always somewhere nice.

For seven years this camp has brought together the novice, intermediate, advanced and master musicians for a week of musical immersion. Sure, there are canoes, swimming and wilderness to explore, just like any camp, but the patrons of this annual event, many who return year after year, are immersed in music most of the time.

The relaxed environment of nature lends itself perfectly to the acoustic music created in cabins and around campfires. The instruction brought by the camp’s staff is superb, with many of the instructors coming from out of state, along with many exemplary instructors from right here in Alaska.

I spoke with the director and creator of the camp, Joe Becker. It was a personable conversation, just like I would expect from someone with this kind of love for acoustic music to organize something like this and promote it successfully enough to keep bringing it back and making it better.

This is the type of thing that adds tremendously to the local music scene. It’s a resource that someone built for the benefit of the musical community. The cost is not cheap, but considering meals and lodging are provided, plus the companionship of other acoustic aspirants and adepts, it’s worth every penny.

The camp starts on Aug. 30 and runs through Sept. 5. Sign up as soon as now, or as late as the first day of camp. Becker wouldn’t turn you away, but the sooner the better. For more information on this experience, visit the camp’s Web site at www.acousticalaska.com.

Make-a-Scene!

Josh Fryfogle is a local professional musician who owns 212 Music Group and operates Make-A-Scene in Wasilla. He writes about music every Friday.