Winston/Salem NC
Multi - Level Jam Camp 2025
November 14-16
At the historic Old Holler Farm
Taught proudly according to the Wernick Method.
Our inaugural event at Old Holler Farm - dating back to post revolution days. Modern electric, bathrooms A/C and heat.
Our One Room Schoolhouse is for all levels of skill and experience from basic to advanced. Breakout sessions, showcases, live teacher led karaoke, after hours jamming where everyone gets to be a part of things.
Rural Hall (15 minutes north of Winston/Salem NC)
November 14-16, 2025
Friday 4:00 - 8:00 (optional after hours jamming)
Saturday 10:00 - 6:00
Sunday 10:00-4:00
Call me or write:
864-764-4830
Click here to pay deposit ($150.00) via Square.
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What it's like:
Our inaugural camp at historic Old Holler Farm.
The heart of the main house is this 18th century cabin where we'll be carrying on our own tradition of Bluegrass music. The place is comfortable having grown up with ample space and modern electric, plumbing and climate control. Plenty of room on the covered porch and picturesque picking places everywhere you look.
Our One Room Schoolhouse is designed for ultra basic to advanced level pickers. If you have questions about whether you qualify then please contact Gilbert or Leigh and we'll guide you.
As this is our Grand Opening for Old Holler Farm we're prepared for a large or small roster so we're already primed with one of our favorite instructors - Liam Purcell - and another yet to be announced pro joining with Gilbert and Leigh. More instructors as needed.
Small Groups are for jamming.
The way bluegrass is supposed to be played.
Everyone gets access to their own level of instruction and comfort with groups arranged according to skills, interests, instruments, singing etc. so you get your best ensemble experience. Sometimes groups can change so you can get a variety of experience with different jammers. Appropriate level instruction happens in the midst of the jamming action with lots of opportunities to test and hone new skills. Goofs and slip-ups are all part of the fun - no worries.
Large Group Instruction . . .
happens periodically as the occasion calls.
Especially first meeting of camp and typically mornings but other times too. These sessions are for everyone to get on the same page together. Here we can set a theme, a principle or topic that we’ll pursue at skill appropriate ways during small group sessions and breakout sessions.
Everyone gets to contribute to the esprit de corp and shared experience of our One Room Schoolhouse.
Breakout and Topical Sessions
Mixed groups according to topic like:
Finding melody - Faking a solo when you don't know or haven't practiced the melody - Leading a song or following one. Singing and also Harmony singing - Instrument specific breakouts - Pick up notes - Fills - tone, timing and technique - Learning strategies - How to find your key(s) - capos and transposing. Who knows what will come up. We can't always hit everything but some things we always get to work on.
After Hours Jamming
Pretty much a spontaneous and less rigorous time just letting it all hang out.
Small or larger groups tend to congregate in various jamming spaces. Indoors, outdoors - faster or slower - straight up bluegrass or off the beaten path stuff. Sit and visit or just watch the horses as the sun sets over the green North Carolina hills. Or you may just want to retire and nurse your sore fingers. Sometimes the teachers may put on an impromptu concert or Karaoke.
The Food
Friday dinner - Lunch Saturday and Sunday
If you have special diet restrictions please let us know and we'll do our best to take care of you.
Tuition and lodging
are each separate.
Tuition - $325.00
Lodging in nearby Winston/Salem. RV and tent (dry) camping by arrangement. (We're bringing ours.)
Contact Leigh.
Click here to pay your tuition deposit $150.00) via Square.
We love the Wernick Method
A common sense approach to getting musical fun and success in bluegrass jamming.
You'll be jamming in the first 5 minutes. We use Pete Wernick's time tested methods to get you understanding, how to techniques and plenty of action in a friendly circle of people just like you.
Gilbert Nelson
aka Dr. Jambo
Gilbert Nelson is your host. He leads jammers to green pastures. A passionate player and teacher of the music. Gilbert can hone in on where you're at and guide you in ways to break out with more knowledge and pathways to success and growth. He knows how to bring out the best in you and he leads jam camp by example with inspiration, energy, and insight.
Leigh Nelson
aka General Leigh
Affectionally known as "General Leigh" Leigh is Camp Director and Gilbert's "backup brain" She's part musician, part organizer and problem solver. Leigh knows jamming. She's a master with gentle and knowledgeable instruction making learning fun. Leigh plays Bass Fiddle, Guitar, Mandolin and she's learning banjo now. She’ll even sing for you if you’re nice.
Liam Purcell
Master Instructor
Liam Purcell (Deep Gap, NC) is a multi-instrumentalist, singer, songwriter, and leader of the Cane Mill Road band, winners of the IBMA's Momentum Award. A recent graduate of the famed Berklee College of Music, Liam has toured the U.S. with his band, won multiple instrument contests, and taught the Wernick Method and through the JAM program as a teenager. He co-authored the JAM Songbook.
Click for Upcoming Events.
Find out what's coming up for you.
Contact me.
I'll give you answers . . . or at least I'll find out for you.