Red Hot Strings Workshop May 17 - 21 (Port Townsend, WA)

Mikiya Matsuda · Post by **Mikiya Matsuda** » 30 Mar 2023 3:47 pm

Hello non-pedalers (and all other forms of string players),

Registration is still open for this year's Red Hot Strings Workshop in beautiful Port Townsend, WA (May 17-21, 2023).

THE Jeremy Wakefield, who needs no introduction, will be teaching two classes on steel guitar and the amazing Dave Biller is teaching courses on standard guitar (although I'm sure you'll be able to pick his brain about steel too).

You can learn all about the other great instructors and course options at the link below. I'll be leading a course on transcribing and another on adapting big band horn riffs and shouts to the steel guitar.

I should also mention that all the participants get to perform in small ensembles with the instructors and there are lots of great jam sessions happening between classes and until late in the night. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you any questions. Hope to see some of you there. It's a great hang!

https://centrum.org/vintage-jazz-workshop/

Jim Rossen · Post by **Jim Rossen** » 30 Mar 2023 6:41 pm

Mikiya, thank you for posting this, I did not know it was happening this year. Will you and Jeremy be focusing on six or eight sting guitars, or?
Jim

Allan Revich · Post by **Allan Revich** » 30 Mar 2023 9:03 pm

Hmm… Very tempting, just a 3 hour drive for me, half of which is spent on a ferry.

I’m not so much into swing or Hawaiian, but it might be fun to hang with some other steelers, and maybe even learn a thing or two!

Paul Seager · Post by **Paul Seager** » 31 Mar 2023 5:17 am

I can thoroughly recommend this!

I attended last year's workshop and, despite the long trip from Germany, despite the COVID restrictions - I really enjoyed those few days in Port Townsend.

I attended all of Mikiya's classes and am I still using the exercises he provided to expand my soloing technique. Also, Mikiya's general musical advice is guiding me through despondent practice moments! I also attended other classes and learnt a lot about what to listen for on old recordings. Eye (and Ear) opening!

The evening jam sessions are varied. There were some frighteningly good young players, definitely getting "Red Hot"!. But move around the houses, there is a session for all levels somewhere, each night. I met a great many, very pleasant people. Everyone was very sociable and non-judgemental!

The high point was the concert played by all instructors. For a European, having so much talent on one stage was an absolute pleasure.

Increased travel costs (and currently a risk of unemployment) are keeping me from returning this year which is a shame because hearing Jeremy Wakefield was the reason I kept working on lap steel and I would enjoy to see him in action!

Mike Neer · Post by **Mike Neer** » 31 Mar 2023 6:44 am

That is a great lineup. I’d love to show up just for the hang.

Loren Tilley · Post by **Loren Tilley** » 31 Mar 2023 8:46 am

This is a fun hangout and I highly recommend it. I did the first two times, but can't make it this year (bummer).

Mikiya Matsuda · Post by **Mikiya Matsuda** » 31 Mar 2023 11:13 am

Paul and Loren, sorry you won't be able to make it this time around.

Jim, I'm not sure about Jeremy, but I'm planning on bringing an 8 string steel. That said, the material will definitely be playable on any common 6 string tuning.

Jim Rossen · Post by **Jim Rossen** » 31 Mar 2023 8:32 pm

I am attending again!
Jim

Jean-Sebastien Gauthier · Post by **Jean-Sebastien Gauthier** » 1 Apr 2023 5:04 am

Mikiya that’s amazing! Really a dream lineup to me! Since I’m in Canada there is any ways I can assist online?

Thanks

Jim Newberry · Post by **Jim Newberry** » 3 Apr 2023 8:04 pm

Can’t wait!

Mikiya Matsuda · Post by **Mikiya Matsuda** » 3 Apr 2023 10:43 pm

Yeah, Jim and Jim! Looking forward to hanging with you both.

Jean-Sebastien, unfortunately I just heard that they won't be streaming any of the sessions this year.