Pete Wernick announces two youngsters from western North Carolina as scholarship winners for his Bluegrass Jam Camp in Boomer, NC:
Liam Purcell, 10, of Deep Gap and Kinsey Green, 14, of Boone are both multi-instrumentalists, immersed in bluegrass through families who value this tradition. Pete says, “It's good to see local kids learning the local music, and we're very glad to be able offer them this additional opportunity.”
More about the scholarship winners:
Liam Purcell, age 10, Deep Gap, NC: Liam says he takes bluegrass and old time music lessons and regularly attends jams with musicians of the “older generation,” as well as pickers his own age. He plays mandolin, guitar, banjo, and fiddle. He and a friend recently formed a band, performing at barn dances, showcases, and college events. In his scholarship application, Liam wrote, “I think it would be a good experience to be surrounded by bluegrass for days at a time. It is fun to know how something like a banjo or a song can be passed down for generations and generations.”
Kinsey Greene, age 14, Boone, NC: Kinsey plays guitar, fiddle, and bass, and enjoys singing. She and her sister formed their own band, Greene Grass. Kinsey hopes to major in bluegrass and nursing in college in order to become a music therapist for special needs children. She recognizes the vital support her parents have given her, even in tough financial times.
The scholarships are courtesy of R. B. Powell and Bridget Allen, owners of Nittany Mountain Trail Rides, Inc., who promote bluegrass scholarships for young musicians.
More about the camp:
Pete Wernick's 15th Annual Merlefest Jam Camp for pickers of all bluegrass instruments, takes place April 22-25, Monday-Thursday immediately prior to the festival. The program welcomes never-jammed-before novices as well as a separate track for experienced jammers. Camp Harrison YMCA Camp at Herring Ridge 10 miles from Wilkesboro, NC. More info here: http://drbanjo.com/camps-merlefestinfo.php.
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