Learnin’ the Blues – Playin’ the Blues

Come learn blues basics and then play with a bass, drummer and guitarist in a 3-hour immersive workshop, led by Richard Green, President of the Capital Region Blues Network and a blues guitar player for over 40 years. Richard will be joined by a bass player and drummer who will demonstrate playing blues in a group format. After instruction in the basics, participants will get to play with these musicians as the workshop progresses. The workshop offers a unique opportunity for learning about and directly experiencing playing the blues.

Registration Required: $50/pp

Maximum of 10 participants.

Requirements

• All instruments are welcomed, you are responsible for bringing your own (there will be a drum kit and a piano is available).
• The workshop is not intended for people who are beginners at their instrument.
• Basic proficiency in an instrument is required.
• Singers are also welcome.
• There is no minimum age for attendance, provided that all musicians meet the requirement of basic proficiency.

No one will be turned away due to inability to pay, please contact the Academy for information: [email protected].

Bios of Participating Musicians

Richard Green

Originally from Sheffield, England, Richard has spent the last 8 years playing with the Amy Ryan Band, one of the Capital Region’s premiere blues bands. Richard has been active in blues and blues-rock bands since he played with Sheffield, England outfit “Steppin’ Out” in the early ’90’s. He also logged a number of years with Columbia County-based blues band “Kid Kurt and the Bad Boys”. He has many years of experience running blues jams, open mics and teaching individual guitar lessons. He is also the President of the Capital Region Blues Network.

Mark McKay

Mark is a New York State Blues Hall of Fame inductee and played for many years with the George Boone Band with whom he toured nationally. He was also formerly with the Rhett Tyler band and has played with many other Capital Region blues bands over the years. He also plays jazz and has played with a number of jazz artists both locally and internationally. Mark is a regular at the Capital Region Blues Network’s Sunday night jams at McGeary’s in Albany.

Stevie Dillard

Stevie is a freelance bassist who plays top 40, jazz, country and especially the blues throughout Upstate New York. From the early ‘90’s through the ‘00’s he played with a number of top 40 bands including Berkshire-based Illusion and Boston’s MSF, as well as bringing his bluesy style to Them Changes Blues Band and country artists Ashley Jordan and Jodie Cunningham. Stevie regularly performs the Capital Region Blues Network’s Sunday night jams at McGeary’s in Albany.