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Chicagoland D9 Family,

I'd like to offer you, collectively, a total of 50 tuition waiver scholarships to boy and girl student musicians in the name of your fraternity’s and sorority’s chapter(s). The age range, 10 to 16. Even though the flyer says 12 to 18 years old we do have younger kids who attend. We have beginner, intermediate and advanced level slots for your Blues Kid. Student musicians have participated in Blues Camp Chicago from around the world. Send an email and we’ll send you the special app for their intake process. Page best viewed on desktop and tablet v. cell phone.

Blues Camp Chicago July 8 to 15, 2018

D9 "slots" will be held until April 28th at 12:00PM unless the 50 slots are filled up by then.

Blues Kids don't have to be from or live in Chicago to attend.

Sunday, July 8, 3P to 5P | Motor Row Brewing Company | Meet & Greet  

Monday, July 9 thru Friday, July 13 | Columbia College Chicago | 1014 S Michigan Avenue

Saturday, July 14 | Chicago State University | 9501 S King Drive | Blues Camp

Sunday, July 15 | University of Chicago (Logan Center for the Arts) | 915 E 60th StreetDownload

Fernando Jones, Bluesman and Founder of Blues Kids of America & Blues Camp

Blues Camp Chicago Flyer

Download the schedule at-a-glance.

Download Blues Camp Press Release

We'll send you the Intake link for your Blues Kid ASAP.

• • •

CHICAGO, IL (April 2018) – Blues Kids Foundation proudly presents Fernando Jones’ Blues Camp Sunday, July 8th - Sunday, July 15th at a combined Columbia College Chicago, Chicago State University and The Logan Center for the Arts (University of Chicago). Through this priceless, fun-filled weeklong experience your Blues Kid will learn and perform America’s “roots” music in a structured program with like minded others under the tutelage of highly qualified instructors. In different parts of the world, sessions may range from 1 to 7 days.

The Blues Kids Foundation is an IRS recognized 501(c)(3) nonprofit charitable organization. We were established to preserve, perform and promote the Blues among America's youth, parents and educators under the tutelage of highly qualified instructors. Our focus is on education, literacy and music as a second language.

Audition in-person TBA

Blues Camp International
Blues Camp on Around Chicago at Esmond 2:23

Blues Camp on Around Chicago at Esmond 2:23

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Blues Camp w/Ana Belaval at Esmond (1:13)

Blues Camp w/Ana Belaval at Esmond (1:13)

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Blues Camp Florida

Blues Camp Florida

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Blues Camp Florida Short News Clip

Blues Camp Florida Short News Clip

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These Campers Aren't Homesick, They Have The Blues

These Campers Aren't Homesick, They Have The Blues

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Blues Camp International Online 2020 on WGN TV

Blues Camp International Online 2020 on WGN TV

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Windy City Live BKF

Windy City Live BKF

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Welcome to Fernando Jones' Blues Camp by Quincy Rycraw Cochran

Welcome to Fernando Jones' Blues Camp by Quincy Rycraw Cochran

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This is my NAMM: Sinbad on Fernando Jones' Blues Camp. BluesKids.com/EarlyBird  FernandoJones.com/Bio

This is my NAMM: Sinbad on Fernando Jones' Blues Camp. BluesKids.com/EarlyBird FernandoJones.com/Bio

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Fernando Jones' Blues Camp Miami

Fernando Jones' Blues Camp Miami

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Fernando Jones' Blues Kids: Meiza

Fernando Jones' Blues Kids: Meiza

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Play Video
This is my NAMM: Morris Hayes of New Power Generation (Prince's music director) on Fernando Jones' Blues Camp.

This is my NAMM: Morris Hayes of New Power Generation (Prince's music director) on Fernando Jones' Blues Camp.

01:07
Play Video

About the Presenter

Fernando Jones is a Columbia College Chicago faculty member and Blues Ensemble founding director. He's also an American Bluesman, educator, songwriter and scholar. Born to loving Mississippi parents on the South Side of Chicago, Jones was inspired by his older brothers, Foree and Gregory, and that inspiration led him to teaching himself how to play guitar when he was four years old.

 

Jones is a highly sought-after lecturer focusing on music pedagogy and literacy improvement whose clientele includes the Smithsonian Institute and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Buddy Guy said that Fernando Jones is “one in a million trying to get to the bottom of the barrel of the Blues.” The incomparable Fernando Jones is a 21st Century Renaissance man and the 2008 Keeping the Blues Alive Award recipient and a Chicago Blues Hall of Fame Inducte

Photos by Glenn Kaupert

Dress Code + Safety + More

 

Cell Phones - For security purposes cellular phones and texting devices are forbidden onsite during Blues Camp instructional sessions by any of the Blues Kids. There's no need for them to text or call anyone once they are on campus. All such devices should be turned into their instructors at the top of class.

Sunglasses - They look cool, but may not be worn during classtime unless prescription.

Caps, tams, and fedoras - These may be worn during Blues Camp in and out of class. If

pictures are being taken any logos/brand other than ours is not to be shown.

Shirts (Tops) - The Blues Camp t-shirt must be worn with camp logo exposed at all time, every day during events. We encourage bringing a non-insignia'd sweater, sweatshirt, sport coat or light jacket in case it is too cool in the classrooms. Blues Kids may even wear t-shirts or dress shirts under their camp t-shirt.

Bottoms - No long shorts, gym shorts or booty shorts, boys or girls. We prefer everyone to wear jeans, dress pants, sweat pants . . . long pants in general.

 

Shoes - No sandals, Crocs or open-toed shoes for safety and hygienic purposes. Fully foot covered shoes suggested. Yes to low or high-top athletic shoes (gym/tennis), dress shoes, loafers, dress boots, etc.

 

Jewelry - No exposed religious symbols, pennants, thick chains, peace symbols, blunt leafs or over exaggerated watches.

 

Events - Attendance at all extracurricular events is mandatory.

 

Greeting Each Other

 

Blues Kid to Adult - Though some may call their parents and grandparent by their first names at home, we are family and community/village cultured . . . Blues Kids and all visiting children, no matter how tall they are, should greet all adults and instructors properly as Dr., Mr., sir, Ms. or ma'am.

 

Blues Kid to Blues Kid - You are peers, no matter what skill level. So if you don't know a Blues Kids' name, introduce yourself, first, and get to know each other.

 

Blues Kid to Guest(s) - When a special guest enters the room greet them when appropriate.

Note to Parents & Guardians: I am aware that you could have paid to send your child to a different music camp, but have chosen ours. Though my camp offers a priceless experience, my team promises a rigorous, world-class experience each day for them from 8:00AM to 11:30AM. Everything else after that is a bonus. With your support the "gravy" can only get thicker.

- Fernando Jones, Founder

Sunday, July 8, 2018

Welcome Day Party

Parents/guardians, donors, family member and Blues Kids are welcome

3:00PM - 5:00PM (Free) Motor Row Brewing Co. | 2337 S Michigan Avenue

(1 mile South of Columbia College Chicago's Music Center at 1014 S Michigan Avenue)

Monday, July 9, 2018

Bring A Smile & Make A New Friend Day

Welcome our friends and foreign students

Columbia College Chicago | Music Center | 1014 S Michigan Avenue

 

8:00AM - Welcome to Blues Camp Avenue

8:00AM to 8:25AM - Healthy Morning Snacks

8:00AM to 8:25AM - Blues Kids' Morning Jam (Concert Hall)

8:30AM - Parent/Guardian Orientation (Concert Hall)

9:00AM - Morning Assembly / Roll Call (Concert Hall / Everyone)

9:15AM to 11:25AM - Ensemble Sessions

11:30AM to 11:50AM - Bring lunch if you have allergies or a special diet.

12:00PM - Dismissal of Blues Kids

12:00PM Guardians to join the band email us at: FloyliceLawnicki@Comcast.net

1:00PM - 4:00PM - Skating and Bowling Party

MLK Park and Entertainment Center | 1219 W 76th Street

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

Picture Day

Columbia College Chicago | Music Center | 1014 S Michigan Avenue

 

8:00AM - Welcome to Blues Camp

8:00AM to 8:25AM - Blues Kids' Morning Jam (Concert Hall)

8:05AM to 8:25AM - Healthy Morning Snacks (Outside)

8:30AM to 8:40AM - Morning Assembly / Roll Call (Concert Hall / Everyone)

8:45AM to 11:15AM - Ensemble Sessions

10:00AM to 10:45AM - Parent Workshop: "My Child's Career Path as a Pro Musician"

11:20AM to 11:30AM - Special Guest: TBA

11:30AM to 12:30PM - Blues Mama and Blues Daddy Rehearsal

11:35AM to 11:55AM - Lunch and group Photo by Glenn Kaupert

                                    Bring lunch if you have allergies or a special diet.

12:00PM - Dismissal 

Wednesday, July 11, 2018

 

Blues Kids Wear Your Favorite Blues Camp T-Shirt Day

Columbia College Chicago | Music Center | 1014 S Michigan Avenue

 

8:00AM - Welcome to Blues Camp

8:00AM to 8:25AM - Blues Kids' Morning Jam (Concert Hall)

8:05AM to 8:25AM - Healthy Morning Snacks (Outside)

8:30AM to 8:40AM - Morning Assembly / Roll Call (Concert Hall / Everyone)

8:45AM to 11:15AM - Ensemble Sessions

11:20AM to 11:30AM - Special Guest: TBA

11:30AM to 12:30PM - Blues Mama and Blues Daddy Rehearsal

11:35AM to 11:55AM - Lunch (Bring lunch if you have allergies or a special diet.)

12:00PM - Dismissal

3:00PM to 4:00PM - Performance at Logan Center for the Performing Arts 915 E 60th Street

7:00PM to 10PM - Blues Camp Concert | All Ages Show & Open To The Public $10 Cover

Reggie's Rock Club | 2109 S State Street, Chicago

Blues Kids to wear dress clothes.

Thursday, July 12, 2018

Bring a Friend to School Day

Parents wear your favorite sports, social, collegiate or civic t-shirt, sweatshirt or jersey 

Columbia College Chicago | Music Center | 1014 S Michigan Avenue

 

8:00AM - Welcome to Blues Camp

8:00AM to 8:25AM - Blues Kids' Morning Jam (Concert Hall)

8:05AM to 8:25AM - Healthy Morning Snacks (Outside)

8:30AM to 8:40AM - Morning Assembly / Roll Call (Concert Hall / Everyone)

8:45AM to 11:15AM - Ensemble Sessions

11:20AM to 11:30AM - Special Guest: TBA

11:30AM to 12:30PM - Blues Mama and Blues Daddy Rehearsal

11:35AM to 11:55AM - Lunch (Bring lunch if you have allergies or a special diet.)

12:00PM - Dismissal / Depart for Navy Pier

2:00PM to 5:00PM - Performance at Navy Pier

Friday, July 13, 2018

Bring a Friend to School Day

Parents wear your favorite sports, social, collegiate or civic t-shirt, swearshirt or jersey 

Columbia College Chicago | Music Center | 1014 S Michigan Avenue

 

8:00AM - Welcome to Blues Camp

8:00AM to 8:25AM - Blues Kids' Morning Jam (Concert Hall)

8:05AM to 8:25AM - Healthy Morning Snacks (Outside)

8:30AM to 8:40AM - Morning Assembly / Roll Call (Concert Hall / Everyone)

8:45AM to 10:30AM - Ensemble Sessions

9:00AM to 10:00AM - Blues Mama and Blues Daddy Rehearsal

10:45AM - Dismissal

12:30PM to 5:00PM Glessner House Mansion

Saturday, July 14, 2018

Blues Camp @ Chicago State University

Chicago State University | 9501 S King Drive

 

10:00AM - Welcome to Blues Camp

10:05AM to 10:25AM - Healthy Morning Snacks (Outside)

10:30AM to 10:40AM - Morning Assembly / Roll Call (Concert Hall / Everyone)

10:45AM to 12:45PM - Ensemble Sessions

1:00PM to 5:00PM - Concert Hall

Sunday, July 15, 2018

Blues Camp @ Logan Center for the Arts

University of Chicago | 915 E 60th Street

 

10:00AM - Welcome to Blues Camp

10:05AM to 10:25AM - Healthy Morning Snacks (Outside)

10:05AM to 10:25AM - Morning Jam

10:30AM to 10:40AM - Morning Assembly / Roll Call (Concert Hall / Everyone)

10:45AM to 1:00PM - Ensemble Sessions

2:00PM to 4:00PM - Concert Hall

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