About the Instructors:

 

Paul Blackwell

 Paul Blackwell - Francisco/Bay area transplant, Paul grew up in the 60’s playing rock & roll.  He chanced upon a Martin flat top mandolin and began playing bluegrass and western swing in the late 70’s /early 80’s with Redding’s EZ Pickin Band.  The yearly trek to DjangoFest Northwest in Langley, Washington cemented a love and devotion to the gypsy swing idiom.  Switching to the mandola two years ago provided a better fit for the aesthetics and the fuller sound of the music.  “I find the mandolin and mandola interchangeable in the context of gypsy jazz and swing - utilizing the same finger patterns and chord positions.”

Brad Kauder

photo: Steven Addington.
Brad Kauder, a graduate of the Guitar Institute of Technology, is a professional music instructor and musician who plays guitar, banjo and mandolin and enjoys a wide range of styles.  Brad has recently joined the band Back Porch Swing.  He combines his strong foundation in music theory and technique with his professional training in neuropsychology to forge a unique teaching approach that offers insight to all levels of players.  Brad will be leading daily slow jams and teaching workshops.  In addition he will also be offering private lessons tailored to individual needs for $30/ hour. 

Lynda Scheben

Lynda Scheben plays rhythm guitar and sings with the Redding-based ROMA Band, an acoustic gypsy swing ensemble.  She will be backing up Paul, her husband and band-mate, on the Gypsy instruction, playing and demonstrating the  rhythm guitar that is so central to this style of music .  A relatively new guitar player, Lynda was inspired by Shelley Park, the former rhythm guitarist for Pearl Django and luthier extraordinaire.  Lynda emphasizes learning the chord voicings and right hand techniques so important to the gypsy jazz style.  "The rhythm guitar plays a vital role in this music and its distinctive sound.  I really enjoy playing my part to keep the music swinging and the strong beat driving."

MandoJam Worjsop, Sandy Bar Ranch

The Klamath River MandoJam!

Gypsy Swing & Other Things.... with special guests Paul Blackwell, Brad Kauder, Lynda Sheben and the Flat Five String Band

June 11 - 14, 2009

Each summer and fall Sandy Bar Ranch hosts The Klamath River Guitar & MandoJam, an opportunity for acoustic musicians of all levels and styles to learn, play and enjoy acoustic music in a beautiful mountain setting and supportive environment.    This affordable venue features a mix of daily workshops, jam sessions, demonstrations and fun on the river. Join us this June with special guests Paul Blackwell and Lynda Scheben of Roma, Brad Kauder of Back Porch Swing, and our house band for the weekend - Ashland’s own Flat Five String Band.

The Spirit of the Event

We provide an informal, non-competitive setting where folks can enjoy good music, good food and good company in a beautiful spot.  A lot of learning happens just by swapping tunes, getting shown a new chord or two, and jamming with old and new friends.  We keep the setup simple to keep costs down - lodging is in shared cabins, or camping. We will serve one meal a day and participants are on their own for the other two (good opportunity for potlucks with cabin mates and other cabins). 

Gypsy Swing

Gypsy Jazz Swing, the music inspired by the rhythmic style of Django Reinhardt's famous Hot Club, has become a central theme of the MandoJam.  Our guest instructors and musicians will bring the tunes to life and share insights into the rhythmic and melodic technique of this timeless and exhilarating genre.  This is a great opportunity for beginners to find their way into this style by learning new chord forms, progressions and melodies, and for more advanced players to broaden their repertoire and work on their chops.  All levels are welcome!!

And Other Things...

In addition to Gypsy Jazz, you’re liable to hear and play anything from Folk to  Bluegrass, Old Time, Blues, Country and Originals at the MandoJam.  Brad Kauder will be leading slow jam circles for beginning and intermediate level players.

Ashland’s own Flat Five String Band will be here for the weekend playing their mix of acoustic swing and jamming in the circles. 

Flat Five String Band

Playing acoustic swing and gypsy jazz, the Flat Five String Band combines musical elements of the French gypsy troubadours, American vintage swing-era, and modern jazz.  The six-piece band from Ashland, Oregon delivers high-energy, danceable sets highlighted by strong rhythmic guitar in the style of famed gypsy-jazz guitarist Django Reinhardt, and accented by the melodic accompaniment of violin and mandolin. The soaring and sensual vocals of Shaeny Johnson complete the sound while evoking an era gone by.  


Schedule Brief

We kick off the MandoJam with a potluck barbecue and some jamming on Thursday, 6:30 PM.  Brad Kauder will lead a slow jam each morning, and Paul Blackwell & Lynda Scheben will teach  Gypsy Jazz . We serve a large mid day meal and have free time in the afternoon for a siesta, a trip to the river, hiking or playing music.  

Private Lessons

Brad Kauder is offering private music lessons for $30/ hour.   Brad has been a professional music instructor for over 10 years and plays a wide range of musical styles.   He combines his strong foundation in music theory and technique with his professional training in neuropsychology to forge a unique teaching approach that offers insight to all levels of players.

Registration

Space is limited, so registration is required. To register send either the full amount ($175/person) or a $75 deposit to Sandy Bar Ranch at the address below. Price includes lodging (camping or cabin), lunch, workshops and jam sessions.    Feel free to contact us with any questions at mail@sandybar.com 

Klamath River MandoJam
Sandy Bar Ranch
PO Box 347
Orleans, CA.  95556
530-627-3379
mail@sandybar.com