Hornby Island Blues Workshop



2024 Workshop Schedule


Class Fees $800

ONLINE Class Registration January 20th at 9 A.M PST

Registration is on a “first come first serve basis” and will remain open until class capacity is reached.

Please note that accommodation is not included.

Saturday April 27, 2024
Art Show and Music
Blues Where Art Thou: Art Opening and Reception Times TBA

Student Registration

Sunday, April 28th at Community Hall 2 p.m.
When enrolled students check in, they will receive their registration kits that contain their personalized schedule, all other information needed for the workshop days as well as any wristbands purchased for student guests’ concerts or meals.
Note: There is no Sunday dinner provided by Sea Breeze Lodge.

Instructors Night

Sunday April 28th : Instructors “Show & Tell” at Community Hall 7pm
Each instructor will introduce themselves and give a brief musical overview of their upcoming Workshop Classes. This is a non-ticketed event open only to students and their guests.
Our student liaison Board member Holly Grieve will be on site and can accommodate some rearrangements of class scheduling at this time, if class space allows.

Student/Instructor Workshop Starts

Monday, April 29th, 2024
MAJOR CLASS 9:30 - 12 noon
LUNCH Noon to 1 PM
MINOR CLASS 1:30 to 3:30 PM
DINNER 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Monday Night
8:00 pm Community Hall (doors at 7:30) – Acoustic Concert, Part 1
Note: There will be two acoustic concerts in 2024. The instructors will be divided into two groups, each will play in alternate venues over two nights. One concert group on Monday night and another concert group on Tuesday night.
Students and their guests are in the Community Hall for both nights

Tuesday April 30th, 2024
MAJOR CLASS 9:30 - 12 noon
LUNCH Noon to 1 PM
MINOR CLASS 1:30 to 3:30 PM
DINNER 5:30 - 7:00 PM
Tuesday Night
Acoustic Concert, Part 2
8:00 pm Community Hall (doors at 7:30)

Wednesday May 1st, 2024
MAJOR CLASS 9:30 - 12 noon
LUNCH Noon to 1 PM
MINOR CLASS 1:30 to 3:30 PM
DINNER 5:30 - 7:00 PM

Wednesday Night
8:00 pm Community Hall (doors at 7:30) – Electric Night Dance

Thursday May 2nd, 2024

Free morning- practice what you’ve learned/rest up

Note: No Sea Breeze lunch on Thursday, check local listing for food service availability
Noon : Community Concert at the Ringside Market at the Coop with Rick Fines
Afternoon: Instructor guided student rehearsals as pre-arranged per class/instructor
DINNER 5:00-6:30 pm
Thursday Night
7:30 PM Student Performance Night at Community Hall
This is a non-ticketed private event open to students, their guests and supporters.

Friday May 3rd, 2024
10 A.M. Brunch Farewell Sea Breeze Lodge

Saturday May 4th
The Odyssey Review at The Tidemark Theatre, Cambell River (see Tidemark website to purchase tickets). This is a theatre showcase of all the 2024 musicians in performance

Blues Week Meals

Meals are included in Student registration fees and are served at the Sea Breeze Lodge located at 5205 Fowler Rd. Included meals are: Lunch on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Dinner on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday and Brunch on Friday. See above schedule for exact times or refer to the registration package you will receive.
Students can arrange for their guests to attend these meals. These arrangements need to be made and paid for in advance of the start of the Workshop, meal wristbands for student guests will be given to students at the time of in-person student registration on Sunday April 28th.

Major Classes 2024

9:30 AM to 12 noon, April 29, 30, May 1



Minor Classes 2024 - 1:30PM to 3:30PM - April 29, 30, May 1


Monday, April 29

Ethan “Shorty” Askey
The Blues Harp and Modes of Expression
Emily Burgess
The Last 4
Jack De Keyzer
2 Bones and a Pick -T Bone Walker
Julian Fauth
Blues Piano and Rhythm
Brandon Isaak
Let It Slide
Russell Jackson
Different Forms (8 bars, 12 bars, 24 bars etc.
Samantha Martin
Singers As Band Leaders
Chris Nordquist
The New Orleans Thang (Second Line and R&B)
Paul Pigat
Up-tempo Flatpicking
Alfie Smith
Travis Picking Technique (Part 1)
Tim Williams
Slide guitar in standard tuning
Suzie Vinnick
Mentoring Sessions

Tuesday, April 30

Ethan “Shorty” Askey
Takin’ it To the Street
Emily Burgess
Guitar Conversation
Jack De Keyzer
Play like a King   BB
Julian Fauth
Blues Piano and Harmony
Brandon Isaak
Pen & Paper
Russell Jackson
Stand-up Bass Style (1hour)
Samantha Martin
One More Time but With Feeling
Chris Nordquist
Finding the Pocket (what to play and what not to play)
Paul Pigat
Cool jump blues chord voicings
Alfie Smith
Dead Thumb style and Opposable Thumbs (Part 2)
Tim Williams
Blues Mandolin
Suzie Vinnick
Songwriting Tools

Wednesday, May 1

Ethan “Shorty” Askey
Let’s Jam
Emily Burgess
Chuck Berry Guitar Style
Jack De Keyzer
G that slides sounds good
Julian Fauth
Blues Piano and Melody
Brandon Isaak
Shades Of the Blues
Russell Jackson
Playing in a band
Samantha Martin
Uniquely You
Chris Nordquist
Becoming an equal voice in the mix, Soloing, Trading Fours, Having Fun!
Paul Pigat
Uptown blues improv
Alfie Smith
Bringing traditional Blues into modern context through songwriting
Tim Williams
Trading Fours
Suzie Vinnick
Mini-Sing the Blues & Gospel with Suz
--> >