Hundreds of young musicians rush into the 3rd annual Blues Camp auditions

Montreal, Tuesday, April 29, 2008 ’ÄîMarguerite’ÄëDe Lajemmerais high school flew its flags last weekend ’Äî all of them blue! The school hosted the 3rd annual auditions for the upcoming Blues Camp presented by TD Canada Trust, welcoming over 300 music-mad teenagers who flocked in to display their talents on their chosen instrument or on vocals. All the energetic young participants were eager for the opportunity to earn one of 50 final spots and showcase their technique and musical knowledge at this utterly unique and entirely free Blues Camp, presented from June 29 to July 6, 2008 by the Montreal Musical Instrument Show (SIMM) and the Festival International de Jazz de Montrˆ©al.

The Kids Are Alright!

Say what you will about the younger generation, but if we can judge by the newcomers who shared their passion for music at last weekend's auditions, then the kids are alright! Hundreds of budding young 13-17-year-old musicians were classified according to age and level of musical knowledge before facing a handful of music professionals and professors. Those selected in the first round’Äî including, for the first time, a girl on bass’Äîwere then interviewed and given opportunity to speak about their interests and passions. In every category (guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, wind instruments, harmonica and vocals), Blues Camp organizers and judges were utterly thrilled by what they heard from the talent on display. And if you believe in music, and the undiscovered magic that lies in the power of youth, be advised: the vigour, freshness and talent displayed at this third annual audition won't be kept secret for very long’Ķ

The Blues Camp presents 50 young people showcasing their passion and devotion to the blues, on their chosen instrument, for seven inspiring days’Äîall free of charge’Äîfrom June 29 to July 6, 2008, at Cˆ©gep du Vieux Montrˆ©al near the Festival site. All participants will take part in the closing Blues Camp concert for a live audience on July 6, from the TD Canada Trust stage, as part of the Festival International de Jazz de Montrˆ©al.

The Blues Camp offers its warmest thanks to TD Canada Trust, whose continued proud sponsorship and presentation hit just the right note, making this musical dream camp possible. Our sincere thanks also go out to partners Steve's Music Store, Mel Bay, Aebersold, Vox, Pearl, Marshall, Korg, Phonic and Markbass, cˆ©gep du Vieux Montrˆ©al, CIBL Radio’ÄëMontrˆ©al 101.5, Couleur Jazz 91.9 and the Canada Council for the Arts.