The 4th Annual Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp will take place at the International Bluegrass Music Museum, Owensboro, Kentucky, on September 11 – 13, 2009.

Set up to preserve the unique, historic performance art of Bill Monroe, "The Father of Bluegrass,” the museum has secured the services of several ace mandolin players who are well-versed in the Monroe style of mandolin playing. Skip Gorman, Jody Stecher, Tim O’Brien and Butch Waller will be led by Mike Compton, Camp & Curriculum Director and Dr. Richard Brown, Associate Director.

There are two special guests – Tom Ewing, Monroe historian, concert performer and former Blue Grass Boy, and Will Kimble, luthier.

Details of the course, which is restricted to 50 students, including information about the camp faculty, the schedule and registration can found at the museum’s website

The 2009 curriculum has been revised by Camp Director Mike Compton, one of the world’s pre-eminent mandolin teachers. The new classes will reflect his experience after three years at the Monroe-Style Mandolin Camp and ongoing conversations with campers and faculty. He will lead the 2009 faculty in presenting new classes and workshops related to the development and execution of Monroe’s mandolin style, songwriting, musical influences, and more.

The All-Star Faculty Concert takes place on Saturday evening September 12th (the eve of what would have been Bill’s 98th birthday) at Woodward’s Cafe, across the foyer from the museum’s entrance. Doors open at 6:30 pm. Showtime is 7:30. The concert is open to the public and features all six instructors plus Tom Ewing, editor of The Bill Monroe Reader and former Blue Grass Boy. Tickets are $20 (included with campers’ tuition), available in advance or at the door. After campers are seated, only 50 seats remain, so reserve your ticket(s) early by calling the museum: 270-926-7891.

The IBMM has a brief YouTube clip showing some highlights of the 2008 Mando Camp Concert.