This event has passed.

Jam Class @ CBA Spring Campout

Name: Jam Class @ CBA Spring Campout
Start: 2026-04-16T00:00:00-04:00
End: 2026-04-17T23:59:59-04:00
Location: Lodi Grape Festival Grounds

Apr 16 – Apr 17

Taught by Mike & Gail Thomas using the Wernick Method

Lodi, CA at the CBA Spring Campout

Lodi Grape Festival Grounds, 413 E Lockeford St, Lodi CA 95240

Thursday 1:00-4:00pm; and/or Friday 1:00-4:00pm

Tuition: $60 per session

$5 off if you register in advance. Your deposit covers one session; if you attend both sessions the teacher will collect the balance due onsite. $55 payment holds your spot; 50% refundable for cancellations more than one month in advance.

As soon as you register you’ll receive our Student Prep Guide with links to our 116 Bluegrass Jam Favorites Playlists. A digital copy of our JAM Songbook will be emailed shortly thereafter, and you’ll also get a hard copy of the book at your class if you don’t already have one.

Dry camping, water and RV hookups available onsite at the Lodi Grape Festival Grounds by reservation.

Mike & Gail Thomas

Mike Thomas (Hollister, CA) was bitten early by the bluegrass bug. In college he played banjo and guitar in bands and while in the Air Force played multiple instruments in Country Western bands. During a 40-year business career and since retiring, he’s continued playing and teaching banjo, picked up bass and dobro, and attended many bluegrass workshops including Wernick Method camps. He recently relocated from Virginia, joining Gail and participating in the active California bluegrass community.

Gail Thomas learned to play guitar as a teenager and years later was fortunate to get into bluegrass with her guitar and fiddle. She also loves to sing and harmonize. Gail has found the bluegrass community incredibly warm and welcoming, and looks forward to helping expand the community in the Hollister area.

Email Mike & Gail

Watch Mike Play

Watch Gail Play

Visit Teacher’s Website

“Mike is incredibly skilled and patient, has a wonderful teaching manner, and is always encouraging–the perfect mix of traits for a terrific instructor.”

“Gail was so patient with me. I was really encouraged. She is a wonderful teacher.”

“The instructors had a clear path and kept the class moving. They covered a lot of material and subjects in a short time. They were very warm, caring, fun to be with.”

“Mike is truly an excellent teacher & communicator. He totally understands my needs and limitations, and always finds a way to address them to help me move forward.”

“I can’t rave enough about Mike and his patient, excellent teaching style. This instrument is the first I’ve ever tried to learn, and Mike has helped me make great progress.”

“Mike is a fantastic teacher, very patient and very positive.”

“Mike and Gail were incredibly experienced and kind. Their patient and direct instruction took note of students’ stress.”

“Mike and Gail were so positive and helpful and encouraged me to step out of my comfort zone and do things I never thought I would do in public – like sing, take a break, lead a song in a jam! They didn’t just teach the basics, they also taught the whys and the little things like how to find the best key for your voice and how to use mics. It turned out to be a great learning experience and fun!”