Alison Brown Banjo Camp
Featuring World Class Instructors
Alison Brown, Kristen Scott Benson, and BB Bowness
October 6-10, 2025
North Adams, MA
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This all inclusive banjo camp is meticulously curated and led by the incomparable Allison Brown, and features an all-female faculty of the world's most talented and inspiring banjo instructors including Kristen Scott Benson and BB Bowness.
Get ready to learn up close and personal from the best in the business, hone your skills, and connect with fellow banjo enthusiasts in a supportive and inspiring environment. Bring your hiking boots as we elevate your practice surrounded by the glory of the Northern Berkshire hills, all tucked away within the quiet luxury of The Porches Inn at MASS MoCA.
Join us for an unforgettable retreat in North Adams, Massachusetts, at the breathtaking peak of the Fall Foliage season.
Daily Schedule
*Subject to change
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3pm Arrival/check-in
8P – 10P Campers - Welcome Dinner + Mixer
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7A – 9A Breakfast
930-10A Welcome/Orientation
10A-11.15A Banjo Group Instruction
1130 – 1 Lunch Break
1.15P – 2.30 Banjo Group Instruction
3.15P – 430 Electives
5-7 Dinner Break
730 – 845 Movie night
9P -11 Firepit Jam
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7A – 9A Breakfast
930-945A Morning Meeting
10A-11.15A Banjo Group Instruction
1130 – 1 Lunch Break
1P – 215 Banjo Group Instruction
3P – 430 Electives
5-7 Dinner Break
730 – 845 Faculty concert
930P Firepit Jam
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7A – 9A Breakfast
945-10A Morning Meeting
10A-11.15A Banjo Group Instruction
1130 – 1 Lunch Break
1P – 215 Banjo Group Instruction
3P – 430 Electives
5-7 Dinner Break
730 – 845 Student Concert
930P Firepit Jam
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7AM-9AM Breakfast
11AM Check out
About the Instructors
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One of the most multi-faceted minds in roots music, Alison Brown is a GRAMMY-winning banjoist, producer and co-founder of the internationally acclaimed, Nashville-basedCompass Records Group.Although Alison began her musical career as a member of Alison Krauss andUnion Station, it is through her solo recordings and compositions that she has built a reputation as one of today’s most innovative banjo players. Sheis also a frequent collaborator with actor/comedian/musician Steve Martin with whom she has released 4 chart-topping singles. The pairare currently working on an album due for release in fall 2025. Alison was the first women to win the IBMA Banjo Player of the Year award; in 2019, shebecame thefirst femalefive-string banjo player to be inducted into the American Banjo Museum’s Hall of Fame.Alison is a recipient of the USA Artists Fellowship in Music and the Distinguished Achievement Awardfrom the International Bluegrass Music Association.In 2023 she launched an on-line banjo school with ArtistWorks. Alisonserves as President of the Nashville Chapter Board of the RecordingAcademy and as co-chair of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize.
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BB Bownessis the 2020 recipient of the Steve Martin Banjo Prize and the 2015winner of the FreshGrassBanjo contest.She was born in the small town of Marton, NewZealand, and grew up working and living in her family's Fish-and-Chip shop. A world away from the heart of bluegrass, BB spent much of her childhood teaching herself the banjo, and through dedication and tenacity became New Zealand School of Music's first banjo student.Simultaneously immersed in the traditions of bluegrass and the University’s jazz program, BB developed a unique style that synthe sizes new and old ideas. Banjo great Tony Trisch kadescribesher sound as ‘JD Crowe co-mingled with the future.”BB is an in-demand instructor and tours with Mile Twelve, the New England-based bluegrass band she founded in 2012. Mile Twelve has received multipleInternational Bluegrass Music Association awards including New Artist of the Year and the Momentum Band of the Year.
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Kristin Scott Benson is the six-time International Bluegrass Music Association’sBanjo Player of the Year, recipient of the 2018 Steve Martin Prize for Excellence in Banjo andBluegrass, and 2024 inductee into the American Banjo Hall ofFame. Since 2008, she has been a member of The Grascals, performing over 200 times on the Grand Ole Opry. Her latest recording effort with Mountain Home Records is joint venture with husband, Wayne, entitled Benson. Kristin is also a world-renowned teacher. In addition to private lessons, she has taught at Bela Fleck's esteemed Blue Ridge Banjo Camp since its inception, as well as many other bluegrass and banjo camps all over the country.
Our Place: Porches Inn at MASS MoCA
North Adams, Massachusetts
The FreshGrass Institute makes its home within the award-winning Porches Inn at MASS MoCA, in North Adams, the smallest city in Massachusetts – located across the street from MASS MoCA, the largest contemporary arts museum in the country, in the shadow of the Bay State’s tallest mountain.
“Porches' style and attention to detail may just ruin you for other boutique hotels.” – Conde Nast
Developed from a crowd of beautifully detailed Victorian row houses that have been lovingly restored and connected, Porches pays homage to the industrial past of its beloved home city while capturing the spirit of creativity that is bringing North Adams renewed vibrance. Through Porches’ intentional blend of vintage and modern, the Inn welcomes curious travelers who are delighted by its brilliant details and contemporary comforts.
