Is Jazz Camp the New Las Vegas?🎷

A reflective post: Immersive learning experiences are a whole new way to gamble and win every time.

Sep 09, 2024

When people think of Las Vegas, they picture bright lights, jackpots, and endless entertainment. But what if I told you jazz camp could offer the same thrill—without the casinos or neon signs?

I recently spent some time at the Port Townsend Jazz Workshop, and I can confidently say that jazz camp is my new Las Vegas.

If you feel like watching instead of reading, here is a video I made a video talking about my experience and WHY JAZZ CAMP IS THE NEW LAS VEGAS.

You Meet Amazing People

While the people-watching in Vegas is epic, the folks you meet at jazz camp are really special. From seasoned pros to high school kids, the cross-section is pretty wild. No matter what your level is, everyone shares one thing in common—a passion for music. The staff is full of world-class artists who also love to teach. The fellow participants were also really inspiring, many of them with decades of experience and lots of helpful tips to offer.

**Where's Waldo! How many famous jazz musicians can you see? That's the amazing George Cables with the walker down in front left**

Before I get into the fun comparison to Las Vegas, I want to share a really powerful story that moved me personally. Halfway through the workshop, I met a man my age who casually told me his jaw-dropping story. Turns out he was a prodigious young saxophonist attending Central University in Ellensburg back in the 80s in a legendary jazz band.

In a tragic turn of events, he was in a head-on car collision that killed his sister and put him in a coma that lasted several months. He was so injured that he could never truly play the saxophone again. But instead of calling it quits, he’s been coming to jazz camp as a singer for over 15 years. His story made my entire week worthwhile and reminded me how lucky I was to be at this camp making music. His dedication and persistence to what’s important shows the power of music and how learning can make life worth living. Meeting him wasn’t just inspiring—it was a reminder of how music heals and fuels the determination to keep going, even when life deals you a devastating hand. His story helped me reframe my own musical challenges—because at jazz camp, it’s not about perfection; it’s about persistence.

So here’s what I learned:

You Get Lucky (with Music, of Course)

**Drawing by Nolan Green https://ofsoundandfury.substack.com/**

In Vegas, you might get lucky at the roulette table. At jazz camp, you get lucky when the music just clicks. Maybe you nail that difficult riff, or find yourself in perfect sync with your ensemble. The thrill of musical luck is what keeps you coming back. Personally, I went in thinking I’d brush up on my jazz piano chops, only to find out all the piano slots were taken. So, I rolled the dice and went as a singer. Now, let me tell you, I’m no Sinatra, and I haven’t exactly had a ton of vocal training (which was kindly pointed out by a fellow camper), but sometimes I hit a note that works, and it feels like I just hit a jackpot. Other times… well, I’ll just say, I’m glad what happens at jazz camp stays at jazz camp.

Winners and Losers

In Vegas, you win some, lose a lot (hence the free drinks). At jazz camp, when you win, you hit most of the right notes and feel like you’ve hit the jackpot. When you lose, you don’t lose chips—just your ego, briefly, but it’s not a total bust. The learning gets amplified! And you get to keep all your chips. Oh and there was zero Free Jazz , at least at Port Townsend, but I was OK with that 😉

What Happens at Jazz Camp Stays at Jazz Camp

A friend jokingly said to me, "What happens at jazz camp stays at jazz camp." And you know what? He was right. The missed notes, the mumbled lyrics, and the awkward vocal runs? Yep, all that stays at camp. And thank goodness for that. Any good art camp is a safe space to take risks, mess up, and keep learning. Failure is expected because you are reaching for more. A jazz workshop like Port Townsend is a place to practice performing along with everyone else, and no one is gonna tell on you.

Entertainment Overload

In Vegas, there is entertainment on every corner. I’m talking about live music BTW. Well, the same can be said for Jazz Camp! Not only do you get to perform or join an impromptu jam session, but you also get to watch your world-class teachers jam with people they have never played with before. They are taking risks, too, and it’s really fun to watch. Beats a Vegas karaoke bar if you ask me.

New Friends, Shared Interests, Inspiring Teachers

Jazz camp is more than just a place to play music; it’s a community. You form new friendships with people who share your passion, and the teachers push you to be better. And these aren’t just any teachers—they’re world-class musicians who not only teach you but also perform alongside you. It’s like Vegas, except you’re not just watching the show, you’re part of it. And you don’t have to worry about karaoke-level disasters because this is the real deal. Singing, performing, watching others—it’s all part of the experience.

Surviving and Thriving

I am thrilled to announce that not one precious soul was mortally wounded during my visit. Sure, there might have been a few bruised egos, mine included, but after a week of jazz immersion, I felt like a completely different musician. I’m not exactly sure what changed, but something clicked, and I could feel a deeper musical integration at my open mic performance last month.

The immersive experience of focusing on music for a week gave me the tools, the confidence, and the courage to keep singing and growing.

So, here’s a few reflection questions for you:

What kind of camp or retreat experience have you had that changed you?

Was it a workshop, an art camp, or maybe something else?

And, more importantly, what are you looking forward to next? After all, life is about growth, and there’s always something new to develop.

Is jazz camp the new Las Vegas? I think so.

You win some, you lose some, and return home with a wealth of experience.

Next up for me is to roll the dice at Stanton Moore’s Spirit of New Orleans Drum Camp.

I’ll stay a few extra days and soak up some music and take a few private lessons too. There will be 30 other drummers there from all over the world. I’m betting the groove will be a jackpot. (Dad jokes all day long!)