Banjo Camp North

05/03/2026

Please support our friend John Showman!

John Showman is many things to many people — a gifted professiona… Luke Mercier needs your support for Help John Showman Heal and Return to the Music He Loves

04/07/2026

https://mailchi.mp/musiccampsnorth.com/spring-is-coming-17995071

03/16/2026

our latest newsletter https://mailchi.mp/musiccampsnorth.com/spring-is-coming-17994762

01/28/2026

https://mailchi.mp/musiccampsnorth.com/spring-is-coming-17994073

01/03/2026

Please donate to the Gabe Hirshfeld fund- the finest way to honor him

The Gabe Hirshfeld Memorial Fund
The entire bluegrass community is mourning the tragic loss of Gabe Hirshfeld. At the Boston Bluegrass Union, this loss feels especially personal since we quite literally watched Gabe grow up before our eyes.

Gabe was more than a gifted musician and a celebrated member of our community. He was a bright presence whose warmth, generosity, and spirit touched countless lives. Whether through music, conversation, laughter, or quiet kindness, Gabe had an extraordinary way of making people feel seen and welcome. His love for bluegrass and his genuine care for others embodied the very best of what this community represents. The loss of Gabe has left an immeasurable void.

In honor of Gabe’s life and legacy the Boston Bluegrass Union, in partnership with the Hirshfeld family, has established The Gabe Hirshfeld Memorial Fund as a way to celebrate Gabe’s life and ensure that his passion for music, community, and generosity continues to ripple outward. Through this fund, Gabe’s legacy will live on by supporting efforts that reflect the values he held so dearly.

The mission of The Gabe Hirshfeld Memorial Fund is to support the musical education and development of young banjo players while preserving and advancing the community that defined Gabe Hirshfeld’s life and work.

Contributions to the fund are tax-deductible and can be made here:
https://bbu.wildapricot.org/Gabe-Hirshfeld-Memorial-Fund

Thank you for helping us honor Gabe’s memory and for carrying forward the spirit he gave so freely to all of us.

12/31/2025

https://mailchi.mp/musiccampsnorth.com/the-saddest-of-all-emails

big love to everyone out there

This news comes as a surprise, as his neck surgery was over, his kidney transplant successful and he was starting to get strength back in his hands.  It feels like our center of orbit has shifted and we're adrift to find a new path that somehow doesn't have more Gabe stories, more Gabe laughter, m...

12/29/2025

Camp photo from 2006

We are heartbroken at the passing of our long-time banjo camp teacher and great friend Gabe Hirshfeld this weekend.

Gabe was a pillar of our camp, first showing up in 2005 with his dad as an awkward teen who said nothing, spent the weekend with his banjo on his neck- in line for food, in the merch area, in classes, I assume in bed- he may be the reason for our no noodling policy…

After years of coming to camp, he started talking and we all learned what a funny, kind, and insightful person he is. He was a patient teacher, with the driest wit, zero judgement, endless encouragement and a phenomenal banjo player.

His passing leaves a huge hole in our community that only we can fill together. 2026 camp will be dedicated to Gabe.

For those of you wishing to send condolences, share a memory or a photo/video with Gabe Hirshfeld's Family, we have set up an email address [email protected]

Gabe's parents and his brother Josh Hirshfeld all have access and will be able to see your notes. There are so many stories of Gabe's quirks, humor, joy, love, and of course all things banjo, please share some of yours with his family.

09/17/2025

If you cant wait for spring and are looking for a banjo camp very soon- check this out!

Banjo Basecamp meets peak fall foliage in the Berkshires! Join me and banjo greats Kristin Scott Benson and BB Catherine Bowness in North Adams, MA, October 6–10, for five days of picking, learning, and inspiration against one of the most beautiful backdrops in New England. Hosted by FreshGrass Foundation The Porches Inn at Mass MoCA.

For details about Banjo Basecamp packages and to reserve your spot: https://bit.ly/BanjoBasecamp

09/12/2025

https://mailchi.mp/musiccampsnorth.com/spring-is-coming-17991626?e=08657404b8

join us for jam camp in a few weeks!

01/10/2025

Please help out Gabe if you can, we’re so happy he is on the path to the new kidney

Hi folks, As many in my community no doubt already know, I… Gabe Hirshfeld needs your support for Help Gabe through kidney disease and transplant recovery