Jerry Cantrell, Kim Thayil and Dave Krusen will front “Sounds Of Seattle: Vol. 2“, a four-day Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp running December 3 to 6, and this time it takes place in Seattle itself.
The first edition, held in February 2022, put the same three musicians in charge but staged the whole thing in Los Angeles, with camper performances at The Viper Room and the Whisky a Go Go. Vol. 2 relocates to the city the music came from, closing with sets at the Central Saloon.
The Soundgarden guitarist framed the move directly:
“Well, right on! The Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp is coming to Seattle this year! We’d love to welcome all the campers to head to our town from December 3-6 to play in our rock clubs and jam on our tunes with your best rock riffing! See you there!”
Thayil co-founded Soundgarden in 1984 alongside Chris Cornell and Hiro Yamamoto. Cantrell founded Alice In Chains. Krusen played drums on Pearl Jam‘s Ten and was inducted into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame with the band in 2017.
How The Camp Works
Participants are sorted into bands, each assigned a professional musician as mentor, then work through rehearsals, masterclasses, question-and-answer sessions and open jam rooms across the four days. The format is open to all ages and all ability levels, including people who have never played an instrument.
Confirmed mentors include Adam Kury of Candlebox, Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal, formerly of Guns N’ Roses, Vinny Appice of Black Sabbath, Pete Thorn of SatchVai and Chris Cornell‘s touring band, Mike Squires of Loaded, Johnny Martin of L.A. Guns, Brandon Cook of Black ‘N Blue and Britt Lightning of Vixen.
Lightning, who also serves as musical director for Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, described what the four days produce: “Rock Camp is where musicians stop dreaming about playing with their heroes and actually do it. Watching campers grow in confidence over just four days — and then take the stage at legendary venues — is one of the most rewarding experiences I’ve ever been a part of.”
The Venue
The Central Saloon sits in Pioneer Square and dates to 1892, making it Seattle’s oldest bar. It was among the small rooms where Nirvana, Soundgarden, Alice In Chains and others played early shows before any of them had an audience beyond the neighbourhood.
Campers close the four days performing there.
What Happened At Vol. 1
The 2022 edition gives a reasonable indication of what attendees get. Cantrell joined a group of campers onstage for “Ain’t Like That“. Thayil performed “Slaves & Bulldozers” from Badmotorfinger with a full camper band behind him. Footage of both circulated afterwards.
That camp’s mentor roster included Stephen Perkins of Jane’s Addiction, Mike Kroeger of Nickelback, Joel Hoekstra of Whitesnake, Monte Pittman, Peter Klett of Candlebox, Eva Gardner and Lightning.
Registration
David Fishof, who founded Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy Camp, said the Seattle setting is the point.
“Seattle’s music scene forever changed the sound of rock. This camp gives fans and musicians the rare opportunity to not only celebrate that incredible legacy but to become part of it by learning directly from the artists who lived it.”
The organization is marking its 30th anniversary this year. Places are limited and registration is open at rockcamp.com.
