Taylor's Camp
Free music workshop for young musicians of all abilities · June 19–20, 2026
Registration for Taylor's Camp 2026 is now open! Taylor's Camp is free for all festival attendees. Sign up today — spots are limited.
Register Now →Music for Every Young Picker
Taylor's Camp is a music workshop offered by the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival to youth regardless of musical ability. Participants work with inspiring young bluegrass musicians who give them something new and exciting to take away from their experience. The camp culminates with an onstage showcase opportunity on the Mountain Stage.
New for 2026: We're adding an additional day for advanced pickers! Friday is now open for young musicians who want to take their skills to the next level and get more one-on-one instruction with their instrument of choice. Indicate your interest when you register and we'll be in touch.
| 8:30 AM | Sign-in begins |
|---|---|
| 9:00 AM | Instructional workshops |
| 12:00 PM | Hot Dog Feast |
| 1:00 PM | Showcase on the Mountain Stage |
| Evening | Demo performance on the Main Stage! |
The Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival offers a college scholarship in memory of Taylor Richards, open to past Taylor's Camp instructors and staff who are pursuing higher education. The scholarship honors Taylor's legacy and his love of music, and recognizes those who have given their time to carry those values forward.
To be considered, applicants must be a past Taylor's Camp instructor or staff member and currently enrolled in or accepted to a college or university. Applications are reviewed by the WRBF Board of Directors. The number and amount of scholarships awarded each year varies based on funds raised through donations.
The Story Behind the Name
Our youth program is named Taylor's Camp in honor of Taylor Richards — a young man who epitomized the vision of nurturing an appreciation of American roots music in the next generation.
From the day Taylor walked into a little music store in Leavenworth, Washington with his dad Steve — with a little interest in music but not much thought of bluegrass — to the day he played on our stage in the guitar flat-picking contest five years later, a transformation took place. Every summer he would come out from his home in Georgia to attend the Wenatchee River Bluegrass Festival. With every festival he got better and better, gleaning techniques and style from everyone he could play with.
Taylor grew into a man we were all so proud to know — with his quick wit, gentle heart, gracious manners, and a smile that could calm the most hectic moment. He was killed in combat serving his country as a Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps in Afghanistan on June 26th, 2010.
We named our school "Taylor's Camp" to honor his memory and his love of bluegrass music. We know we couldn't ask for a better guardian angel for our kids.