17th Annual Workshop Experience 2026

The Ultimate Blues Immersion in the Heart of the Mississippi Delta

For any emerging blues musician, there is no substitute for the Delta. The Pinetop Perkins Foundation Workshop Experience is not merely a music camp; it is a four-day pilgrimage to the source of the blues. Held annually at the historic Hopson Plantation and the legendary Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, Mississippi, this workshop offers a rare, multi-generational bridge between the architects of the genre and the next generation of torchbearers.

A Legacy of Mentorship

Named in honor of the legendary Pinetop Perkins—the Grammy-winning pianist for Muddy Waters—the foundation carries forward his personal mission: providing young musicians with the tools, the stage, and the community to keep the blues alive. Under the musical direction of Chicago Blues giant Billy Branch, the 2026 faculty features a "who’s who" of contemporary blues, including Bob Stroger, Mr. Sipp, Danielle Nicole, and Bob Corritore.

The Curriculum: Beyond the Notes

The workshop is designed for intermediate to advanced players who are ready to move beyond basic scales and into the "soul" of the music. Across dedicated tracks for Piano, Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Harmonica, Bass, and Drums, students dive deep into:

• Authentic Technique: Learning the specific phrasing, rhythms, and "secrets" passed down directly from the masters.
• Ensemble Dynamics: Understanding the critical relationship between the rhythm section and the soloist.
• Historical Context: Field trips and special sessions that connect the music to the soil of the Mississippi Delta.
• Performance Mastery: The week culminates in a high-stakes Student Showcase at Ground Zero Blues Club, where participants perform on one of the most famous blues stages in the world.

A Global Community of Emerging Talent

While the setting is deeply rooted in Mississippi, the impact is global. The workshop attracts "the young and the young at heart" from across the United States and increasingly from the international blues community. For youth aged 12 to 21, the Foundation offers tuition scholarships, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of musical excellence.

The presence of Workshop Interns—rising stars who have previously completed the program—creates a unique peer-to-peer mentorship environment. This ensures that even the youngest participants feel supported as they find their own "voice" within the blues tradition.

The Experience: Life at the Shack Up Inn

Living and learning at the Shack Up Inn—a collection of authentic sharecropper shacks turned into a world-renowned blues retreat—provides an atmosphere unlike any other educational program. From the morning masterclasses to the late-night jams at the Commissary, the music never stops. It is an environment where a 14-year-old harmonica player might find themselves jamming with a Blues Music Award winner over BBQ dinner, blurring the lines between student and professional.

"For our European audience, the Pinetop Perkins Workshop represents the 'Gold Standard' of U.S. blues education. If you are a young artist looking to validate your sound and build a network in the American blues scene, this is the bridge you’ve been looking for. Note that classes for Drums, Bass, and Electric Guitar fill up nearly a year in advance—early application is essential."

 

• Study in the heart of the Delta Four days at Hopson Plantation & Shack Up Inn in Clarksdale, MS – where blues history and living culture meet.

• World‑class faculty of blues legends Learn directly from artists like Billy Branch, Bob Stroger, Mr. Sipp, Danielle Nicole, Tony Braunagel, Candice Ivory and more.

• Instrument‑specific masterclasses Dedicated tracks for piano, acoustic & electric guitar, harmonica, bass and drums, focused on authentic blues style and feel.

• Daily jams and real stage experience Evening jam sessions plus a final student showcase at Ground Zero Blues Club.

• Immersive schedule Morning and afternoon workshops, historical field trip, parent sessions, special events and ensemble rehearsals.

• Community and mentorship Small-group learning with both senior artists and interns closer in age to the participants, creating a supportive, multi‑generation environment.