Hey, Guitar Geeks: Steve Vai Sets Up Camp in Saratoga

Fretmaster Steve Vai – the multi-platinum three-time Grammy Award-winning guitar legend – will host the inaugural Vai Academy Song Evolution Camp at the Gideon Putnam Resort in Saratoga Springs this summer. A unique musical experience, it’s four nights and three days of non-stop music and intimate, immersive workshops, taking place from Monday-Friday, June 23-27.

The Vai Academy is open to musicians of all instruments and skill levels. Registration is limited to just 150 participants.

“I like to bring something different to the table. That’s the idea behind this Vai Academy Song Evolution Program. You’ll enjoy a unique experience if you join us this summer. Although there will be a lot of guitar playing, this camp focuses on all aspects of creating your music, getting it into the world and launching your career,” Vai explains on the Vai Academy website. “I do a lot of meet-and-greets, classes and interviews, and the same questions always come up. Through the years, I’ve come to understand what most musicians really want. They want to know how to write a song, how to record it, how to get it out into the world, and how to tour. That’s what you’re going to learn at Vai Academy Song Evolution Camp.”

In addition to Vai, the camp’s artist-instructors will include Jeff “Skunk” Baxter (of Steely Dan, the Doobie Brothers), Vernon Reid (Living Colour, Defunkt) and Guthrie Govan (the Aristocrats, Erotic Cakes).

Prices for camp – which include all workshops, sessions and performances, as well as room and board – range from $1,899-$2,999, depending on the lodging situation.