I went last year, Saturday through Tuesday. My wife stayed home, and I stayed at the Best Western in Ville Platte (15 miles away), getting out for just under $1000.

Intermediate accordion was just OK. With 20 people gathered in a circle trying to learn a song a measure at a time, it gets real tedious for me. I got more out of Pat Mould's cooking classes than the music lessons.

The added cost for the spouse is a deal-breaker for me, so I'll probaly cut it short again this year, opting for the Boucherie and festival on the weekend, and skip the classes.

I rate the event high for social value, and low for educational value. If you do the whole week including band lab, you might justify the cost.

It was a wonderful experience, and I gained a lot of valued friendships.

My son and I went last year and had a lot of fun. And if you're looking to make friends and have a good time, then it's worth it. Likewise, if you're looking to get inspired, then it's worth it.

That being said, I won't be able to make it this year because of other expenses. I wish I could, but I can't.

But as far as learning accordion is concerned, I'd say the following:

1. Balfa Camp (and especially band lab and jam sessions) are really good at helping you learn to play with other people.

2. Balfa Camp is not as good at teaching you how to play. You'll leave camp with a load of video that you'll be able to work through in the following months. But you won't likely be substantially better at the end of the week than you were at the beginning.

If learning to play is your main goal, I'd suggest making some purchases from among the accordion dvds mentioned often on here. If you work through them, you'll learn a lot more for a lot less cash.

I wouldn't trade my Balfa experiences for anything in the world. This will be my 6th one in a row, and after the first one, I swore I'd ever miss another.

I've made good friends and had great times. I've learned more from the jams and from watching others, and letting the music get a chance to seep into my bones, than from the classes, though that's not knocking the classes - bring your video camera, and you'll get songs to learn. But there's music and friendship bursting out of every nook and cranny every second of the day, all week long. How could you NOT learn?

Do it once. I bet you'll never regret the expense. I can't say enough good things about it.

I love balfa camp.Probably go half days this year

I'm with Jamey. Last year was my first and I can't wait for this next. The whole week of solid immersion in the music really helped me. Absolutely worth every penny to come all the way across the country.

John in Oregon

OTF,
Do you already play fiddle in a cajun band?
If you do, you might want to consider one of the fiddle classes.

I believe Ed Poullard is teaching Creole fiddle, Al Berard is teaching imtermediate, and David Greely is teaching advanced.

Jonno Frishberg is probably teaching inmtermediate accordion, and Steve Riley is probably teaching advanced. If you already play doubles pretty well and can keep good time, you may want to go right to the advanced class.

The good thing about Balfa is that you can pretty much move around to wherever you want to go. If you get bored with a class, just go somewhere else the next day.

You can even help Jamey Hall with the recycling or Chef Pat with the viddles.
You can just go to the dances every night and buy drinks for the ladies.
Remember, it's a vacation and it's Louisiana, and it's only money.
JB

Thanks for all of the responses!

I'm sure it's a great experience and great to get to know some of the best musicians in Cajun music and making new friends with other attendees. I'm more familiar with Old-time Appalachian music camps and they tend to run about $600 with housing in a dormitory, so I thought this one was a little expensive.

I've played in a number of bands over the years so I know how to play with other folks. Those are some great fiddle teachers someone mentioned, but I've been playing fiddle for a long time, so I'm trying to learn some accordion. Years ago I once subbed for Jono Frishbert on fiddle in a gig with the band Mamou, but I've not heard Jono on accordion. I'm sure he's good on accordion too.

I agree it's impossible to take in all that information on playing in such a short time, but it's probably worth it at least once for the experience.

Bob in North Alabama

And don't forget, Bob, all your meals are made by celebrity chef and balls-to-the-wall triangle player, Pat Mould!

You don't need a private cabin, stay in the "Dogpatch" dorm with us for a lot cheaper. Trust me on that one . . . you won't forget the nightly after-supper wine jams down on the pier.

Oh ye yaille.... Those jams are something. You just can't get any more into the whole mood at all. The background on Big Nicks DVDs... Right off that pier.

Plus, you never know what wine Jamey will show up with.

John in Oregon

I'm super excited about my first Balfa camp. The price seems fair for 6 days of lessons, music, and food!
Does anybody know of a list of must know camp songs, back door, grosse error, la casein special,...

Ron

Unfortunately, EVERY jam you will ever go anywhere to will have Back Door.

Im pretty familiar with a lot of the songs, but I need to up my listening in the next month, and am looking for a great playlist.

I went for the first time in '06, and it was one of the most memorable "vacations" of my life. I will definitely go again.