Swing into Spring: Northwoods Jazz Camp Returns to Holiday Acres Resort, May 6–9, 2025
- May 1
- 3 min read
As the Northwoods begin to bloom and the days grow longer, something truly special will be unfolding here at Holiday Acres Resort—something that blends the soul of music with the serenity of the Northwoods.
We’re beyond excited to welcome back the Northwoods Jazz Camp, a one-of-a-kind experience that brings together musicians, music lovers, and jazz aficionados for four days of creativity, collaboration, and connection. Running from Tuesday evening through Friday, May 6–9, 2025, this immersive event turns our peaceful lakeside retreat into a vibrant hub of jazz.
Experience the Magic of the Northwoods Jazz Camp
More than just a music workshop, the Northwoods Jazz Camp is a celebration of community, creativity, and the timeless spirit of jazz. Whether you’re joining us as a player or simply to enjoy the sounds each evening, the experience promises inspiration in every note.
A Legacy of Live Music in the Northwoods
Holiday Acres Resort has a long and proud history of hosting jazz in the Northwoods. Since 1971, we’ve welcomed legendary performers including Buddy Rich, Woody Herman, the Count Basie Orchestra, the Duke Ellington Band, and Maynard Ferguson, establishing the resort as a beloved destination for jazz lovers.
Our iconic Three Coins Lounge once hosted regular live performances, from regional groups to impromptu jam sessions, turning quiet nights into unforgettable memories. The music didn’t just entertain—it became part of the resort’s identity.
In 1986, we launched the Jazz Fantasy Camp, an adult camp offering a platform for aspiring musicians to learn, perform, and connect. That spirit lives on today through the Northwoods Jazz Camp—an event that continues our tradition of honoring the past while nurturing the next generation of jazz artists.
A Camp Like No Other
The Northwoods Jazz Camp isn’t your typical workshop. It’s more than scales and sheet music—it’s about stepping into the heartbeat of jazz, learning directly from a faculty of professional jazz musicians, and growing in a community where inspiration flows as freely as the music itself.
Campers can expect:
Master classes for instrumentalists and vocalists
Improvisation workshops to build confidence and spontaneity
Listening sessions on the art of hearing jazz—old and new
Combo and big band rehearsals that culminate in nightly performances
Each evening, the music spills into the Three Coins Dining room with concerts open to the public—a chance to see pros and students share the stage in spontaneous, electric performances. Advanced students sit in with the professionals, making for unforgettable nights of music under the stars.
The Perfect Setting
What truly sets the Northwoods Jazz Camp apart—at least in part—is its idyllic setting. Holiday Acres isn’t just a backdrop—it’s part of the experience. From the warmth of the Courtyard Coffee Shop to the elegance of The Gallery and the picturesque views of the Three Coins Restaurant, students will practice and create in beautiful spaces across the property. Between sessions, campers can also enjoy our resort amenities: a heated indoor pool and sauna, scenic trails through the trees of the Northwoods, and the calming waters of Lake Thompson. It's the perfect environment that invites you to pause, listen, and discover your creative rhythm.
All Are Welcome
Accessibility and inclusivity are also among the many reasons this camp stands out from other musical workshops. You don’t need years of experience to attend—it’s a perfect opportunity for anyone curious about jazz to dip their toes in the water.
Students and faculty mingle freely, sharing stories about life on the road, the legends of the big band era, and their own musical journeys. This isn’t just a classroom-style setting. Some of the most memorable moments happen over breakfast, around the dinner table, or during casual hangouts at the bar. These unstructured moments are part of the magic.
With only 25–28 students accepted, this camp maintains an intimate, close-knit feel. Whether you're here to level up your musicianship or to simply enjoy jazz in a whole new way, you’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and a fresh spark of inspiration.
Join Us
If jazz is in your soul—or even if it’s just piqued your curiosity—this camp is calling. Inquire today! We can’t wait to once again fill the pines with music, laughter, and the unmistakable rhythm of jazz.
📍 Northwoods Jazz Camp at Holiday Acres Resort
🎷 May 6–9, 2025
🎶 Evening concerts open to the public
🌲 All levels welcome—players and auditors alike
Follow us on social media or check back here for updates. Until then, keep the music playing—and we’ll see you in the Northwoods.
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