Drummer Mike Portnoy and his Winery Dogs bandmates, bassist Billy Sheehan and guitarist Richie Kotzen, have announced Dog Camp. The event, the group’s first annual immersive program for aspiring musicians of all ages and levels, is set for this coming July 21-25, at Full Moon Resort in Big Indian, New York.

Dog Camp offers attendees the opportunity to get up close and personal with the band members at instrument-specific clinics, to learn songwriting mechanics from them, and to enjoy special intimate performances and jam sessions featuring the Winery Dogs and special guests.

“We’ve all done clinics over the years,” says Mike Portnoy, “but it’s always been something that’s primarily centered around one instrument that each of us has typically done on an individual basis. Dog Camp is the first time that any of us has hosted or participated in a true ‘band camp.’ As a result of that, we’ve got some incredible surprises in store for everybody attending. We’ll be living together, hanging together, and jamming together; we want you to ask as many questions as possible, and we’re going to engage you on a one-on-one basis to help you realize your goals as a player. Advertisement

Dog Camp offers a variety of pricing options, based on the selection of available accommodations. Full Moon Resort features an eclectic array of comfortable, rustic, country-inn accommodations as well as primitive tent camping. All accommodations are just steps away from daily camp activities. Guests can enjoy the spring-fed swimming pool and on-site access to the Esopus Creek, and they can explore the splendors of the Catskills on the nearby network of hiking trails.

Tickets for Dog Camp are on sale now at winerydogcamp.com.  Attendees will have access to all workshops, seminars, gourmet meals, performances, jam sessions, and camp activities. Look for the daily itinerary for Dog Camp to be announced in the coming weeks, and in the meantime, check out a video from Mike Portnoy talking about Dog Camp below: