In mid-August, more precisely in the period from August 14 to 17, 2025, the picturesque Jasenovac will once again become the epicenter of musical creativity and education for the youngest. For the eleventh time in a row, the International Kids Blues Camp is being held, an event that has grown into an unmissable summer stop for all young blues music enthusiasts, as well as those who are yet to become one. This unique event, which has also gained international recognition, including the prestigious "Keeping the Blues Alive" award presented in Memphis, USA, the cradle of blues, represents much more than an ordinary music workshop. It is a platform for learning, socializing, creating, and sharing a passion for music that is the foundation of many modern genres.

The four-day camp program is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive musical experience, while encouraging their creativity, individual expression, and teamwork. Participants, children and youth from different parts of Croatia and the region, will have the opportunity to learn from top musicians and educators who make up the mentor team. The concept of the camp is based on intensive daily workshops, joint rehearsals, and evening concerts, creating a dynamic and inspiring environment where music is lived from morning to night.

From morning workshops to evening concerts

The structure of the camp is carefully designed to make the most of the time spent in Jasenovac. The morning hours are reserved for specialized workshops divided by instrument. Young musicians can thus perfect their skills on the guitar, bass guitar, drums, keyboards, or work on their vocal technique. The mentors, experienced professionals with rich stage and pedagogical experience, approach each participant individually, adapting to their level of knowledge and helping them to overcome technical challenges and develop their own musical signature. These workshops are not just technical exercises; they are an opportunity for a deeper understanding of the blues, its scales, harmonies, and rhythmic structures.

The afternoon hours are dedicated to making music together. Participants gather in bands where, under the watchful eye of their mentors, they apply their newly acquired knowledge. This segment of the camp is extremely important as it teaches children to listen, collaborate, communicate within a band, and the importance of each individual instrument in creating a complete soundscape. It is here that new friendships are born and a sense of community is created, which makes this camp special. The highlight of each day are the evening hours, when the central square in Jasenovac transforms into a real blues stage. At these concerts, known as the "Posavina Blues Evenings," participants have the opportunity to perform in front of an audience, often side by side with their mentors. This is an invaluable experience that builds self-confidence and provides the feeling of a real concert performance. All concerts are open and free to the public, which further enriches the cultural offerings of the town and allows visitors and local residents to enjoy top-quality music and support young talents. For all those planning to visit this event, it is useful to explore the accommodation options in Jasenovac to fully experience the camp's atmosphere.

Top mentors as the backbone of the camp

The key to the success and longevity of the International Kids Blues Camp lies in the quality of the mentor team. Each year, the organizers gather a select team of excellent musicians, recognized names on the regional blues and rock scene. Their role goes beyond the mere transmission of knowledge; they are an inspiration, role models, and true ambassadors of blues music. With their passion and dedication, the mentors create a stimulating atmosphere in which children feel free to explore their creativity without fear of making mistakes. Through stories from their own careers, advice on stage performance, and playing together, they demystify the world of professional music and make it more accessible. The love for the blues, that sincere and deeply emotional genre, is contagious, and the mentors selflessly share it with new generations. It is precisely this synergy of experience and youthful enthusiasm that results in the incredible musical progress of the participants in just a few days.

Jasenovac as a stage for young talents

Holding the camp in Jasenovac also has a deeper significance. This event brings a vibrant, positive energy to the town and positions it on the cultural map of Croatia as a center for the musical education of young people. In the beautiful ambiance of Posavina, surrounded by the nature of the Lonjsko Polje Nature Park, Jasenovac becomes the ideal backdrop for an event that celebrates life, creativity, and community through the universal language of music. The camp is not only an opportunity for the musical growth of the participants, but also for the promotion of the entire Sisak-Moslavina County, attracting visitors and media attention. The organizers, in cooperation with the local community and the Tourist Board of the Municipality of Jasenovac, raise the quality of the event year after year, recognizing its potential for the cultural and tourist development of the region. Through music, the camp promotes the values of tolerance, equality, and cultural exchange, connecting young people from different backgrounds around a common goal – making music.

Everyone interested, whether they are beginners just discovering the charms of the blues or young musicians with prior knowledge who want to improve their skills, are invited to join this unique musical journey. This is not only an opportunity to learn new skills, but also to create lasting memories, meet new friends, and experience an unforgettable summer filled with the rhythm of the blues. Visitors and locals are also welcome to support the work and effort of these talented young people with their presence at the evening concerts and enjoy musical moments they will long remember. For those coming from out of town, it is recommended to check the accommodation options to enjoy the entire program without a worry.