Submitted Photo Participating in a previous Williston Music Intensive are, from left, instructor Alec Lehrman and Kris Clark and Alex Kovalev.

WILLISTON — The Williston Music Intensive (WMI) returns July 20-24 with its largest workshop yet: a five-day, full-band program for rock and pop musicians in the Bakken. All sessions run in the evenings after 5 p.m., a format designed to accommodate the schedules of working adults.

The 2026 edition expands on past events by adding two more days, more tailored sessions and more play time for all attendees, according to organizers. Participants will work in one of three bands– rock, pop or acoustic soul — rehearsing together each evening between bonus question and answers sessions, panels and breakout sessions.

The workshop will be led by local singer-songwriter and WMI director Alma Cook, along with local voice instructor Emily Black-Driscoll and several visiting professionals.

The week culminates in a live concert performance open to the public.

The event takes place at Williston State College and New Hope Church in Williston. A registration discount is available before June 1. Register at willistonmusic.com. Sponsorships also are welcome.

WMI was founded in 2022 to build a thriving music scene in the Williston area and support pop/rock musicians at every level. Its programs include workshops, the monthly Spotlight youth open mic, regional musician networking and event bookings.