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John Boulding Workshop
submitted 2/16/2012
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Submitter |
obxpix (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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I recently attended a Banjo Workshop held by John Boulding in the Hatteras, NC area. Fantastic! John is a fantastic teacher and player, with great knowledge of the fretboard and different styles of playing. Great demonstration of styles, licks, etc. and how they translate into the actual music. I would recommend attending one of these workshops to someone at any skill level. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Midwest Banjo Camp
submitted 12/6/2011
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Submitter |
LaurenLK (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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I see that this event hasn't been reviewed for a couple of years, so I thought I might add an updated version.
I attended the 2011 Midwest Banjo Camp -- first of all, this was my very first banjo camp, so I had nothing to compare it to. Also, I'd never even picked up a banjo until about two months before this camp -- and I did that on a whim, taking a weekend workshop just for fun while on vacation in NC. I just fell in love. So when I saw a Camp in my own home state, I signed up right away.
Voyageur has pretty much everything right, in my opinion. Olivette is a very small college (all classes in one building! -- which makes it great for Camp), in a very small town. Dorms are dorms -- personally, were I sending a son/daughter to this school, I'd ask someone where all my $$ were going, as they aren't going to the dorms! But as Voyageur says, all you do is sleep and shower there. There is a good variety of food -- I was not so impressed with the quality (but I'm picky, being a gourmet chef myself). Pretty much everyone seemed to enjoy it.
This is an INTENSE camp -- you eat, breathe and sleep banjo! I woke up on Sunday morning, and the fingers of my right hand were picking rolls on the top of my sleeping bag! But this can be good -- after this very intensive weekend, I had my annual physical the very next day -- my BP was lower than its been in years! Playing the banjo is good for your health!
Clearly, I was a novice -- so novice I didn't even recognize some of the great names we had as teachers (I've learned since then). However, I've years and years in education/training, and I know a good instructor when I see one -- and these folks were the BEST. Good players, you bet -- Mike Sumner won the Banjo championship two times running -- but also the most wonderful teachers!
Our novice group became quite connected. In no time at all we welcomed our instructors to "the delinquent class"! Instruction was overwhelming at first, -- we thought Mr. Sumner was really dumping on us -- but by Sunday it all came together and made so much sense! We had classes too from Janet Beazley and Murphy Henry -- as a woman, I truly appreciated these fine female leaders in Banjoism. They were wonderful and gave us different ideas about what we could do.
I thought I might be quite an oddity -- female, and an older one too! I wasn't -- folks of all ages and abilities were there, and it was a great community. I think every single one of us walked away feeling like we were taking home precious and exciting learning and new friendships.
I expect to attend in 2012 and I'd urge anyone elsewhere to consider this Camp (we had banjoists from Germany, the D.C. area, the Pacific Northwest -- just about anywhere you can name).
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Overall Rating |
10 |
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Banjo Camp Munich 2011
submitted 10/12/2011
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Submitter |
banjobeat63 (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Is a great camp in Aschau, south of Munich! Very well organized by Adiaha Bürkmiller! Super teachers for banjo, dobro, mandolin and guitar! Perfect food and accommodation! Highly recommended! Meets on the first weekend of October instead, friday to sunday! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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didmartin
submitted 9/7/2011
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Submitter |
c colborne (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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great weekend at didmartin met up with some friends and the music was excellent some great banlo picking took my old mate done pain up with me he is garry paine dad and we all no how good garry is pitty about the weather but he music put that right, nice to meet up with liz and hazel again cant wait to get to corn wall next week |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Kruger brothers in England
submitted 7/7/2011
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Submitter |
snozzle (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Recently attended my first ever "banjo event", got to hear the brothers. They were at the Eagle Music shop in Huddersfield, England. Truely inspirational banjo playing form the modest Jens Kruger. Shocked that clinical Swiss could / would touch banjos! Depressed that my fellow English bluegrass fans seem to feel they need to dress like down-at-heel Hillbillies to participate. Nauseated by the smalz Greg Deering poured on his UK distributor - as if the actual customers were interested! |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Sore Fingers bluegrass camp (UK)
submitted 4/13/2010
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Submitter |
TopCat (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Here we go with the now-obligatory Sore Fingers report. On Easter Sunday 2010, I set off to attend this bluegrass camp which takes place every year on the campus of Kingham Hill School here in the UK. This year I would be in Tony Furtado’s class, the other banjo teachers being Alan Munde, Richard Collins and Adam Hurt. Not to mention BHO's very own Guy Rogers teaching the beginners' class this year! I had booked my place almost 12 months ahead as I really wanted a place in Tony’s class – I enjoy his music and thought it would be great to see him play “up close and personal” in class.
Tony was a great tutor, full of enthusiasm for the subject and keen to make sure he took into account the varying levels of experience and ability in the class. He had even emailed us all several weeks before for our input and was constantly referring back to those elements which students had asked him to cover – including D, C (and B!) tuning, slide banjo, single string playing etc etc. With five days of around four hours' tuition a day there was far too much covered to mention here, but as one of the less experienced players I still took away loads of useful info and tools to use in the year/s ahead. We even had a composition lesson and wrote a new tune together, although I think Tony’s input made the most difference!! He even used his last tea break to tab it out for the class – what a guy. Tony was a great laugh and coped with our English sense of humour very well, and was to be seen in the bar most nights chatting and jamming.
As ever, lessons were just one element of the all-encompassing experience that is SF. I also enjoyed being able to immerse myself in bluegrass/old time music for the whole week. There were great concerts to attend in the evenings, including Tony’s gig with Brian Wicklund, Eric Thorin and John Reischman, the great Mike Compton with old time talents Adam Hurt and Stephanie Colman and guitar legend Dan Crary with an abridged version of his Twang! presentation/show.
Friday night’s tutor concert saw all the tutors performing in various guises and combinations and included Janet Beazley and Chris Stuart (the singing tutors). Unfortunately Janet didn’t bring her banjo with her this year! Highlights for me included Mike Compton singing a beautiful version of Dear Honey which brought tears to my eyes. Also Chris Newman playing Celtic tunes on guitar, Brian Wicklund’s amazing fiddling, a stomping version of Salt River from the old time bunch, Wheel Hoss by Richard Collins and his guests, John Reischman’s gorgeous playing – not to mention Tony Furtado’s fantastic banjo and slide guitar playing of course.
Thursday night saw the customary student concert featuring various scratch bands playing two songs each. For the first time I dared to have a go at this and was very fortunate in that my band mates were a great bunch with several experienced musicians among us who kept us on the right path! I really enjoyed the experience of rehearsing together – we had practice every day from 2pm-3:30pm and we were so keen that we added a couple of evening practice sessions too! I just vamped chords on the banjo but got to sing lead vocal (as part of a duet) and harmony on Before I Met You and harmony vocal on Sittin’ on Top of the World. On the night I started to get really nervous but all went well and lots of people kindly complimented me on my singing afterwards – including Tony! Mind you, it’s a pretty easy crowd – everyone is very supportive and you get an especially big cheer if you mess up! Next step, a banjo break?!
After the concerts (or if you chose not to go to the concerts) many students spent every evening jamming in the bar, dining hall and any other available space around the campus. This year I did far more jamming than last year, even if most of it was playing backup chords, and I sang a lot too. It was great! Friday night saw Brian Wicklund, Tony Furtado and John Reischman in the centre of the usual crazy fiddle-laden session in the centre bar. We also got to jam (and rehearse) outside quite a bit when we had some beautiful sunny spring weather in the second half of the week.
Most accommodation is in dorms and whilst sleeping in a dorm is not really my favourite thing, I was lucky to be in one of the re-furbished houses, with great showers and my five room-mates were all great gals around my age who were quiet and considerate about coming in and out at night. What with getting up at 7am and getting to bed at anywhere from 12am to 2am, I didn't spend a whole lot of time in the dorm anyway! The campus itself is beautiful with various old stone buildings set amongst sweeping acres of lawns and trees.
The food provided by the cafeteria is great, varied and plentiful, with three large meals dished out each day and lots of salad and fruit on hand for those who can resist the roast dinners and treacle sponge and custard (!!) type desserts. The only problem is getting back home and realising that you have to prepare your own food again.
So my third Sore Fingers week has been and gone once again, leaving me with priceless musical memories and experiences, friendships renewed and new ones forged, and lots more ideas as to how I can develop my playing (and singing). Bring on festival season!
Maria
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Overall Rating |
9 |
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Sam Bush Live!
submitted 3/15/2010
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Submitter |
Brian Taylor (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Sam Bush at the Egg, Albany, NY; 12. Mar., 2010
WHEW !! That's a pure gut reaction from almost 2.5 hours of virtuoso musicianship at breakneck speed. Scott Vestal's banjo is remarkable. A not to miss event if you get the chance. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival
submitted 9/26/2009
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Submitter |
P. T. McFarlane (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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The most recent event was excellent as usual. John McEuen told some very personal anecdotes about his long career, and played with the ease and musicianship that makes such live performances so memorable, and so much more engrossing than the best recorded music. If at all possible, attend one or both of next year's Gettysburg Bluegrass Festivals. It doesn't get any better than this. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Clawcamp East
submitted 8/11/2009
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Submitter |
pernicketylad (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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I learned alot at this camp.
The Camp was held at Fur Peace Ranch in Miegs County Ohio, a beautiful musician-friendly Guitar Ranch obviously designed with musicians in mind. The friendly people there are obviously proud of the place and so they should be. The food and coffee were also second to none. This is a top-notch facility.
The Camp was hosted by Dan Levenson and Bob Carlin. I was under Bob's supervision for the weekend and his classes were very valuable to me. To put it mildly this man knows his stuff...he discussed banjo choice/set-up, listening, technique and practice/interpretation and he also explored some clawhammer styles. While I didn't have alot of contact with Dan over the course of the weekend he approached me on two seperate occasions, of his own free will, and helped me with a tune I was working on and with my right hand (which was something I was anxious to address given that I probably won't be in America again any time soon).
What I really liked about this weekend was that no-one tried to teach me a tune. I can do that at home. The emphasis here was in teaching us how to approach tunes in terms of technique and interpretation.....it advertises itself as a skill-based workshop and that's exactly what it is. Tunes were only used as vehicles. At this Camp they teach you how to learn tunes.......not tunes. This is far more valuable to me.
The price was also very reasonable for two night's accomodation, three day's food and all those workshops.
I can't recommend this Camp enough. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Lil Johns Mountain Music Festival
submitted 8/2/2009
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Submitter |
Liljohnsmtn (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Lil Johns Mountain Music Festival Presents annual labor day bluegrass festival. September 3rd,4th,5th. Featuring James King Band,Dailey&Vincent,Sierra Hull,Bluegrass Brothers,Kickin Grass,Dave Evans,Al Batten&Bluegrass Reunion,Snyder Family,Grass Cats, Hagar's Mountain Boys,Blue Lightning,Lorraine Jordan & Carolina Road,Constant Change,Buttermilk Creek. Advance tickets available until Aug.15th only $50.00.Includes Primative Camping. Hope To See You There, Lil John |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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California Bluegrass Association FDF Music Camp
submitted 7/22/2009
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Submitter |
mcshell (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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This is the second year I have attended the California Bluegrass Association Father's Day Festival Music Camp. They do a great job of getting great instructors, many of whom are members of the bands appearing at the bluegrass festival that follows the camp. The camping facilities are rough but there are showers and many portable toilets. There are also hookups for RV's. Food is provided for an additional charge and, while not gourmet cooking, is served promptly and is of decent quality.
My old time banjo instructor was first rate. He provided books to the class and led us through learning the tunes using tab and also committing them to memory. I heard from most other students I spoke with that they also enjoyed their instructors and found the time spent worthwhile.
Anyone needing more info can check at http://www.cbamusiccamp.org/
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Overall Rating |
10 |
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Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival
submitted 7/19/2009
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Submitter |
spring5497 (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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I just attended this festival with my wife and kids. Had some good top notch acts, but I don't care for the drums and keyboards that some acts were playing. My biggest problem was the gross amount of marijuana smoking. The staff advised that "it's just tradition". I will not return. As another reviewer commented, a bluegrass woodstock. Also the crowd was just plain rude. |
Overall Rating |
1 |
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Midwest Banjo Camp
submitted 6/7/2009
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Submitter |
Voyageur (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Wow! It was a wonderful experience! It exceeded my expectations, and they were pretty high to begin with. Here are a few random comments:
1) Location: Olivet College is a beautiful little college. Huge old oak trees provide shade and a feeling of going back in time. There are very few giant old oaks left in Michigan; most were cut down for lumber a hundred years ago or more. Olivet was founded in the 1840's, and I'm sure many of the oaks on campus are as old or older than the college. The surroundings are green and peaceful, and a perfect setting for the camp.
2) Accommodations: Dorm rooms - what can I say? My room was clean; there was a semi-private bath, and the dorm I was in had air conditioning. Towels and bed linens were provided. The mattresses seemed designed to withstand a nuclear holocaust, which affected comfort somewhat. . . but I slept OK. The decor was early concrete block in a lovely shade of oatmeal. And nothing looks emptier than an empty dorm room. But I only went there to sleep and shower anyway.
3) Food: This ain't your Daddy's mess hall. The food was very good; there were a variety of choices at each meal, and everything was fresh and nicely-prepared. I'm sure I gained a pound or two, as I am not accustomed to three full meals a day! Banjo playing is hungry work!
Now, on to the important stuff: banjos!
4) Classes: The schedule was intensive. There wasn't much down time, and I felt totally immersed in the world o' banjo music. The instructors were top-notch; many of the best-known names in OT and bluegrass were there. I attended the old-time sessions and was privileged to take classes with Ken Perlman, Mac Benford, Bob Carlin, Adam Hurt, and Cathy Fink. Wow! They are not only great musicians and talented teachers, they are very nice, good-humored people, always ready with help and advice. The classes were categorized by level of playing experience. I stuck mostly with the lower intermediate classes, but I did attend an upper level course on Kyle Creed's Round Peak style, taught by Adam Hurt. I had some trouble keeping up with most of the others, but I actually got more out of the class than I expected to, and I think I can learn the tunes with a little practice at home. I brought a valuable lesson home with me from every class. I simply cannot express enough thanks for how much I learned.
5) Concerts: The faculty concerts were held Friday and Saturday night. There was a mix of Old Time and Bluegrass performers each night. The concerts alone were worth the price of the camp. Every performer was superb, but the most memorable moment for me was when Cathy Fink, Marcy Maxter, and Adam Hurt played banjo wearing finger puppets. You had to be there...
6) Jam sessions: the camp had more jams than Smucker's and Welch's combined. There were scheduled jams, open jams, little jams, big jams, lobby jams, park jams, doorway jams. Everything but dorm room jams - thanks to all for honoring the quiet rules!
7) Elderly Instruments on-site store: Stan Werbin and his able crew brought a variety of fine wares, including a mouth-watering array of about 50 banjos, all just sitting on their stands, waiting to be played. I loved trying out all the banjos, but the best part was realizing that I like my own banjo best of all! I did buy a banjo strap, clip-on tuner, a couple of bridges, two sets of strings, and one of Ken Perlman's books. And a T-shirt.
****NOTE TO CAMP PLANNERS: the 2009 camp T-shirt has a cartoon of a tornado and says "Pickin' up a storm!" This is biased toward bluegrass players!! Plus the color was odd. I would not be caught dead in it, frankly.
Overall, it was a challenging, exciting, intense, fun, rewarding time. I hope to attend next year. Well, I have to, or else I won't get to hear Cathy Fink's story about the kangaroo. |
Overall Rating |
10 |
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Palatka Bluegrass Festival
submitted 2/16/2009
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Submitter |
xplainer (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Attended the Palatka BG Festival this past Friday (13 February). It is a three day event. The wife and I only went to the Friday event. Got to see Daily and Vincent (fantastic) and Doyle Lawson and QS (fantastic again).
The lineup for all three days was great, but I hadn't seen Daily and Vincent, so we chose Friday.
The festival is located at The Rodenheaver Boys Ranch, just outside of Palatka. The facilities are overall good. The positive being a cover sitting area with two big-screen tv's - one midway back from the stage, and one "way back". A camera man would focus on the action and zoom in when needed. Sound system was excellent.
Detractors - to be fair, the food prices were higher than other venues I've been to, and the only "facilities" available were port-a-potties.
If they could correct those two items, it would be a Class A venue.
One last note, I had never met Jamie Daily and Darrin Vincent. These two guys are outstanding musicians and great guys. They took the time to "shake and howdy", take pictures, and sign autographs until everyone was gone.
This was my second trip to Palatka and it won't be my last.
EDIT: This was our first trip to Palatka. I wasn't aware that there are bathrooms and showers available when I wrote this. They are located in a building on the hill, to the north of the stage area.
I apologize, but I wanted to leave the post as is and add this edit.
It's now a "9". |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Acoustic Music Camp (Dallas, TX)
submitted 2/15/2009
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Submitter |
LeftRightLeft (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Great camp, great instructors. Plenty of time to learn, not so much that your head gets too full. And short enough so you don't have to take a week's vacation to participate. Classes and jamming inside--a necessity in Texas in August. A little more student jamming would be a good thing, although the instructor jams were amazing. Endlessly entertaining (and very supportive!) camp administrator. |
Overall Rating |
9 |
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Tennessee Valley Fiddler's Convention
submitted 2/14/2009
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Submitter |
wtbryant (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Great festival!!!! Great talent and tons of it. 15,000 people there last year. Great prize money. Great food. The people running this festival know exactly what they're doing. That's why it's been going on annually for over 40 years.
This is my favorite festival of the year!!!
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Overall Rating |
10 |
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Delaware Valley Bluegrass Festival
submitted 2/4/2009
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Submitter |
stumpkicker (see all reviews from this person) |
Overall Comments
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Great Festival, though the audience has long outgrown the stage pavilion So if you don't put your chair there by early Friday, you'll either stand or not have a good view. Bring shade. Good mix of old & new music (mostly old) Great jamming . LOTS of rough camping space. Only real dissappointment no Sunday morning Gospel Sing. |
Overall Rating |
8 |
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