Zoukfest 2005 - How was it?

[kmmando]

Anybody survive to tell us about it this year?

[Steve Baker]

Outstanding!

Steve Baker
playin' a big ol' Foley

[otterly2k]

honestly, I don't want to hear too much... I just might cry.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

[rmcintos]

Not that I want to make KE cry, but I'd definetely like to hear about it, so I can make me daydreams more realistic.
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/laugh.gif

[craigtoo]

Hello Friends..Just back from the States...had a few weeks of business after ZF this year. Just arrived yesterday from Mexico.

This was a fantastic ZF. Real great depth of instruction. Small class sizes. Incredible location. I need to get in touch with some friends that took 100s of pics. Ghost Ranch was magic.

My favorite classes were with Luke Plumb and John Carty. Playing with Luke (mando player from Shooglenifty)was way cool. You kinda hop on his groove train and enjoy the ride. His melody playing really drives. Big fat plug for his CD "Mongrel Unleashed" that he released with the "Funky String Band". Great original and traditional tunes. He is a superb and patient teacher...and
well, just a heck of a nice guy...

Not too much needs to be said about John Carty's playing on banjo or fiddle, but he is probably one of the most down to earth regular guys you'll ever meet. He's just looking to pass the music on and enjoy himself while he does it. Great teacher... nice guy.

There was also at this ZF like a new mando pro there everyday. Sharon Gilchrist, Steve Smith and Chipper Thompson stick out in my mind. Each of these players had a chance to play on stage for evening concerts and during the day they each led 1 class period where we could ask questions about their style, learn a tune, pick their brains etc.

If you're into Irish imagine a session with John Carty, Matt and Shannon Heaton, Randal Bays...

There were 2 Gilchrists and 1 Loar in attendance this year at ZF. Cool.

For me...it was the best ZF ever...I hope we meet there again next year.

craig

[Avi Ziv]

John Carty!!!

Sigh.....

How could I have missed this chance!? I've been listening to his playing constantly the past few months, no matter what instrument. He is brilliant. I just learned O'Carolan's Concerto and Eleanor Neary's off his latest album. Beautiful tunes.

Good thing I'm going to the gym at lunch today....I can try to work off the frustration

http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/sad.gif

Avi

[craigtoo]

Avi...

It's not too late... he could be back.. he and Luke Plumb both said they had a *great* time and I think, if ZF invited them they would come back...(schedule permitting...). That was an advantage of having the fest not at a peak time... like July... alot of these guys were available... wooo hoo...

4 Zoukfests and counting...

craig...