Winter Bluegrass Weekend

[Joe F]

I just spent an amazing 3 day weekend at the MBOTMA Winter Bluegrass Weekend in Plymouth, MN. #Along with a great line-up of bands and non-stop jamming (I can't begin to guess how many hours I spent jamming, but my fingers are pretty sore today), there were some beautiful mandolins in the dealer's room.

Greg Boyd had a large stable of mandolins, including Collings, Cole, a 1960s-era Gibson electric and many others. #Next to his table was Hans Brentrup with many exquisite instruments, including a stunning 3-point mandola. (I first met Hans two years ago, and haven't seen him since, but he remembered my name. #Class act.) Lloyd LaPlant had mostly fiddles at his table, but he did show me a matte-finish F5 he recently completed. #I tried it out, and had a very hard time giving it back to him.

Unfortunately, I didn't have a camera with me, so I don't have any pictures to upload.

I always have mixed feelings about festivals like that. #I love the jamming, and several people I know commented that my playing has improved a lot. #But when I wander around the hotel, listening to other jams, it makes me realize just how far I still have to go.

Did anybody else from the Cafe make it to the festival?

[tjg]

I was there Saturday night. #Lloyd LaPlant also had a mandocello that one of his sons made, can't remember which one. #Unfortunately I didn't get to try it because they were closing the room for the Saturday night concert.

Hans' instruments are always fantastic. #Both he and Lloyd are both great people.

[dstretch]

[QUOTE]Lloyd LaPlant also had a mandocello that one of his sons made, can't remember which one.

Billy made the mandocello. It really had an eerie sound. Very nice.

I just got back today from Lloyd's house today. Man he really makes some good mandolins.

I really had a great time at the WG Weekend. Had a great time jamming also. Got to jam alot with Brennen Leigh, and the whole gang from Brainerd Bill and Lacie Schaffer. Man what a good time.

Danny

[msh_mando]

I have attended this festival for the last three years. A buddy of mine from texas flies up just for the jamming. There is a lot a great jamming there (I am still not really sure where the stage is....)

[goldtopper]

I was there for the 5th year in a row. Excellent jams and fun folks to meet.
Note to Radisson: Improve the Buffets- we ain't all hillbillies!!

[Kbone]

The " Winterfest' is great fun, also we have two great festivals in the summer ( June,Aug)that's worth a visit.