Klamath River MandoJam...

[stanley]

Just spent a long weekend pickin' notes on the banks of the Klamath River with a wonderful group of folks...

Morning workshops were led by Radim Zenkl, an incredible instructor who conveys ideas/concepts well. He was also able to create/maintain a comfortable atmosphere that enhanced the whole experience. Workshop opportunities with Radim should not be missed!
This was all located within Mandolinista's (mark dupont) property...a wonderful communal, self-sustained environment featuring lush veg/flower gardens, fruit orchards, and comfortable cabins within a great setting…an incredible retreat location for anybody who feels like a 'slave' to common society. In fact I'm thinking I'll just move up there and volunteer my time as a jamming partner!

Truth is…I hate to post this and have the 'retreat' to get too popular...Thanks Mark & Blythe (& all you mandojammers) for a wonderful experience!

Bill Stanley

[SandyBarRanch]

I want to second Bill's comments on Radim's teaching - he's amazing! His playing is passionate and precise, his patience is infinite. He's put a lot of energy into learning existing techniques and developing new ones of his own, especially right-hand techniques i.e. the Duo Picking style, intricate strumming patterns. If you ever get a chance to take a workshop with him, DO IT!! It's a unique opportunity to play with a virtuoso is is also a great teacher and will play with enthusiasm with players of all levels.

We really had a fantastic time - it was a GREAT group of people and we had plenty of time to swim in the river as well as jam out. We capped it all with a Saturday evening performance that was a blast. Radim is excited about coming back, maybe this fall, or next summer. I'll keep ya'll posted.

Mark (mandolinista)

[duuuude]

Man, I just knew it would turn out to be excellent if I missed it. Oh well, there's always next time. So Bill, ya learn lotsa new stuff to dazzle us with at Millpond?
http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/cool.gif

[mad dawg]

Must have been a blast. Who all from the Cafe made the trip?

[Lorenzo LaRue]

Hi Everyone,
Yes, it was a blast. #Totally enlightening. #Radim is the man that has the ability ( I am sure) to teach a dog to play mandolin. #This is the amount of patience he has. #Also the knack to really explain theory and to graphically show you how to apply it to the fretboard. #Also I can't begin to how deep I felt the commraderie (sp?) was after only the first day. #I felt we all made incredible progress. We were already making plans for more MandoJams at that point. #Thanks again to all of you mandojammers and to Mandolinista (Mark) and Blythe for hosting a really great jam. #We'll be back, I'm sure. #Peace and Vision, Larry http://www.mandolincafe.net/iB_html/non-cgi/emoticons/mandosmiley.gif

[shoshana]

I second and third everyone else's comments about Mandojam! It was more then I expected. As probably the one who knew the least amount of music theory- I happily participated from Radim's first lesson. His lessons were organized in a fashion that a beginner could jump right in and play. GReat people! GReat place! I came home even more motivated to dive into music theory of the mando. I CAN' T WAIT FOR OUR NEXT MANDOJAM!!!

[Jeff Baldwin]

I was at the Klamath River Mandojam and it couldn't have benn beter. Mark really
put together a great camp. The place was wonderful. The group of students came
with varied backgrounds and interests and clicked right away. And Radim was the
best. An amazing teacher.

Can't wait to get together again..

Jeff