Kaufman Kamp Week 2 ?

**Gutbucket** · Jun-09-2009, 3:16pm

Check out Smokey Mountain Guitars in Pigeon Forge. Lot's of nice mandolins and guitars at that shop. They also set up a booth at Steve's camp. Blue chip picks there, too.

**Philphool** · Jun-18-2009, 5:19am

Almost time guys.
Mark, I know you start out tomorrow.
Everybody drive carefully!

See you all Sunday.

Again, all newbies: INTRODUCE YOURSELVES. Don't be shy!

Starting packing tonight.

**pickloser** · Jun-18-2009, 7:13am

Yeeehaaaa!

Last minute things:
Bring a container to fill up at water fountains. Hard to find bottled water, especially the first night.

Bring a bandaid to put around the metal clip part of your ID tag, so you won't scratch your instrument (or somebody elses) on it.

Bring a cheap plastic poncho or two or an umbrella. It didn't rain at all last year, which makes me worry about this year.

Anybody other helpful hints?

**Gutbucket** · Jun-18-2009, 3:08pm

I bought one of those new OFF bug repellent thingys you wear on a belt. Bug dope is great for taking the finish off of a favorite instrument. This gadget runs on 2 AA bateries. and lasts 12 hours when turned on. If you don't have one, we could all huddle real close like the single mic bands do.

**Mark Normand** · Jun-19-2009, 9:42am

Yeah boy here we go! I'm leaving this evening, and will stop off at motorcycle shops tomorrow in Birmingham and Chatt. to look at a Triumph Tiger, BMW 650GS, and other dual sports, etc. Might want to compliment or replace my current Suz DR650.

Everything above noted, thanks!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I found this old posting (Fri, 9 Jun 2000) sometime ago by John Bird, a member here, and regular at Co-Mando, already got his permission, would like to reprint here...it was excellent reading for sure. Thanks John, great write up, I always enjoy details like this.

As a veteran of the Kaufman Mandolin Camp, having been to the first two, and
soon to go to the third (hey! I need all the help I can get!), a few
recommendations of things to do, not do, and bring to get the most out of
the experience.
1. Bring a seat cushion. Those chairs get hard, especially for old folks.
Steve sells cushions--but then, Steve sells about everything! <G> Speaking
of which, bring some extra money to buy CD's. There will be stuff there that
is very hard to get otherwise. I already have dibs on some Don Stiernberg
stuff I really want. The Comando Sessions will be there too! My best
mandolin purchase of last year was John Reishman's Up in the Woods, and at
the time, that was about the only way to get it.
2. Start sleeping now. I'm serious. Be as rested and in shape as you can be
when you get there. The earliest I ever got to bed was 2 am, and that was
the last night, and I forced myself to so I could get up and drive home the
next day. Bring an extra pillow if you can--the dorm pillows are a joke. And
if you can pack a blanket, do it. I thought the blanket they gave me was a
weird towel. The rooms have air conditioning, and some of them CAN"T be
caught. I am the warmest person in the world, but I was happy to have a
blanket for my 3 hours of sleep. Try to remember dorm life, and bring stuff
like soap, shampoo, sandals or something to walk to showers, etc.
3. Think of the questions you want to ask the instructors. This is the best
chance you'll ever have. As a teacher myself, I always appreciate students
who have real questions they want answered. If you have recordings by any of
the teachers, listen to them now and think of tunes you want to request, or
even better, techniques you want to ask about.
4. Either buy the tapes (they do a good job with them) or tape it
yourself--I learned as much or more while listening after as I did there.
5. Take notes when you're in class. I took really full notes for each one.
It really keeps you focused, and then you have it there later. Even though
you have it on tape, it's good to translate it into writing--helps you learn
two ways. And will cut down on #6!
6. Don't sit in class and noodle. Aargh! I'm going to come right out and say
it to the group I'm in. The temptation is strong--you're sitting there with
your mandolin in hand, and you're learning new stuff, so you just HAVE to
try that new lick. But there are 15-20 other people in the room, and half of
them are noodling too. Soon nobody can hear what the teacher is doing, and
then everything has to stop, and you've lost valuable time. Then when you
listen to the tapes later, same thing! Other than the heat in the classrooms
(hope that's better!), this is my main complaint. Hold the urge until the
teacher asks you to play. You'll learn more, and so will everybody else. If
you can't quite get something, you'll have a chance to ask the instructor
some other time during camp.
7. Meet as many people as you can, and play as many mandolins. As much as I learned from the teachers, and it was a lot, I learned almost as much from
meeting people, playing with them, talking to them, playing their
instruments. You'll probably never be around so many different mandolins in
your life. I call it Noah's Ark for mandolins--think of any brand you can
name, and you'll see at least two. I took a camera and took pictures of as
many people as I could with their mandolins--great way to have a picture of
all those instruments, not to mention of your new mando friends. I'm
bringing prints from last year and handing them out to the lucky repeaters.
This may just be me, but it seemed like last year people were a lot more
open to meeting everybody--and it made it even better. Maybe I just was--but in any case, I felt like I got more out of it.
8. Get ready to eat, sleep (not much), breathe, and live the mandolin. It's
mandolin immersion--even with those creepy banjo players around. Take a few books of tunes and stuff, because you'll find yourself wanting to play all
the time. I saw it as like a retreat from my real life, doing what I'd
really like to do--play the mandolin all day, every day, then all night too.
I won't mention any names, but I heard one camper last year playing from a
very small and narrow enclosure in the bathroom, if you know what I mean!
And you don't have to have a brand new Randy Wood to be that compulsive.
It's like going back to college, but everybody is majoring in the mandolin.
Incredible!
9. If you don't want to eat at the assigned times (supper at 5 is about 5
hours early for me), they'll let you pack up a plate and take it out. There
are refrigerators on all the halls, and if they're not too full of adult and
other beverages, you can put the food in there and heat it in the microwave
later. And you'll get to listen to mandolin picking while you eat!
10. Avoid bringing up the American judicial system if you eat breakfast with
Glenn Bradford. <G> Just kidding Glenn, but let's talk about that F-4
instead! Damn, I was so happy to meet so many people, but especially the
Comandos! It makes such a difference to read something Mike Stangeland or
Willie McCraney or anybody else writes if you've met them and become friends
in the real world too. I've got the list Steve sent out and want to make it
a point to meet all the names I recognize. I missed a few last year, and
won't let that happen again. I'm gonna be like Eric Stratton in Animal
House, walking around shaking hands. "Hi, I'm John Bird, damn glad to meet
you!"
11. Go up on stage and play for the open mic if there is a slot. Get a few
people together and work something up. I guarantee you'll never forget it!
Even the pros all mention how intimidating it is to play in front of 80+
mandolin fanatics. If you can do it, you'll never get stage fright again!
It's a great feeling.

Durn, I'm ready to load the Mustang with mandolins and head across the
mountains. See you there if you're going. If you're not this year, I highly
recommend it in the future. Until Wednesday!

**jbrwky** · Jun-19-2009, 10:00am

That just about nails it. Funny how it hasn't changed much through the years.

**Mandobike** · Jul-01-2009, 10:42am

Philphool, Pickloser, Gutbucket, Jabberwocky........great to see all you guys at SKAK. I'm sad that it's over. Another year to wait. Well, I have my Latin music to practice in the meantime!

(And a Blue Chip pick to practice it with.) And I DEMAND a reprise of Wocky Horror Picker Show at the 2010 Mandolin Week. Isaac's *and* Open Mic.

If any of you come this way (central PA), let us know. We'd love to have ya visit.

Celia

**jbrwky** · Jul-01-2009, 12:54pm

OK Celia. I should have the words memorized by then.

**pickloser** · Jul-01-2009, 3:35pm

What a wonderful time I had at Kamp. You guys are FUN. I really enjoyed getting to know the Cafe folks better. Thanks for the loan of the pick GB.

I'm loving the latin tunes too; started working on arpeggios and harmonized scales. The Kamp book's gonna keep me busy for quite a while. I'm also up for a Wockey Horror reunion. Jabberwocky excelled as leader of our group.

It was VERY hard to go back to work.

**Philphool** · Jul-01-2009, 5:38pm

Great Kamp experience again, guys.
Jbrwky, you're a great group leader and a fine picker.
Pickloser, great harmonies and guitar playing as well as mando chord melodies.
Gutbucket, you might have to return to the BEST instrument again sometime. See you in Elkins.
Celia, your bass expertise sure makes everyone else sound better and when you finally play the mando, we see how you've been holding back on us. I think you're practicing lots more than you're telling us.

Tell Wayne I want to see a G chop by next year.

If I missed meeting some you you other guys, I'm truly sorry. Let's do it again some time.

**Mandobike** · Jul-01-2009, 7:38pm

Jbrwky, I didn't even remember that you had forgotten any words.

Guys (and I am TRULY serious), The Wocky Horror Picker Show was already better--in a few run-throughs and one Isaac's show--than a band I can think of right now but can't name in public (how's *that* for being convoluted?)

And dat's da truth.

Thanks for the nice words, Philphool, but I ain't hidin' nothin'. I'd better get started on arpeggios and scales up the neck. I have NO IDEA how to play a melody on the mando if it's not in G,A, or D! (Except for that one B flat tune I sweated for weeks over).

Wayne is better than he thinks. He's got a much better chop than I!

Work? What's work? OOPS! Guess I forgot to show up! (J-U-S-T kidding).

You guys are the greatest. I think Gutbucket and I, as the non-North Carolinian members of the Picker Show, will have to make a trip to Caroline to see y'all.

Celia

**Kshot** · Jul-02-2009, 10:59am

Mando kamp was really a lot of fun this year! It was good to meet and pick with at least some of you folks and hopefully we'll get to do some jamming again next year.

All the best,
Keith

**Rick Crenshaw** · Jul-02-2009, 11:58am

Originally Posted by Kshot

Mando kamp was really a lot of fun this year! It was good to meet and pick with at least some of you folks and hopefully we'll get to do some jamming again next year.

All the best,
Keith

Keith,

Are you the guy who brought your self-made octave mando to our room in Beeson (Scott, Jim, et al)? That was a good sounding instrument.

**pickloser** · Jul-02-2009, 12:24pm

Yeah, was that you on the front porch of Carnegie with the Octave you had made? Great sounding instrument. Made me want one.

**Kshot** · Jul-02-2009, 1:28pm

Yup that was me and I'm glad you guys liked the sound. The octave is one of Don Kawalek's kits which are apparently a good design and, except for the neck carving task, pretty easy to build. I had the kit languishing in my basement until Scott let me try one of his octaves a couple of years ago (at kamp) which made me want to build it right away when I got home. So about 2 weeks later in July 07 it was done. Now to learn more tunes on it... speaking of which, we should come up with a list of tunes beyond the kamp standards for next year.

Keith

**Philphool** · Jul-02-2009, 5:04pm

Originally Posted by Rick Crenshaw

Keith,
Are you the guy who brought your self-made octave mando to our room in Beeson (Scott, Jim, et al)? That was a good sounding instrument.

Keith,
I didn't realize you BUILT than octave! Wow. It sure sounded good on Drummers of England, too.

Rick,
I really enjoyed your playing. Your relaxed, devil-may-care approach encouraged the group to jump in there and give each song their best shot. I envy your technique.
You are officially one of my role models now.

**jbrwky** · Jul-03-2009, 7:02am

Thanks for the kind words from everyone. I have to stop being so hard on myself. Wayne, thank you especially for being so supportive. Celia, I'm going to be in the Carlisle area sometime in the next three weeks. I'll let you know what days when I know. I really enjoyed the practicing as well. I will have the Drummers of England posted on my website early next week and I'll post the link here. It was great to meet you Keith and good to see you again Rick. Let's stay out of airports if we can. Phil and Laura, I'll see you in Charlotte soon. Let's keep pickin' and see what happens.

**Gutbucket** · Jul-03-2009, 7:24am

Was it just me or did that week fly bye way to fast? What a great time meeting all the cafe members that I never get to see except once or twice a year. Stay healthy and we'll do it all over again next year. Any one hungry for noodles or recycled chicken?

**Mario Proulx** · Jul-03-2009, 10:41am

As always, Kamp was a great week! But I sure wish y'all would use your real names here; I'm sure I met, and likely jammed with, most everyone, yet reading this thread, I have no clue who most of you are!

**jbrwky** · Jul-03-2009, 11:32am

Here's the link to Drummers of England. It's a big file and takes a while to download.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq2X9O7I9k0

**wglide** · Jul-03-2009, 12:58pm

Hey ,
You guys take a bow. That was great from some mighty fine pickers. It was certainly a treat to meet and play with so many good folks from the Cafe. You guys made Kamp a great experience this year & hope to see ya'll again real soon. Another year of practice & who knows. John J

**Kshot** · Jul-03-2009, 9:07pm

Well said John! It was all the good folks (many of which that are right here on the cafe) that made this such an enjoyable kamp. Hope to see you all again next year. Keith

Originally Posted by wglide

Hey ,
You guys take a bow. That was great from some mighty fine pickers. It was certainly a treat to meet and play with so many good folks from the Cafe. You guys made Kamp a great experience this year & hope to see ya'll again real soon. Another year of practice & who knows. John J

**Kshot** · Jul-03-2009, 9:10pm

Thanks jbrwky, next time we need to put you closer to the mic (and me much farther away). Keith

Originally Posted by jbrwky

Here's the link to Drummers of England. It's a big file and takes a while to download.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bq2X9O7I9k0

**Mandobike** · Jul-04-2009, 12:20pm

Hi, Mario! Wish you had jammed with us. Maybe we all will next year.

I (Mandobike=Celia) was in Group 2 with you this year--I was playing the Bill Bussmann Old Wave A in Robin Bullock's class, and the Muth F-5 in the other classes. I'm the one who asked if you lived near Moose Factory and Moosonee in Ontario

.

Most of us Mandolin Cafe goofballs stayed in Carnegie and jammed inside and/or outside the building. Five of us (Picklosr=Laura, Jbrwky=John, Philphool=Phil, Gutbucket=Dave, and Mandobike=I, Celia) formed a band on the Cafe over the previous months (The Wocky Horror Picker Show), and then played at Isaac's Wednesday night.

Celia

**Mandobike** · Jul-05-2009, 7:43pm

Hey; a P.S. here: John (WGlide) and Keith, great to meet you guys, too. I wish there had been more time to pick with both of you. Save some time next year............

A side note to all: Wayne and I went to the Benton, PA, bluegrass festival (O.A.T.S.--"Out Among The Stars") on Friday (it's about one and three quarters hour's drive from State College). We saw Bobby Clark with the Williams and Clark Expedition there. Wowee. Do you think we can get Bobby Clark to join the mandolin faculty at SKAK some year?

Celia