Augusta heritage bluegrass camp - wv

[Phil Goodson]

I've never been to Elkin, WV for the Augusta Camp.
Planning to go in July.

Anyone have any experience with it?

[Gutbucket]

Great place to jam. And you can't beat a frosty one at the "Ice House" after hours. See you there.

[Phil Goodson]

Thanks for the reply, Dave.
I think that I saw your name on the Kaufman list too.

Going to both camps, a real one/two punch for mando immersion this summer. Should be a lot of fun.

And a "frosty one" sounds good too.

See you there.
Phil

[Jim Rowland]

I'll be there. Look for an old guy with a white Van Dyke beard,and no talent.
Jim

[Phil Goodson]

Hey Jim. See you there. I look just like you, .... except for the Van Dyke.

[Gutbucket]

See you all there. I'll be the guy standing in my shoes.

[Tina MBee]

I'll be there as well. My first time at 'camp' Curley red hair and no talent!

[Gutbucket]

There's going to be another curley red-haired guy there. Tim O'Brien.

[Phil Goodson]

Another month's gone by. Any new takers for the Augusta Heritage Bluegrass week?

[Phil Goodson]

Getting closer to time for Augusta Heritage in Elkins, WV.

Jim, Tina, are you both signed up for the intermediate lessons?

Dave, I figure you're intermediate, unless you're being tempted by the thought of lessons from Herschel Sizemore (man, I wish I were at the level to appreciate advanced lessons!)

Anybody else out there planning to go?

See you guys soon. <Let the Guinness begin.>

[Tina MBee]

Hey Phil, yes, I'm signed up for intermediate lessons. Not that I'm really advanced but I'm past the beginner level after reading over the description. I figure if I can get tiny bit of what Sharon teaches I'll be doing good. See you in a couple of weeks! BTW, I took my mandolin to Dave Houchens - Bryce Mandolins - to get him to work on my frets and he had a mandolin cafe mug! How cool is that?

[Gutbucket]

Counting the days Phil. Meet by the "Big House" 1pm the 27th. We'll pick a little.

[Phil Goodson]

Like the truckers say, "10-4 good buddy."

[Mandobike]

OK, Philphool and Gutbucket, time for a report on your fabulous weekend at Augusta!

Celia

[Gutbucket]

The highlight of the week was Thursday night's jam on the porch of Hazelhurst mansion, ("the Big House"), when a drummer joined in and set up shop. He proceeded to drown out everyone's breaks, especially the fiddlers who he sat next to. He also brought a tamborine and some shaker thingys. He also had a few to many in him. But the laugh factor was worth way to much to shoo him away. I'm still laughing about it. Phil was sitting closer to him then me, and I think might have invited him over or played with him before. Any comments Phil?

[Mandobike]

OH, MY!


Celia

[Phil Goodson]

The highlight of the week was Thursday night's jam on the porch of Hazelhurst mansion, ("the Big House"), when a drummer joined in and set up shop..... Phil was sitting closer to him then me, and I think might have invited him over or played with him before. Any comments Phil?

==================================================
Wrong, wrong, wrong, Dave. I've never seen that guy before in my life.
It really WAS funny! He was really into it!

Seriously, my experience at Augusta (1st time) was really good. Having the same instructor all week made the teaching get to a deeper level than what I've seen at other camps where you rotate among 5-6 teachers during the week.
Didn't really hurt that my instructor was Sharon Gilchrist who really cared about what she was doing. She was well prepared for the classes and gave a lot of individual attention. Didn't cause any eye pain either.

I predict that I'll see Augusta Heritage again. Be prepared Dave. Next year I'll take a break on every tune. Your ears may NEVER recover.

Celia, get signed up. We need more bass players!

[Jim Rowland]

This was my third and best week at Augusta. I got to see and hear some real mandoheroes,(like TWO Tim O'Brien-Stuart Duncan sets in one day)Hershel Sizemore,and,of course,the charming and super talented Ms Gilchrist and many others. I saw and heard some incredible instruments. Sat in on a discussion with Hershel and Terry Baucom where I could study his Loar up close and absorb plenty of mandolore. I got a very close look,(I refrained from sniffing it),at the instrument which appeared to be in pristine condition. When he popped a chop up close I realized what it was all about. I also got to hear Ms Gilchrist's Gilchist a lot... A wonderful instrument which was acclimating to the area (Elkins summertime atmosphere is great for string instruments)and had a great tone. Although I was over my head in the intermediate,I learned a lot and can have nothing but praise for Sharon Gilchrist as a teacher and performer. Missed all the fun on the nightporch due to the need for rest. Got to meet Philphool,a classmate and really fine gent with a really fine mandolin,who introduced me to Gutbucket,and classmate Tinabee,equally fine Cafe members. I'm going back next year if all goes well.
Jim

[John Ritchhart]

Dang it, I'm going next year. Phil and Gutbucket, sorry I missed it. Celia, we all need to get together somehow.

[Phil Goodson]

Dang it, I'm going next year. Phil and Gutbucket, sorry I missed it. Celia, we all need to get together somehow.

==================================

Yeah, jump in there, John. We missed you!
Let's all do it next year. Pray for good health and strong callouses!

[Mandobike]

Oh, you guys--this is too much! I am drooling with envy I even wish I had been there for the drum-jam. I have racked my brains to think of SOME jam session I've been in over the years that would rival that one, but I don't think I can come up with any. Some over-the-top gig stories, yes. But no jams like the one you've described!

Now, you guys (and this includes you, John jbrwky!), no abandoning Steve Kaufman Kamp for Augusta. You'll just have to go to both. We can't go to Steve Kaufman next year without you. (And, before too many years go by, I predict Wayne and I will be able to go to Augusta as well as SKAK.)

Ah, yes, the bass goes everywhere I go--to festivals and even to mandolin camps! I'm playing bass now with a new amateur group here in town. It has cut into my mandolin practice. Can't get behind on that!

One last thing. Look out, you North Carolinians--John, Phil, and Laura/Pickloser--we're going to be making a North Carolina college trip in the next few months with our 17-year-old son. Maybe we can all meet somewhere with instruments, and invite a DRUMMER!




Celia

[Gutbucket]

Kaufman's camp and Augusta are two must do's on my calender the past few years. It's a great time to kick back and pick with old and new friends, and even learn something during the week. Best of health to everyone and hope to see you all in 09. Now if I can only remember the new tunes Hershel taught the class, I'll have this thing whipped! I'm also practicing on the drum for some great jam breaks for next year.