Wintergrass..

[craigw]

Glassweb, I hope you were able to get on, although the pics on the website are of some of my earliest stuff. I've built several more since we put the site together about three years ago. Getting ready to do an update of the site with pics of more recent instruments and sound clips later in the spring

[Pete Braccio]

Hey all,

The mostly final stage schedule and the workshop schedule are on the Wintergrass site now.

Pete

[zeke]

I'm certainly looking forward to seeing (and playing of course) you all's latest work; I'm sure it's fantastic. I really need to get inspired to finish all the projects sitting un-done out in the shop (been distracted by old motorcycle restoration and making a living the last couple years), and I'm sure your high quality work should do the trick! See you in a couple weeks....

[RobP]

i went last year for the first time... Bellevue was great! Went to rivercity in portland this year, so I am not going to make it this year.

I bought my current mandolin from Greg B. there last year.. a festival I will never forget!

Have f un

Rob

[danb]

If you happen to spot a cellist with a carbon fiber cello.. Say hi to Adam for me He also looks a lot like Andrei Agassi, in case there are several carbon fiber cello carrying cellists in the jams.

I taught him squirrel heads in gravy, June apple, midnight on the water, and a few others in the short time we had to prep, so make sure he drops his top A to a G and gets busy!

[Buddah]

"He also looks a lot like Andrei Agassi, in case there are several carbon fiber cello carrying cellists in the jams."

Should we be looking for flowing locks or a cue ball?

[adamspiers]

Cue ball sadly I'll also be carrying a silver grey cello case if I'm not playing it...

[Buddah]

I'm sporting the same look Adam...and am putting the money saved in shampoo and conditioner into an account for my next mandolin!
Anyway, hope to see you there...it'd be fun to jam with a cellist for sure!

[craigw]

A couple days ago I got some studio shots done of my #11 and #12 "Griffith Loar" inspired WA-5s that I'll bringing up to Wintergrass next week. I won't have one of my Fs ready for this trip but will be bringing a really good Unicorn & Mustang F-5 that I can make someone a good deal on.

[Buddah]

Wow Craig, those look great! Look forward to checking 'em out...

[Buddah]

Very important question here: Is there a good watering hole near the Wintergrass venue where one can get over-served and filled up on decent pub fare? Can't fathom how I let the festival get this close without yet asking about this...

[Pete Braccio]

There's an Irish pub right across the street. There is a whole page of dining suggestions on the web site.

[Spruce]

Man, I hope we can make it off the island....
It's looking dicey....
Lots 'o snow...
I really hope to see ya all there.....

[Buddah]

I hear ya. I'm planning to drive over from MT tomorrow morning, which is starting to sound like a pretty macho thing to do!

[mandopete]

Most importantly, will there be a mando gathering? I will be bringing the single malt (Balvenie Doublewood) and my trusty Collings #39.

[Spruce]

Most importantly, will there be a mando gathering? I will be bringing the single malt (Balvenie Doublewood) and my trusty Collings #39.

I'll host one in our room....
Got a little single malt myself, and a quiver of cool mandos to bang on, including a nice Gilchrist Model 4....
Stay tuned...

[Martin Stevens]

I'll be there!

[SHORTY]

I can't attend so Adam Steffey is taking my place, HAAA!

[Patrick Gunning]

I'll be there Friday and Saturday with my Voight. See you there, and I'm down for mando tasting!

[Tim C.]

Nice to meet you, Pete, and sorry I missed a mando (and single malt) tasting if it did take place. And real sorry I missed you Patrick, it's been awhile. For all being in the same hotel for 3 days it's actually hard to get together - I only briefly saw Paul Lestock, the builder of my own mandolin! Tho' I did try out a truly amazing F5 copy from luthier Wes Brandt - wow!

What an amazing festival - my heart goes out in gratitude to Patrice and Stephen, and everyone else involved, to Pete for doing the website, and hundreds of others who make this amazing thing happen - to Joe Craven and Beth Fortune and Renata Bratt for taking 80 kids (including my 8-year-old son) under their wings for two days and showing them how joyful and fun music can be, to the amazing soundmen, Dan, Dave and Jesse, and to all the mandolin students and audience members who came out and supported us - thank you!!!
Tim

[Spruce]

Tho' I did try out a truly amazing F5 copy from luthier Wes Brandt - wow!

Wasn't that something??
Great sounding/playing instrument...

[banjoboy]

Wintergrass was awesome. I had a couple hightlights including meeting Adam Steffey and Sam Bush, and watching both playing with their respective groups (Sam Bush Band and Box Cars). It was also great to hang out and watch Adam Steffey try out Gail Hester's newest creation. He said that it had everything that he wants in a mandolin. Sam Bush also had good things to say about Gail's mandolin.

[Glassweb]

All Hail Gail!

[chip]

I don't usually use the word "awesome" but Wintergrass 2011 was just that, Awesome! Having this event at the Hyatt is just the best. I don't know what the Murano and Tacoma was thinking by not wanting Wintergrass but the event now is the best I've ever seen. What an absolutely great time I had this year. Dale Ann Bradley, The Gibson Bros., Boxcars, etc. wow!
If you've never been I would highly recommend scheduling your vacation, time off or whatever for next year. The young mandolin players for so many of the up and coming groups are just incredible musicians. I would say that Bluegrass is in good hands for many many years to come.

[Spruce]

I would say that Bluegrass is in good hands for many many years to come.

It's the non-bluegrass stuff that killed me this year....
Jon Neufeld rockin' an Esquire--cranked--with Electric Jackstraw was a highlight for me...
My new guitar hero....

And the Cajun music really gave the festival a great--literally--flavor...

Some scenes from WG:







Austin, in a rare moment of repose....