Charley, it's probably way too early for anything to be decided about the shantey workshop(s).

In general the final decisions about workshops and leaders can't be made for weeks yet. At this point the committee don't know who is coming; there are Invited Guests who can't give a final answer; and we don't know which non-Mudcat "regulars" will be coming. All of those people need to be considered in setting up the program.

The Program Committee has a huge jigsaw puzzle to assemble. It takes a LOT of meetings, e-mails and phone calls. (Taking so many things into consideration has a lot to do with the outstanding quality of the program year after year.)

Plus, some of these inconsiderate, lazy Committee people are going to music weeks and taking other vacations right now ;-D so they don't have the "face time" needed to discuss and decide. (I'm just jealous because I'm not taking any vacation this year.)

Since we first invited Mudcatters to the Getaway we have finished the program much earlier than previously, and published it on line. [I say "we," but I am just a kibitzer this year.] But "much earlier" means, say, two weeks before the Getaway instead of the Wednesday before.

What most of us do in fact is take a look at what has been suggested, think of a few things we'd like to contribute, and just polish up some of our favorites in the expectation that during the weekend we'll get -- or make -- a chance to sing some of 'em.

That's especially true for potential workshop leaders. They are leaders because they have a lot of love and appreciation for their subject and have a large repertoire. Most have far too many songs they'd like to do and things they'd like to say. My best advice is, if you're hoping to lead something, think a bit about what you'd like to do or say but remember most of the time is spent letting the participants participate. The workshop is likely to take on a life of its own and go in its own direction once it takes off anyway.