I have to agree with Phillipa's comments on what passes for public transportation in the U.S.. "Tain't no easy way" to get to Westminster from Baltimore. There used to be a commuter bus (Rohrbaugh's Bus Comany, Hampstead, MD) from the Owings Mills Metro Station to Westminster, but I don't know if it still exists.

I have no way to compare Commonground to other "folk music camps", but it has been a joy each of the three times I've attended. Although there are some long time professional folk singers on the staff, the number of oversized egos is small. Commonground happens on the July 4th week each year. There are weeklong workshops followed by the two day festival.

I won't be able to attend the Festival this weekend, but I do recommend it to any who can attend. I did attend workshops this week. I learned some blues guitar from Sparky Rucker and Scott Ainslie, some sea chanteys from Bob Zentz, and some "altered tunings" for guitar from Robin Bullock. I spent many, many hours playing music in informal jams.

At the festival, there are usually four stages and they are within easy walking distance of each other. The Carroll County Farm Museum is a wonderful location with enough shade trees to keep you from overcooking in the sun. I highly recommend it as an entertaining and low key festival, especially if you prefer traditional music over the singer/songwriter stuff.

Roger in Baltimore