Well, back from a lovely week in the mountains and have been hard at wrok (and also at work) on the Getaway program.

Mudcatters, your input will make a big difference. If you've been here before, you know that our program is very inclusive. Workshops are mostly participatory, "We have met our leaders & performers and they are us."

So. The first thing I need is to have a clear idea of who is coming, what kind of music they like, and what special interests they have. I will be e-mailing the people who attended last year, and have put a request for workshop ideas in the FSGW newsletter; but would also like your input on this thread if possible.

If you are definitely coming, would you please either PM me or, preferably, post to this thread. Include the kind of music you like to play and/or sing, the kind of jams and open sings you most enjoy, and if you have an idea for a workshop you'd like to attend or lead.

If you've been to other Getaways, mention the workshops you'd like to see repeated, and workshops you wish we'd had in the past.

If you have a special interest you'd like to share, mention that too. It's especially helpful when people have several interests and are willing to fit in wherever I need them!

We just switched to a new internet server so I have to move last year's Getaway program info to the FSGW web site ASAP. Once that's done I'll post the address here so you can get an idea of the kind of things we do

The program always includes some themed sing-alongs and jams, some country/western music, sea songs, and ballads. There are a few mini-concerts, some sing-arounds and some specialty or "concert" workshops where the leaders perform a few pieces and then open the floor to participation. Last year we had specialty workshops on fiddling styles, mountain music, Irish traditional styles among others.

Well this is just a "teaser" to get us started, there will be a lot more program information coming for the next few weeks.

- Rita Ferrara