As someone who's been on the Getaway committee for years, I am more likely than most people to hear gripes and concerns about the impact of the large Mudcat contingent. There are concerns, but they don't detract from the warm welcome the Mudcat is given by people at the Getaway.

The key to most concerns, I think, is that the Mudcatters are so eager to take advantage of every moment of the weekend to spend time with the people they've only met online up to now. Well, it makes sense. But maybe we can encourage you to make an effort to be involved more with the entire event.

I would like to encourage everyone who is coming for the first time this year to consider themselves as coming to the FSGW Getaway first and foremost. It is -- and always has been -- a great event that now, incidentally, offers a chance to meet a whole lot of great Mudcatters and other wonderful people.

I hope that you all -- especially the newbies -- will make a point of checking out all workshop sessions that might interest you, and not stick to those led by Mudcatters, although that might be your first impulse. We care a lot about the music we offer and feel it's something special. I think everybody's agreed on that!

Here's an invitation to you. I hope you'll all take me up on it. It is to find someone (or several someones) at the Getaway who aren't involved with Mudcat but who seem interesting or make the kind of music you like; spend at least enough time talking or making music with them so you leave the Getaway feeling you know them.

Rita