Of the three I've attended, this was the first time I wasn't the only piano accordion player there (or at least the only one willing to admit to it), and it was the first time I was able to take a workshop that was relevant to the kind of music I make myself.

We had three piano accordionists, and quite a few concertina players this year. George Ward and Skipjack K8 (Greg Dunn) did a great job of leading a squeezebox workshop. Most of the attendees were concertina players, so that was the main focus of the workshop, but all of it was very interesting and informative, and everyone there got a chance to enjoy some very good concertina and piano accordion playing.

For the first time, I understand on a deep level what Jeri is talking about when she talks about her experiences with Rick Fielding as her teacher, and the special kind of relationship that a student can have with a very good teacher. At this Getaway, I was able to meet face to face, for the first time, the person I have regarded as my only accordion teacher for the last five years since I began learning how to play accordion. Of all the accordionists I've ever heard, my most favorite to listen to and learn from is Greg Dunn (Skipjack), and it was an incredible experience watching him do the things I've only heard him do prior to now, and to be able to learn from him in person rather than by just listening to tapes and communicating via internet.

It was wonderful having so many people from around the world this year. There was an incredible richness of experience hearing all of the different musical influences from so many different cultures. And it was also great to have an opportunity to add quite a few new people to my "have met in person" Mudcatter life list, and to see so many whom I've met previously once again.

Without a doubt, this Getaway was the best one I've attended so far, and I have to thank my husband, JtS, for making sure I would have the opportunity to attend this year and have these experiences.