Let's see if I can answer Hils' questions.

Often Getaway workshops are basically song-circles-on-a-theme, but we usually try to make them a bit more than that. We try to choose leaders who have significant repertoires in the chosen topic, and who know enough to provide some background and history as well. Most folks are there for the singing, not for a lecture, but a good leader knows when to inject a few fascinating tidbits of lore in such a way as to enhance the session without bringing down the momentum. And leaders are always happy to discuss the fine points of a topic at any time during the weekend. That's one of the things that's great about the Getaway -- it's a wonderful opportunity for networking with people of similar interests.

Some workshops, including many of those on instrumental techniques, really are intended as teaching sessions, but we always encourage participation.

We always start out the Getaway with a big song circle, or "open sing," on Friday night.

Yes, the events in capital letters on the program are showcases, or "mini-concerts." We try to include 9 or 10 of these each year.

Don't get too hung up on talk about cold cabins in previous years -- that was then, this is now! We haven't had that problem at West River because the cabins are heated, and now that we're holding the Getaway the first weekend in October, the weather should be reasonably warm anyway.

Y'all come!

Nancy