BS: Swannanoa Gathering Was Wonderful

Subject: Swannanoa Gathering Was Wonderful
From: Sean Belt
Date: 25 Jul 00 - 03:31 PM

Please forgive my gushing in this post. I've just returned from spending a week at the Swannanoa Gathering in North Carolina for their Dulcimer week, and I'm still on a high from the experience. A wonderful time was had. The workshops were top notch. The instructors were very good, and included Betty Smith, Thomasina, Larry Conger, Lois Hornbostel, Mark Nelson, and Phyllis Gaskins (who just blew me away!)Rick Thum, Bill Troxler, Bill Taylor, Sam Rizzetta, and Ken Kolodner. There was even a set of workshops for autoharp led by Mike Fenton.

The jam sessions in the evenings were terrific. I've never had the chance before to play with so many good musicians who were focussed on playing music and having fun and not on showing off or showing up the less experienced players. I also got the opportunity to meet some very talented musicians whom I'd never have met and played with otherwise. Among them was Cindy Ribbit. Look out for her. She's a terrific multi-insturmentalist and a real sweet woman as well.

Beyond the music, the level of caring and support that everyone showed for everyone else was astounding. It was a very special week. I'm planning on going back again next summer and recommend it highly to anyone who wants to grow as a musician and as a human.

Enough blathering for now. I'm gong to go off an play.
- Sean

Subject: RE: BS: Swannanoa Gathering Was Wonderful
From: BeauDangles
Date: 25 Jul 00 - 05:17 PM

Hey Sean,

I spent a week at Swannanoa a few summers back. I was there for dance week, which ran concurrently with dulcimer week. I must echo your sentiments, my experience there was just perfect. Beautiful setting, friendly folks, great musicians. I just had a blast. Sadly, dance week was not well attended and they have stopped doing it. They now do something like community dance week, but it is not quite the same. The dulcimer people, both staff and students were incredible. I play flute, whistle, tenor banjo and didjeridu. They were so welcoming, no matter what I chose to play. I am glad you had a great experience, and I would heartily reccommend that week to any dulcimer players out there.

BeauD