Mountain Roots Music Camp - March 24th,25th, 26th & 27th, 2011 @ Pine Mountain State Resort - Pineville, KY

Hi folks.  I guess most of you are wondering where I've been since IBMA.  I know you were all expecting a long narrative of my week at IBMA, and to tell the truth, I had planned to do just that.  But, there were things at IBMA this year that didn't seem quite right, but instead of blowing off steam here (If you want to receive my steam about these problems, send me an email and I'll forward the omitted blog to you) , I decided to let it all go and tell you about this wonderful couple,Vanessa & Darron Nichols, I met at IBMA and the the musical academy they host each year.  Their brochure is so well written that I will simply use their words to describe it all.

"The Cumberland River Academy of Bluegrass and Appalachian Music, Inc. Presents:"

MOUNTAIN ROOTS MUSIC CAMP 2011, March 24th thru 27th, 2011

"Hosted by: Cumberland River Academy Founders: Dale Ann Bradley, Steve Gulley and Vanessa & Darron Nichols; with Alan Bibey, Tim Stafford, Ron Stewart and Missy Raines" (Gary here, Wow! What a faculty!)

"Come and be a part of the musical heritage of the Appalachian mountains. Share with and learn from today's top musicians, singers and song writers of Roots and Bluegrass music."

"We invite you to our mountains to see and learn firsthand of the people and the artistry that has created the music of America.  Come hear for yourself the lonesome cry of the pine, see spring bursting forth in the Kentucky mountains, smell the aroma of a hardwood fire. then set that experience to music, your music that we help you develop and refine."

"Your weekend will include Three Nights accommodations at Pine Mountain State Resort, Six meals prepared at the lodge, a showcase and All Star Concert and Dinner at the Historic Bell Theater in downtown Pineville, Kentucky.  Plus, one-on-one instructions and tips on your playing, singing and writing.  Your experience will begin:

Thursday

On March 24th you will be met by the instructors and have dinner with them at the lodge.  You will be given instructions of the events to come and treated to a little music.  We will give you time that evening to get settled in and enjoy the quiet comfort of the mountains or jam until dawn!

Friday

The 25th will begin with breakfast at the lodge and orientation before breaking up into classes.  Lunch will be at the lodge, then back to class.  Classes will be 50 minutes long and at your pace.  Friday evening will be Dinner and a showcase of Your talent.  After that you will be free to explore the mountains, take a short trip to the Cumberland Gap, or just sit by the fire and relax. (Me again.  You could jam until dawn again!)

Saturday

The 26th will be much like Friday with the exception of Dinner at The Bell Theater and an All Star Concert.

Sunday

There will be an optional "breakfast buffet" and closing devotion.

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So if you're a picker, singer or song writer and want to further your craft and skills, or if you are a music lover and just want to hang out with the pros, you don't want to miss this opportunity.  We offer all inclusive rates starting at $425.00 for single occupancy.  Packages can be tailored to include just lodging, meals or tuition.  Airport shuttle (MG/TYS) will be available.

For more information on the CAMP contact: Darron Nichols 606-627-0452 or 606-337-3806 or by email crabluegrass@gmail.com.  Or visit: www.cumberlandriveracademy.com.   For more information on the Pine Mountain State Resort visit: http://parks.ky.gov/findparks/resortparks/pm/.   We would like to offer special thanks to our sponsor "LONG GUITARS."

"The Cumberland River Academy of Bluegrass and Appalachian Music"

Mission Statement:

"The music of the Appalachian Mountains can be compared to the creation of the United States as a nation.  The music, like the USA, is a melting pot of cultures from around the world.  Acoustic stringed instruments brought from Europe and Africa, when mixed with the toil. strife and loneliness of the Appalachian settlers, created a music form that has lasted for more than 500 years.  Our mission is to protect, preserve and nurture the artistic creativity of the people of the Appalachian Mountains, to bring international attention to our history and culture, and to earnestly kindle and cultivate self-pride in our heritage for this generation and generations to come."

Purpose

"Our purpose is to foster excitement, provide encouragement and aid in development of personal talents through instructional opportunities.  Community involvement will be strongly encouraged.  Scholarships are to be provided through corporate sponsors.  We will seek funding through the arts, musical and educational grants as they become available.  We will bring revenue to area businesses through our musical camps, concerts, festivals and instruction."

Contact: Cumberland River Academy, 114 West Kentucky Avenue, Pineville, Kentucky 40977; 606-337-3806; crabluegrass@gmail.com.

Hey!  It's me again.  I hope that if you're reading this final note from me that you have read the information above from the Cumberland River Academy.  I see no guile in Darron or Vanessa; only a sincere wish to encourage, teach  and promote Bluegrass.  If you are interested in growing your talent or you know some deserving person whom you can sponsor, I think this weekend of training and fellowship is a no brainer.  What a great way to get a beginner on the right track or to refresh your own, perhaps, stale way of doing things.  Well, until next time......

"NUFF SAID!"