Andy Sicard

I just signed up for camp. Have you? Mike Holmes has (once again) assembled a great line up of mandolinists to perform and instruct at this weekend-long orgy of mando fun. Click here to check out the line-up which includes locals Skip Gorman, David Surette and some cats from the west coast Radim Zenkyl, John Reischman and Rich DelGrosso

The 23rd Annual Joe Val Bluegrass Festival will be held February 15-17, 2008 at the Framingham Sheraton Hotel and features Master mandolin workshops with Skip Gorman and Seth Austin on Friday, February 15.

In addition, workshops featuring Buddy Merriam, Tom Rozum, Ron Spears, Phil Zimmerman, Richie Brown, Jesse Cobb and August Watters will be held Saturday and Sunday during the festival.

Skip Gorman Mandolin Master Class Level: Intermediate to Advanced Friday, February 15, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. This intermediate/advanced class will work on both old-time and bluegrass styles of playing with a focus on fiddle tunes (hoedowns and waltzes) along with some practice in accompaniment and singing. Tunes will be learned by ear by breaking them into sections and playing them over and over again slowly until they become part of us and we lovingly become part of them.

Seth Austen Mandolin Bootcamp for Beginners Friday, February 15, 2:00 - 5:00 p.m. Mandolin Bootcamp is geared toward beginners or advanced beginners, no previous mandolin experience required. Possible topics to be covered include: chords on the mandolin, learning to play fiddle tunes by ear, song accompaniment, intros and fills, alternate picking technique, an introduction to improvisation.

See the Joe Val web site for registration and fees associated with the Master Classes. Weekend mandolin workshops are included with a festival pass. Additional information: Joe Val Bluegrass Festival

On Wednesday, Jan 2nd Cape Breton Fiddler Brendan Carey Block  will come to Groton to teach a Traditional Cape Breton/Scottish Music Workshop. The workshop takes place at the Stage Coach Inn, Groton from 7 to 8:30pm. This workshop is suited to those who play traditional melody instruments .Brendan will teach Cape Breton and Scottish tunes by ear. He will also teach a waltz. Workshop fee $20. For more info and to register please email ashling@verizon  or visit www.thegrotonsession.com. Payment must be made in advance of the workshop.

Andy just returned from attending a Monroe Mandolin gathering in Owensboro, KY. The event was held at the International Bluegrass Museum and featured Skip Gorman, Mike Compton, Roland White, Butch Waller, and David Long. Frank Wakefield even phoned in! It was unbelieveable!