01/13/2023
Big Changes for 2023! Sadly Autoharps & Dulcimers 2 is no more.
The good news is that we're transitioning to an all-instrument weekend (any instrument that can be tuned to A 440). And, since we've had to change the date, we're especially going to have some Irish jigs and reels this year. Those of you who have atteneded A&D2 in the past know that we have struggled mightily with attendance. As such we're no longer ableto justify a dedicaed weekend at the Ashokan Center. Rather than abandon the event entirely, after all we are having the one and only Russ Rentler on staff this year, we're combining with Ashokan's Maple Fest on March 17, 18, & 19 which is St. Patty's Day weekend, hence the Irish jigs and reels.
In the past tuition charges have been built into the overall event registration. This year we're going to an alacarte option: some classes will have a nominal ($10) fee payable directly to the instructor, or a materials charge (for the kumihimo classes), or no charge at all (sing alongs, song swaps, informal instruction). Additionally, the music by Maple Fest artists, guided tours to the sugar shack, and blacksmithing are all included in your lodging/meal fee.
Meals will be a little different this year as the campus generally hosts about 250 day visitors for Maple Fest which features pancakes & sausage with maple syrup from 10AM - 2PM so the kitchen is a little preoccupied with pancakes. This year your lodging fee will include Friday & Saturday evening dinners, a Continental breakfast on Saturday & Sunday, and pancakes & sausage for lunch both days.
Norm Williams, Russ Rentler, and Rich Kuklentz will cover most of the music & singing sessions: many open to all instruments/all levels including uke's. I'll assist with those needing beginner help with MD, HD, and AH as well as 2 kumihimo sessions, one for beginners the other slightly more advanced. Please refer to the Maple Fest page on the Ashokan webiste for more information regarding activites that will be included. For what it's worth, Rich & I have volunteered at Maple Fest for the past 4 years and it's one of our favorite events at Ashokan.
Lastly, if there is a particular tune or technique on MD, HD, or AH that you're interested in exploring please send me a message ([email protected]) and I'll see if we can accommodate it.
Looking forward to seeing you St. Patty's Day weekend at Ashokan!
