The Washington Old Time Fiddler's Association hosts a week long workshop each year. I attended for the first time this year and it was a wonderful way to spend the week.

I entered the Lower Intermediate class taught by Leslie Beck (she's from Idaho). Leslie is a great teacher. Although the class had varying degrees of experience, she kept us at just the right pace to learn 20 songs over 5 days. That's a lot of songs, but she made it fun. Plus she provided notation and a CD of her playing each song (including slower versions of the fast songs).

On top of 5 hours of class each day, they offered one hour mini-workshops each afternoon, and you could jam at night with all sorts of folks. I did not have any jamming experience before this workshop, but I feel confident now about joining (or just listening when appropriate) any jam.

I had a great time meeting other WOTFA members, and I pretty much walked around the whole week with a big grin on my face.

I am totally inspired. If you are interested in old time and other music genres like country swing; scandinavian; dance music like jigs, square, waltzes; and more you definitely want to check out this friendly group.Ø

I had my introduction to Wintergrass yesterday. What an exciting event!
Vendors were selling instruments, books, CDs, and more. People found little nooks all over the Shearton Hotel to jam together. 5 stages of live music and three were in the hotel making it easy to find something good everywhere you turned.

A couple of bands I saw had excellent performances and I would recommend seeing them:

• The Infamous Stringdusters
• The Greencards
• Uncle Earl (although their sound guy could use a little training)

All of the music was fantastic and people really seemed to enjoy themselves. Workshops were held earlier in the day, but I did not get a chance to attend any.

It was great to experience and I'm definitely going back next year with plans to stay in Tacoma for at least a couple of days so I can get the full experience. Maybe I'll be capable enough to jam with some folks by then!