Fur Peace Ranch

[gbesson]

Well it's coming up. I'm signed up for a weekend at the Fur Peace Ranch in Ohio for some lessons with Roy Bookbinder (sp?). Anyone ever been? ANy suggestions? I'm afraid I'm going to wilt in front of the talent that arrives?


I'm bringing my 614ce I think. Driving rather than flying to look out for the guitar.

I'm excited but pretty nervous too honestly. You think in the quiet of your home that when your kids tell you that you sound good they are right but in front of other experienced guitar players I'm pretty timid.

Anyone have any experience with guitar workshops?

[Stringdancer]

If this is Jorma's camp, it's "Fur Peach", not peace".

[gbesson]

http://www.furpeaceranch.com/

[Stuart]

Never been, but I will some day. I heard about the Fur Peace Ranch about two years ago. I've heard it's really fantastic - excellent instruction, lots of nice people, interaction with Jorma and great food. I demand to hear all about it when you get back. Oh, and pictures. Don't forget the pictures.

Jorma is my #1 influence. When I found out he had a sleep away guitar camp, I couldn't believe it. Gotta go some day.

[Rodger]

I think you'll have a great time. From what I've read, skill levels run the whole gamut - from near beginner to advanced. I'm sure they'll make you feel at home. It sounds like a learning experience for all - not a competition, so relax and have fun.

[gbesson]

Whew,
Thanks for the thoughts.
Jorma has been an inspiration and influence musically forever. I first started playing the Water Song in 1977 when we had these things called record albums. We would use the double albums to remove seeds . I vaguely remember those days.

I just spoke to Ginger at FPR and got some additional recommendations for accomadations the night before. I'd enjoy connecting with anyone on the forum whose going 9-17 to 9-20.

Pictures will be taken.

[tbondo]

Had a semi-private with Roy Bookbinder at the Bamboo Room in Lake Worth FL about a year ago --- 3+ hours with 2 other students. Bring your fingerstyle chops. He plays "eastern" blues ala Rev. Davis (?)....fingers only (no picks)...probably need to be intermediate (previous thread) or better to gain maximum results....you should have a great time, I sure did.....he's a very d-t-e person and great player...cool stories too (http://www.roybookbinder.com)

[gbesson]

Thanks TBONDO. I've read that about him. The testimonials are very favorable. I'm working mostly in fingerstyle lately so this fits where I want to get to muscially. I consider myself a good intermediate player (playing for 25+ years). I think that I will benefit from lessons to get me to another level in my playing. At least I'm hoping.

[Stuart]

Originally Posted by gbesson

. . . we had these things called record albums. We would use the double albums to remove seeds . . .

Well, I for one, have NO IDEA what you're talking about!

[Stringdancer]

Originally Posted by gbesson

http://www.furpeaceranch.com/

I have a friend who attended it, and it was known as Fur Peach. Maybe Jorma doesn't like Bush.

[TaylorFishin']

Originally Posted by Stringdancer

I have a friend who attended it, and it was known as Fur Peach. Maybe Jorma doesn't like Bush.

I live about an 1 1/2 hours from Fur Peace Ranch and have attended a few concerts there. As far as I know, it has been called Fur Peace Ranch since day one! They make a point to tell everyone how they came up with the name when they started the place.

gbesson - There will be a wide range of talent there. Some will be very advanced and some just talk a big game until the guitars come out.
I think you will like the camp. The entire gang that runs the place are "Love Children" from the Late Sixties! Hippies are good people ya know! There is even an old VW van with Flowers on it!

I was just there a couple of months ago to watch Pete Huttlinger. Man, what a player!

Have fun,

Scott

[snart]

Just wait until you check out the gourmet food. No kidding, I was ready to stay just for the vittles. All in all, it's a first class enterprise. Great instruction, great camaraderie, and like I said, great food. Just don't bring any booze or hooch. They will show you the door ASAP...

[GSnyde]

I'd love to go some day. Jorma has been a big influence on me, too.

[gbesson]

What a great forum. I appreciate all the info. The trip has inspired me to start practicing at least an hour plus a day, something I haven't done since I realized what I sound like. I'm working on alternate bass piking off of a homespun tape by Happy Traum. Great instruction. I think it is telling that the ranch is strict about mind altering substances. It says they are serious about the music and getting down to business. I can't wait. I'll let everyone know how it is.

[tbondo]

looking forward to your report...have a great time!