News from the 2022 Retreat

[DianeB]

It’s been three years, but we are back at Deer Run once again. We arrived under a cloudless blue sky on a crisp fall afternoon with the Franklin countryside in full fall glory. This morning I collected Doug at the airport and we made a run to Carter Vintage Guitars. After lunch at M. L. Rose and a pilgrimage to the Gibson Garage downtown, the reunion was on.

It’s a full house, with 25 attending, counting Steve and Paulette. Most of the attendees are first timers at the retreat. We assembled in the living room for Steve’s welcome and a group lesson. After dinner, we enjoyed a few student performances. These were followed by some tunes from Collin Hill, and finally our special concert by Gareth Pearson. Finally we adjourned to the outdoor fire pit for s’mores and commiseration. It’s good to be back.

Forgive my brevity, but it’s been a long and happy day. Guitars and friends all around. For now, good night to all who are with us in spirit.

[matonanjin]

And, @DianeB we are with you in spirit.  Brevity understood and thank you in advance for allowing us to enjoy the Retreat through your reports.  

[DianeB]

Another brilliant day began with a full breakfast and Steve’s practice advice on posture, hand position, breathing, and mindset. Gareth Pearson returned for a masterclass on the open chord A, E, and D families (which use an open root, a key to fingerstyle). At lunch, he invited me to join him, and our table got to know him better over delightful conversation with a man from Wales who doesn’t speak Welsh.

We’re not using the upstairs meeting room this time, so the whole clan piled back into the fireplace room for Steve’s class on creating a fingerstyle arrangement. Improvement = Exploration, he stressed. Our homework was to explore drop D to see what we could find. Finishing out the instruction, he taught us the first measures of the intro to “Fire and Rain”. Then it was time to relax. I strolled the grounds, tested the rocking chair on the porch, noodled a bit in drop D, then stretched out for a nap.

After dinner, a few more student performances, then two hours of Richard Smith’s fingerstyle fireworks. Wow, wow, wow. Milk and cookies and guitar stories around the fire pit, then lights out and the lodge fell quiet.

[DianeB]

Just another day in guitar paradise. In the morning some exercises with Steve,  and a few people demonstrated the results of their drop D homework. Our masterclass with Richard Smith generated more notes in my notebook than I can here summarize, beyond: “Have a goal, however small, and play it perfectly.” After lunch Steve discussed gear: cases, DIs, straps, pedals, and nail care. Here’s to Revlon nail buffs. John Knowles returned to the retreat for a seminar on arranging songs.

During recess the first Fingerstyle Retreat Cornhole Tournament was dominated by team “Drop D’s” (Dunk-‘Em Dave White and Doug Benson) who snatched the trophy from team Capos and team Tritones, who go home with Honorable Mentions. The Carpetball matches were equally spirited. Wagering results are not available.

Bring on dinner: roast pork, mac and cheese, corn on the cob, salad, and apple pie.  More student performances followed, then Steve and Paulette held the drawing for the door prizes: subscriptions to Acoustic Guitar, Fishman acoustic preamps, and a grand prize of a Fishman Loudbox Mini. Our evening concert was a jazzy, mellifluous performance by Sean McGowan. Ice cream Coke floats polished off our final night. Early start tomorrow, and we have to ship out by 11:00 am.

The Cloud is acting quirky. I have photos that are not yet available to post right now, so I’ll have more for you in a few days.

[Eracer_Team-DougH]

I'd have to practice a lot of Fingerstyle and possibly Travis picking before attempting this amazing time.

Glad you have a good time

[DianeB]

As we slept, the drizzle drifted in, and we awakened early to a cloudy, cool, and damp morning. The kitchen filled with the aroma of pancakes, coffee, and bacon. No one is late to the table here, even at 7:30 am. We made certain everyone who needed transportation to the airport was matched with a ride, then it was one last round of student performances. Steve brought Sean McGowan back for the morning masterclass on how to practice.

Finally, time for the guitars to return to their cases, and their owners to their routines. We packed our suitcases, tidied our rooms, and traded hugs. A few more sentiments for Steve’s memory book, a few more sips of coffee, a few more m&ms to go.

As I hauled my bags up the slope to the car, the acorns once again crunched beneath my feet — a peculiar sound to come from someone walking on air. These are my friends, my guitar family, my consolation, my inspiration. Go in peace, and play with passion.

[DianeB]

Just a few more: mural at Gruhn’s nearing completion; Doug at the Gibson Garage; Kevin, Gregg, and Steve; chow time; Dom and Steve; on hot chick row with Roxanne and Barb 😉

[Gary Nelson]

Diane, thank you so much for capturing a few moments from this weekend.    This was my first Fingerstyle retreat but I certainly hope it won't be my last.     My only advice to anyone considering attending for the first time, but you are afraid your Fingerstyle chops aren't up to snuff - come on anyway!     There is something to be gained for players of every skill level.   And the opportunity to learn from some of the best artists in the business can't be measured!   Sitting 5 feet away from Richard Smith during his rendition of "Stars and Stripes Forever" - I was expecting fireworks!

[Nancy Lawing]

Thanks, Diane, and so beautifully written!  I'd love to hear about the how to practice session.  Hope to go one day and enjoy that coffee and bacon.

[DianeB]

You want a relaxed hand position and good timing. Doesn’t hurt to bring along a sandbagger, either 😆

[Sharont]

Thanks @DianeBfor the pics and play by play.  You have a way of bringing the event to life with your words.  

[Roxanne]

Diane, 
I followed you home to the East Coast the next day. I really enjoy your pictures and descriptions. Roxannr

[Elizabeth S.]

It sounds like a weekend of pure bliss! Diane, your words and pictures captured the magic and comaraderie of our very special guitar family. Wish I could have been there to enjoy it with you. Thank you for sharing your experience so beautifully. 

[Steve Krenz]

Wow, I'm just now stumbling across this play by play.  So wonderfully written, capturing the fun and learning of the event.  Already making plans for next year!

- Steve

[NeilES335]

Looks and sounds like a wonderful time 🙂.