The Eighth Annual 108 Cabin Fever Bluegrass Workshop and festival at The Hills Health Ranch are just around the corner.
People are invited to register for three and half days of workshops with others who share a love for playing bluegrass music.
"We provide ample opportunity for class time, special workshops, jam sessions, concerts and many other spontaneous activities," says event co-ordinator Rossetta Paxton.
The roster has an impressive list of seminar leaders and some of the best players in the world, Paxton says, adding most of them have been in the music industry since they were children.
"The seminar leaders are not only wonderful musicians, but they're also excellent instructors. People will learn a lot from these truly talented artists."
She adds the International Bluegrass Music Association recognizes all the leaders, and most of them are award-winning musicians.
The workshops are from March 31 to April 3, and the fun gets started with an evening reception March 30 during which participants can meet the instructors, get workshop information and jam with other members. Thursday to Sunday feature daily morning classes, with mentor classes and special workshops scheduled for the afternoons.
The special workshops are led by sound technician Ken Oldhaver, helping people with acoustics; and resident camp luthier David Sohn is also willing to see local residents if they are experiencing problems with their instruments. For an appointment call The Hills at 250-791-5225, and leave a message for Sohn with your contact information.
Seminar leaders include The Special Consensus with Ryan Roberts, Greg Cahill, Rick Faris and David Thomas; Jason and Pharis Romero; John Moore; Steve Spurgin; Jason Homey; Gene Bretecher; Keith Hill; Garry Stevenson; and Tim Tweedale.
They will teach everything from rhythm and flatpick guitar, banjo, mandolin and Dobro to song writing and vocals, Paxton says.
"On April 1, we will have an instructor's concert for the students and it's open to the public."
She adds it is festival seating (no reservations). Doors open at 7 p.m. and concert starts at 7:30 p.m.
"We had a sold-out crowd last year; it's a great evening."
Tickets, which cost $15, will be available at the door, but to avoid disappointment, Paxton suggests people pick them up at The Hills right away.
There are still some openings for the workshops, she adds. For more information, go online to www.bcbluegrass.com or call Paxton at 250-398-7368.