The 10th Annual 108 Cabin Fever Bluegrass Workshops at The Hills Health Ranch is scheduled for March 20-24, and it promises to be another successful event.
Event co-ordinator Rossetta Paxton says all of the instructors putting on seminars during the 10th anniversary have led seminars at least at one other Cabin Fever workshop.
Paxton notes the idea for holding a bluegrass workshop in the South Cariboo hatched when she attended a workshop and a fellow attendee Brian Carnell from Alberta said if I ever started a bluegrass workshop he would attend.
She mentioned her intentions of hosting a workshop to local resident Bob Dalrymple who suggested The Hills would be perfect because it had a large enough area to hold seminars and performances, accommodations and meals.
Paxton talked to The Hills owner Pat Corbett and the dream of the 108 Cabin Fever Bluegrass Workshops became a reality.
Depending on the economy, the event has attracted between 39 (first year) and 89 students over the years.
“It’s a holiday for a lot of the people who attend, and many of them return year after year. To them, it’s a sign that spring has sprung.”
As far as the seminars go, the only thing they have changed over the years is the addition of the clawhammer banjo seminar, and one year they had an old-time fiddle session.
There are a number special events during the four-day event.
There is a band scramble on Thursday night, during which Paxton puts all of names of the students and their instruments in a hat and randomly puts bands together.
They have to pick a band leader and choose two pieces – one instrumental and one with vocals – to play together. They get 15 minutes to practice and then the order of the performances is done by picking a number.
One of the most popular sessions is Seminar Leaders Concert on Friday night (March 22). The general public is invited to attend, and ticket are $20 by calling The Hills at 250-791-5225. Paxton urges folks get them early.
There is also a Sidewalk Sale scheduled for noon on Friday. The sale features products from the students and the seminar leaders.
Paxton adds there will be hats, instruments and many other musical products. This event is also open to the public and it runs from noon to 1 p.m.
