Time to reboot? Let's see.

I stopped blogging here almost 6 years ago. Trying to decide whether a reboot is warranted. When I logged, there was 1 draft for my TOAPP camp in 2017. Just for the record, assuming no change in plans, I expect to attend my 9th TOAPP camp in August. It should have been this past August, but obviously postponed because of Covid. Not sure if I will continute here, or find a new place.

TOAPP Camp 2017 (One for the other Thumb)

Last week, I attended my sixth Three of a Perfect Pair camp. One of the highlights, was taking this group shot with my friends, who I first met in August of 2011, and have been there along with me.



My group of friends from this camp is however larger, since there are approximately 50 people that have been to been to more than one camp. Things have taken on the characteristics of a musical family reunion. Universally, the entire group talks about PCD (or Post Camp Depression), which is always strongest in the weeks following camp, while we wait for the next one.

This time around, I wanted to talk about the camp's evolution, and explain why it has become so special.

Day 0

Rehearsals and the 2nd Annual Pre-camp Dinner

The Full Moon features multiple buildings, including one known as the Roadhouse, which also has a cash bar. Originally, in 2011 the evenings were very similar to an Open Mic Night, and were very unorganized. One night, in the week was reserved for a group Jam, in the barn, where everyone with an instrument played for about an hour of cacophonous fun.

Things have slowly changed however, and the group jam has been retired. Now there is a sign-up sheet, so that campers can sign up to 1 of 2 songs with each of the 3 artists. This is followed by other groups of campers performing other songs, late into the night.

Since everyone now feels a responsibility to bring their "A" game, some attendees have started to get to Woodstock early, and begun renting rehearsal space during the weekend before camp. This year, this groups of campers rented out 2 studios, including Dreamland, pictured below:

I should add however, that we welcome players of all levels. Each camper is given an opportunity to play if they so desire. The camper audience is supportive, attentive and respectful in all cases.

Since so many people have been getting into the area a few days early, we have also started the tradition of having a Dinner at Tony Guido's in Kingston, the night before camp starts. In the two years we have done this, it has grown from about 4 tables to 7. Personally, I am already looking forward to doing this again next year.

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

Day 5

Apres-camp