The Bass Strummit

What a GREAT weekend!

2011-01-02T19:50:00.000-08:00

First, a big thank you from Jason & Mike to all our students. We can say without hesitation that this was our best workshop weekend ever, a great turnout of fantastic people, an entire weekend of learning, camaraderie, friendship and fun. The impromptu Cabernet, Tennessee whiskey, and single malt scotch tasting that cropped up during the Friday night reception/jam just further reinforces the fact that bass players are people of great taste, good humor, generosity, HUGE TALENT, and really know how to have a good time!

Secondly, many thanks to Missy Raines and Barry Bales for joining us on staff this year, you both were a wonderful addition, and the students much appreciated your input into their weekend of learning. Just top-notch!

We had folks from all over this year, Illinois, Alabama, Pennsylvania, Washington D C, New York, Tennessee, North Carolina, and closer to home in Virginia from Chesapeake, Huddleston, Wytheville, Salem, Radford, and Lebanon (VA). Just a few pictures and memories follow, and if you have images and memories you'd like to share, please send them our way, we'd love to post them on this forum. More images throughout the week, and a special announcement later this week, be sure to check back in with us.

The smiling faces of your hosts/staff L-R Mike Conner, Barry Bales, Missy Raines, Jason Moore

Missy with Group II, L-R Darrell Cobb, Nick Volkening, David Kinder, David Morris, Cliff Abbott

Mo' Missy

Jason demonstrating the near-lost art of bass playing while in a semi-reclined position

As you can plainly see, young David Chrisley is a quick study, immediately emulating Jason's method. The young are quick learners, yes?

Shirley Bates (L) and Cheryl Bacon listening intently to Jason Moore. Yeah, we're cool with 'lectricity in basses, most of us URB players plug into an amp now too

Some last minute updates and images for next week

2010-12-22T14:43:00.000-08:00

Hey Strummit Students,

Just wanted to give you folks a few last minute details before next week. First, if you've purchased your registration and haven't clicked on the "Register for Workshop" button to the right of the homepage, please do so now, there's a few details we very much need from you in advance, so please take care of that detail if you've not yet done so.
For those of you staying overnight with us in the Atelier, we'll be sending out your room numbers and the access entry code for the entrances to each of you individually (another reason to complete your registration!)via email. The entry code was changed for us today, and will remain the same throughout the duration of the workshop.

Here's a picture of the entrance to the Atelier:

When you make the turn onto Salem Avenue from Williamson Road, you'll turn directly left into the parking lot, and this is the view you'll see. The security key pad is right beside the entry door, come on in and take the elevator up to the second floor, that's where all the overnight rooms are located, and where two of the studio areas are, and its also where we'll be having the Friday reception.

Speaking of that turn on Williamson Road, you'll see this landmark to alert you to the turn:

This is the distinctive outline of the Taubman Museum of Art, which is directly across Salem Avenue from the Atelier.

We're at full capacity for overnight rooms at the Atelier!

2010-12-13T10:13:00.000-08:00

Hi folks, just letting you know that we have reached full capacity for rooms at the Atelier. If you're still considering coming to Bass Strummit III and need overnight rooms, please call us at 866-883-9466 toll free, as we have a special room rate for our customers at Best Western Valley View. We can make arrangements for you to receive a specially discounted room for either or both nights, but you must call us to get the special rate. For those of you who would like to be a bit closer, The Hotel Roanoke is just across the street from us and is beautiful, however we don't have any special room rates for them.
There are just 5 student spaces left, so don't tarry too long!

Overnight rooms filling up!

2010-12-06T18:28:00.001-08:00

As we get nearer to Strummit III, we've just about filled up our overnight rooms at the Mill Mountain Theater Atelier. As of this evening (12/6/10) we have two single rooms left in the Atelier. We also have just six student spaces left, so if you've been putting off registration, don't wait too long! If you don't get registered in time to stay on-site with us at the Atelier, Strummit Workshops has arranged for special room rates at the Best Western Inn at Valley View for folks who'd still like to attend and need overnight rooms. To get the special rate, you must call us at 866-883-9466 and confirm your student registration, and we will give you the contact for Best Western, and a special code to get your room discount. This hotel is located about 300 yards from the Roanoke Regional Airport, and a free shuttle is available to the hotel from the airport.
If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to call us toll free at 866-883-9466, and we'll see you next year!

And the Winner is ...

2010-09-20T08:09:00.000-07:00

Many thanks to all the folks who participated in the "Have Bass, Will Travel" contest, sponsored by The Bluegrass Blog, D'Addario Strings, Colorado Case, Acutab Publications, and The Bass Strummit.

The contest winner is David Morris! Here's David's video:

Congratulations to David, great video concept, funny stuff!

We'll be posting an announcement soon for ALL the contest entrants, check back with us shortly.

Poll: Help us select the 6 finalists

2010-08-24T18:06:00.000-07:00

Poll: Help us select the 6 finalists

Acutab has asked for your help in deciding the winner of their contest "Have Bass, Will Travel". Click on the link and cast your vote for your favorite bass thumper!

Thanks to Eric at The Bass Hangout

2010-08-18T19:42:00.000-07:00

Just a quick note of thanks to Eric at The Bass Hangout for helping get the word out about Strummit III. Lots of great info on their site about bass playing, strings, and just about anything else you'd like to discuss about the fine art of handling your URB.
Again, many thanks Eric, we appreciate ya!

Strummit III part of "Have Bass, Will Travel" Contest

2010-08-10T05:45:00.000-07:00

The fine folks at Acutab Publications have kicked off a contest to promote the brand new instructional bass DVD just produced by them with Strummit III instructor Barry Bales. Barry created a video about moving his instrument around (tongue firmly planted in his cheek, mind you) that inspired the contest. Entrants should create their own video of about how they move their URB around, and submit entries by clicking here http://www.thebluegrassblog.com/have-bass-will-travel/, as over $900 in prizes for the winning entry are available! They include a fantastic bass case from Colorado Case, D'Addario strings, Acutab prize package, and tuition to the 2011 Bass Strummit III! Deadline for entry is August 20, 2010, so break out those flip cameras and get busy, Acutab will certainly make it worth your while.

Strummit III announces D'Addario Strings package

2010-07-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

We've just completed arrangements with the foremost string manufacturer for acoustic instruments in the US, D'Addario Strings. As part of their sponsorship agreement with The Strummit, each student who signs up for the two-day workshop will receive one set of D'Addario Medium Tension 3/4 bass strings, valued at $225. This means that you could essentially get your workshop tuition fees back with that new set of strings!
Many thanks to Hugh Gilmartin, Peter D'Addario, and all the fine folks there at D'Addario Strings for their participation with us.

Bass Strummit III Announces Instructors

2010-06-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

The Strummit has just completed arrangements with our staff of instructors for Strummit III, and its a stellar line up to say the least.

Missy Raines "reigns" as the most honored bassist ever by the IBMA, winning that accolade an unprecedented 7 times! And not without good reason, her crisp notes, impeccable timing, and her jazz-inspired solo playing are without doubt some of the coolest licks ever "pizzacatoed" (is that even a word?) on an upright.

Currently touring with her group The New Hip, her past work includes the Claire Lynch Band, Eddie & Martha Adcock, The Masters, and even a stint with The Brother Boys. Her addition to the staff will increase the aesthetic provision of the workshops by no less than 297%, (the rest of us are guys, yall) not to even mention this rare opportunity to learn from her in a master class setting.

Barry Bales comes from that part of the world that has produced more than its share of bluegrass & country musicians, East Tennessee, namely Kingsport. His most notable gig would be that as bassist for Alison Krauss & Union Station, however the list of artists he's toured or recorded with include Dolly, Merle Haggard, Shania Twain, Clint Black, The Chieftains, Patty Loveless, and a host of others.

Barry's been awarded a Grammy 13 times in his 20 year musical career, and is in constant demand as a studio and concert performer. Again, another amazing opportunity to learn one of the finest upright players since Roy Huskey Jr. in our humble opinion, this is a chance not to be missed.

Jason Moore's abilities as a bassist, producer, arranger, and studio musician take a back seat to no one. As co-founder of the Strummit, he's been imparting his knowledge to eager students everywhere. From his early work with New Classic Grass, to a long ride with James King, and now onto bluegrass/newgrass super-group Mountain Heart, no one holds the timing line better (we believe that the phrase "hoss-cat" was coined after listening to a Jason Moore performance!) or has more drive than Moore.

His recording credits include the IBMA award-winning "Knee Deep in Bluegrass" (Acutab), the 2 solo projects of IBMA Fiddle Player of the Year Michael Cleveland, and "Tribute", the Jimmy Martin tribute project, Jason is a much sought after studio musician and producer. Again, another rare opportunity to learn from one of the genre's greatest players.

Mike Conner is probably better known in the bluegrass world as a promoter, even though he's been playing and singing bluegrass. country, old time, and blues music for nearly 30 years. Mike is a co-founder of the Strummit. He often says that the hardest thing to learn is what NOT to play.

Mike's credits include tours or recordings with Herschel Sizemore & Sandy Ridge, The Hearts, The Inspirations, The Stacy Hobbs Trio, Gap Mountain, Kenny Baker, and he's now kicking off a new duo with John Miller, Conner & Miller, who's latest release will be out this fall on Rural Rhythm Records. John & Mike have also formed an new band called Bluestar, that will support the new Rural Rhythm release of the all gospel project "Look to the Light".

Jerry Fretwell has spent his life looking for the best sounding basses, and Fretwell Bass in downtown Staunton, VA is the result of that life-long love of music and bass playing. Jerry & his wife & best buddy Mary have created an upright bass players' heaven, with Kays, American Standards, Kings, and all sorts of vintage basses in their showroom, at times as many as 60 of these beauties at any one time.

In addition to the fantastic collection of basses for sale, their shop is full service with all manner of new & vintage instruments, and Jerry & his qualified staff are well known specialists in the field of upright bass repair & set up. He & Mary will be with us for a care/repair/set-up clinic for the January 1st workshop

Bass Strummit III begins registrations for January 2011

2010-06-23T04:09:00.000-07:00

We're pleased to announce that registrations are now open for Bass Strummit III. The workshop is scheduled for January 1st & 2nd, 2011. We'll be announcing instructors shortly, and for the first time, we'll be doing a two day event with multiple instructors.

The workshops will again be held in the Mill Mountain Theater Atelier, located in the historic restored Shenandoah Hotel building in Downtown Roanoke. The Atelier features overnight rooms that have been uniquely decorated, each is different and both double & single rooms are available. Rooms are dormitory styled and are located on the same floor as our common rooms where we'll be teaching. A large commercial kitchen is also located on that floor as well, so if you're into doing your own thing for meals, there's plenty of space for that, lots of cold storage and plenty of stove/microwave space. Be aware that this room space is limited, and may fill up quickly, so register early.

Since we're in Downtown, we'll be right in the middle of all sorts of New Year's Eve celebrations on the Friday night preceding the first day's classes. We'll be doing an informal reception in the Atelier for our students on Friday (December 31) beginning at 6 PM, sort of an opportunity for everyone to get their bearings, check into their rooms and get settled, and get the low-down on local attractions or New Years celebrations.

Here's the schedule on what we're doing Saturday & Sunday:

9 AM, January 1st, classes & introductions begin
10:15, fifteen minute break
10:30 to noon, classes resume until lunchtime
Noon to 2 PM, we break for lunch
2 PM to 3 PM, Jerry Fretwell leads a care/repair clinic for your bass
3 PM, classes resume
4 PM, fifteen minute break
4:15 to 5 PM, classes resume until ending at 5:00

9 AM, January 2nd, classes begin
10:15, fifteen minute break
10:30 to noon, classes resume until lunchtime
Noon to 1:30 PM, we break for lunch
1:30 PM, classes resume
3:00, classes end

If you have questions that aren't answered here, please email Mike at ffr@wrsc.roacoxmail.com and we'll get back to you with more information. You can also make reservations via phone by calling 866-883-9466, or by mailing your check made payable to The Bass Strummit to: Mike Conner, 3110 Williamson Road, Roanoke, VA 24012. If you need information regarding fees, see the registration link to the right of this site for complete pricing information, fees, and overnight rooms.