As of today, there are only 25 SPOTS LEFT for registration at the retreat. If you haven't registered yet, you're this close to missing out on one of the most fun, relaxing and informative dulcimer events ever! In about one month, we'll return to beautiful Homosassa, Florida where time has seemingly stood still for decades. Life there is tranquil, with the beautiful Homosassa River serving as the centerpiece for all of the wildlife, recreational activities and, of course, music. Over the course of four days at the Homosassa Riverside Resort, we offer 27 workshops in mountain dulcimer, hammered dulcimer, steel drum, pennywhistle, Native American flute, ukulele, music theory, performance and more! You'll also have a chance to join the Manatee Orchestra, a mixed-instrument ensemble that actually is the opening act for our big Saturday night concert! There will also be lots of jamming, including our traditional Friday night showcase set at the Homosassa River RV Resort and Campground.
For this retreat, our classroom will be located in a beautiful setting; a large, bright room with windows that look out onto the river and Monkey Island. Vending will be set up in the Manatee Ballroom where workshops have been held the past two years and, once again, event sponsor Richard Ash of Folkcraft Instruments will have a large display of dulcimers, ukuleles and more. Guy & Sharrie George will also have their ukuleles, pennywhistles, steel drums and other assorted instruments. I'll have Native American flutes from High Spirits on-hand and all of the instructors will have their books, CDs, DVDs and other media for sale to educate, entertain and send you home with some souvenirs to go along with your sweet memories of the retreat!
Whether you use your free time to go fishing, kayaking, snorkeling or swimming with manatees, you'll find plenty to do in the area or you can chill out and enjoy a beverage at the Monkey Bar or Yardarm Lounge. The Riverside Crab House is a full-service restaurant serving lunch and dinner daily and there are many charming eateries within a couple of minutes of the Homosassa Riverside Resort where you can enjoy breakfast, snacks or pick up something to nosh on back at your pad.
Don't forget to make your reservation for lodging at either the Homosassa Riverside Resort or the Homosassa River RV Resort and Campground, both of which are offering special discounts if you mention the retreat when arranging your stay. With everything taking place at the Riverside Resort, and the RV resort just a minute away, you're never far from the center of the action!
Don't delay! In just one month, we'll once again be making wonderful music, relaxing in Old Florida splendor and having a blast with family, friends and floating aquatic mammals. Use the links on the right to register, access the web sites for lodging and explore the workshops and schedule. It's four days of fun that you won't want to miss!
Looking forward to seeing you soon!
All my best,
Bing
P.S. We have already booked our reservation for the traditional post-retreat dinner at Walt Disney World's Hoop-Dee-Doo Musical Revue, a fantastic all-you-can-eat homestyle dinner featuring a rip-roarin' and utterly charming show that is one of the longest-running stage productions in history! However, you can still attend IF you can manage to get seats. We'll be going to the 4 pm show on Monday, February 2nd. We'll meet in Crockett Tavern at Disney's Fort Wilderness Resort and Campground before the show and then head out to the beach afterwards to watch the "Wishes" fireworks show launched from the Magic Kingdom. Always such a sweet way to end the retreat and spend some time with friends. (Some of us will be going to the parks as well - the fun just never stops!)
