Once Upon A Time.......

there was a lovely little mountain valley with a stream running through it. Blackberries grew luscious in August. The apple trees were hung with fruit most years, and the meadow rang with the sound of fiddles, guitars, and voices for two weeks late in the summer. It all started in 1971 with a woman named Martha. She had a liking for old time music. She and her husband, Red, invited all comers to join them in their little paradise for a bit.

Those who came, played with and for each other, and whoever showed up for the nightly 6PM potluck. From six folks standing around a campfire, it grew to a stage, "Martha's Opry," and some years up to fifty RV's camped there together.

Martha passed away, and Red chose to stay in town for the tirst time this year instead of coming out to the homestead for Camp. Karen and Willie continue the tradition started by their mother.

All sorts of music can be heard in Camp, Bluegrass, Classical, Old Time, Appalachian, Rock, and Blues. The Fish and Game man showed up to count fish in the creek. He had an African Mbira--thumb piano--with him. Now "World" music has also graced the stage at the Warwick Camp Out.

As the years roll on, the faces on the campers change. The campers keep coming. The meadow still rings with music.

This was undoubtedly the cushiest camping ever! The Goddess Gazebo was the hosptality area. The tent was deep within the Black Walnut Glade. A cot with a fine mattress was the ultimate in comfort, AND-- a hot shower was only moments away!!!

DJ came out to play her harmonica on stage. Her son used to play in a band with Willie when it was known as the "Herman Berman Band." Not bad to be approaching 90 yrs. old, and making your musical debut backed by 5 professionals on stage with a complete sound system. Go Girl!And in her OWN words......."Hi Sylvia, I sure had a good time Friday. How more special could it have been?...from scrabble with COMPETITIVE people out to win...to MY last hooraw under a half-full moon in an indescribable woodsy Eden. Maybe that was not my last hooraw. I’m waiting for the public to come seeking my talent. After all how many ninety (almost) year-olds get to draw what could have been their last breath, blowing into a used-to-be $1.00 musical (?) instrument.HONER ..backed by a fiddle, a keyboard, and four or five guitars...on a stage lit and amplified by professionals!"

Karen graced the event by wearing the "royal" hat she carried all the way home from England.

Some of the hours in camp were devoted to the Literary Guild initiated by Connie...formerly a college professor of literature. Her animated selections from Joyce Carole Oates new book were quite riveting.

Nora and Karen declare Monday night Accordian Night.

This was certainly the first time that a Mbira was heard near the East Fork of Williams' Creek. Josh says it will not be the last. He is making plans to return for Camp 2008. He also plays folk blues on his guitar.

Mark sang one of the tunes he particularly favors......"Jesus Talks To Me When I'm Drunk." Dale came down from the Seattle area. He fixes up old violins and gives them away to kids who cannot afford an instrument. He let me play his favorite fiddle. It has something to say about every one of the two hundred years that it has been singing. He is a generous man who easily shares his pleasures.

Bluegrass was on the docket for Saturday night. Some fine close harmony vocals were an added treat to the impeccable instrumental offerings.

Carl and Greg and John were as much fun to watch as they were wonderful to listen to.

Ben has been voted "Mr. Personality" in Camp.

Unique ensembles formed and dispersed on a regular basis.

Even non-musicians find that they can play while at Camp! Miracles are expected and are therefore common. The ukulele is truly the "Instrument of Innocent Merriment."

Karen crafts another memorable Birthday Cake. Els had just returned from a backpack trip in northern California. Looks like the tent was not quite big enough for her AND the bear!

Spike, a bona fide patron of the arts, made the largest contribution to Camp of the year!

"Music will always be with us, from the dawn of time til the end. We draw in the breath of our ancestors, and play the notes that have been sounded millions of times before. The eternal music never stops: it flows through us from generation to generation and connects all people at our most primal level."

Barry Hall ...... from Mud to Music