August 2011

I cannot imagine the world without music. In particular, the guitar since it was the first instrument that jerked my chain at the age of 5. My father was a crooner in the 50’s in the country music world. He was a champion yodeler and as far as I am concerned it was his music and the musicians that influenced him that set my soul on fire. I remember weeping elephant tears when I first heard Elton Brit. If you don’t know who Elton Britt was…you should. He had a voice that was unmistakable, smooth and riveting. The notes he sang went through me like water. At a very young age I was introduced to all of the early country greats. Kenny Roberts, King Yodeler was the rock star of yodelers, Hank Snow (who my Dad played with) and a crooner from Australia, Frank Ifield. Frank Ifield actually made it to the Ed Sullivan show when I was a kid…he was like the Tom Jones of Australia. The first time I heard him singing “I Remember You”, I could not contain my emotions. It was a lot to carry on my heart, I thought even then. But I know why I was moved to tears. It was those tears that brought me here to the Fur Peace Ranch.

This is a little strange I know…I am married to the king of psychedelic guitar but my heart belongs to yodeling? Actually, my heart belongs to any music that moves me. And let me tell you, the list is long. I have thought about this for years…..I am not just a fan…..I am moved by instruments that sing. So that mystery was not hard to solve. If I look back throughout my life, all of the artists that I have loved either played an instrument that sounded like singing or sang and played in great accompaniment with their instrument of choice. They were one. It is an art form of the highest order. I have been so blessed to be in the presence of so many great artists that have passed through the gates of Fur Peace who’s music and playing have moved not just me to tears.

We will be graced again by one of my favorites, Verlon Thompson who is teaching a songwriting class from August 12th – 15th. He will be joined by Jorma and Lee Allen Zeno who is teaching bass guitar for the first time at The Ranch. Lee has a rich history in the culture of the Mississippi Delta, and the bayou country of southwest Louisiana. Lee’s drive & dedication, along with the ability to cross the genres of blues, zydeco, gospel, country and soul music make my hair stand on end. The bass guitar…another instrument that sings to my soul. If you can make it down that weekend…..you should try to take his class. Music is what Lee knows and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity to get that groove straight from his hands to yours.

Hope to see you there…….

Vanessa Lillian

Airdates: August 17 – 23, 2011

Nick & Helen Forster welcome two legendary musicians who’ve been performing together for over 50 years: Jefferson Airplane founding members Jack Casady and Jorma Kaukonen. These Rock & Roll Hall of Famers will be in their Hot Tuna mode and will share music from their newest release, Steady As She Goes. Returning to eTown for her fourth visit is the uber-talented pop-folk songstress and songwriter Dar Williams. She’s delighted devoted audiences for years with insightful lyrics (The New York Times has said, “Wisdom flows through her songs in delirious, wordy rushes of truth”) and stellar singing. We’ll also bring you an inspiring E-Chievement Award story of a grassroots hero from Oregon. It’s going to be a great hour of entertainment, so join us in eTown.

Enrollments received after July 15, 2011 will be enrolled at our new 2012 rates.  Enroll now for the remainder of the season!

• Regular Camp Weekend $1350
• Special Weekends $1500 (no change)
• On-The-Road (varies by location)

2012 Incentives

• Save $75 on your second 2012 workshop enrollment
• Save $100 on your third 2012 workshop enrollment
• Save $200 on your fourth 2012 workshop enrollment

The first all-new Hot Tuna studio album since 1990 from Rock & Roll Hall of Famers Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady is now available as a audiophile 2-LP deluxe package. With stylistic echoes of all phases of their career from Jefferson Airplane to Hot Tuna's great electric and acoustic incarnations, it's being lauded by fans of Tuna, Airplane, the Dead, Allman Bros. and the jam bands who followed. Highlighted on NPR Weekend Edition, the album is mastered at half-speed and pressed on heavy 180 gram vinyl, housed in a double gatefold sleeve. The packaging features design and photos from the recording session at Levon Helm's Woodstock studio not used in the CD issued artwork. Three sides of the LP contain the 12 songs, while the forth LP side is a truly unique 'etching' artwork of Jorma and Jack's faces. This deluxe package INCLUDES A COMPACT DISC of the album (in paper sleeve) plus TEMPORARY TATTOO OF THE HOT TUNA LOGO with mermaid image from album artwork. Historic Hot Tuna!

Order Now
$33.00

"Old-time fans will delight in their absolute glory, returned, as it were, to those thrilling days of yesteryear. New fans will flip out, too. Hell, folk who think Hot Tuna is something served on toast will take one listen and start combing through the band's catalog. Steady As She Goes is that good." -  Twin Cities Daily Planet

". . . this thing will knock you on your ass. . ." - Jam Bands

Our radio show Live From Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch! is now available to broadcasters free via Air Play Direct thanks to a national sponsorship from our neighbors at Rocky Boots. Air Play Direct allows artists, record labels, and music publishers to securely deliver their broadcast-quality music and digital press kits to radio stations and music industry professionals worldwide. Air Play Direct provides an intuitive environment for radio programmers and film & TV music supervisors to connect to new music, create music calls, browse top downloaded artists, and immediately download music and related artist information.

Help spread them word and let your favorite radio station know our program is now available to them for free through Air Play Direct.

Over 20 stations have picked up Live From Jorma Kaukonen's Fur Peace Ranch! Including stations in Canada, Australia and Finland!

Fur Peace Ranch 2012 Workshop Schedule Dates:

Many of you have been inquiring about our 2012 schedule and when it will be coming out. While the first half of the year is pretty solid, we are still waiting on several instructor confirmations for the second half of the year. We plan on releasing the first half of the 2012 schedule in the next few days, with the second half of 2012 following shortly after (by the beginning of September).

• JANUARY 16 -20 JORMA KAUKONEN, MARJORIE THOMPSON at Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui, Hawaii
• JANUARY 23 – 27 JORMA KAUKONEN, CHRIS SMITHER at Royal Lahaina Resort, Maui, Hawaii
• MARCH 16 – 19 JORMA KAUKONEN, JACK CASADY, BARRY MITTERHOFF
• MARCH 30 – APR. 2 BILL PAYNE, GEOFF ACHISON, JORMA KAUKONEN
• APRIL 13 - 16 JORMA KAUKONEN, HAPPY TRAUM, LARRY CAMPBELL
• APRIL 27 – 30 FRANK VIGNOLA, LAURENCE JUBER, CLIVE CARROL
• MAY 11 – 14 JORMA KAUKONEN – Introduction to Fingerstyle Guitar: w/ MARJORIE THOMPSON & DAVID WOLFF...
• JUNE 1 – 4 TOMMY EMMANUEL - SPECIAL MASTERS SERIES
• JUNE 15 – 18 PIERRE BENSUSAN, COUNTRY JOE MCDONALD, TBA
• JULY 13 – 16 TBA
• AUGUST 10 – 13 JILL SOBULE, TBA, TBA
• AUGUST 24 – 27 TBA, TBA, TBA
• SEPTEMBER 7 – 10 TBA, TBA, TBA
• SEPTEMBER 28 – OCT. 1 JORMA KAUKONEN, ROY BOOK BINDER, TBA
• OCTOBER 12 – 15 JORMA KAUKONEN, CHRIS HILLMAN, HERB PEDERSEN
• OCTOBER 26 – 29 TBA, TBA, TBA
• NOVEMBER 9 – 12 JORMA KAUKONEN, JACK CASADY, BILL KIRCHEN

During the first week Jorma and Marjorie Thompson will dig deep into the Jorma bag, breaking down and building up songs from Jorma's repertoire that will be presented for the first time in this level 2/3 workshop. Topics will include the essentials of fingerstyle guitar: alternating bass and melody lines, chord inversions, and keys - plus a variety of runs, licks and fills that will add character to any song you play whether it is improvisational, cover or original. JK and Marjorie provide one-on-one assessments, solid teaching, a wealth of materials and individualized instruction - a sojourn that will stimulate the soul.

For the second week Jorma will teach his first ever Songwriting workshop! Jorma will illustrate in a workshop setting how he charts the path of a song from his heart to his hands and voice. Chris Smither will teach a level 3 Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop during the second week. Smither is a distinguished songwriter, performer and talented teacher, whose experience spans over four decades. The two major influences on Chris Smither's guitar style were Lightnin' Hopkins and Mississippi John Hurt. This workshop will demonstrate how he has combined aspects of their playing to form his own style. The goal is to show students how to make a guitar arrangement that is an integral part of a song, as opposed to mere accompaniment; how to use these techniques as a stimulus to songwriting in which the guitar part becomes the song instead of an after-the-fact embellishment. This workshp with Chris Smither will provide an experience to enhance your musical virtuosity while providing keen insights for your playing and songwriting skills.

Join Jorma Kaukonen, Marjorie Thompson and Chris Smither in Maui at the Royal Lahaina Resort from January 16 - 20 or January 23 - 27, 2012 for a bucket list experience and a winter break that will leave your friends envious and wanting to join you.

Applications are being accepted now!

• Tuition*: On Site: $2200 at the Royal Lahaina Resort (Lahaina Kai Tower Guest Rooms)
• Off Site: $1800 (For locals, or make your own lodging accommodations at one of Maui's many fine resorts or inns.)

Tuition includes 12.5 hours of workshop instruction, All Meals (Monday dinner, all day Tues, Wed, Thursday and breakfast on Friday), Lodging (with on-site tuition), concert with instructors!

* Please note that airfares are not included. Participants must arrange their own air/ground travel.

* Extended Stays: You may extend your stay at the Royal Lahaina Resort for up to 3 days on either side of your workshop (for a total of 6 extra days). Fee: $200/night (based upon double occupancy), add $35 for each additional person.

Bring the loved one(s) too (not just the guitar):

* Guest Fee: $325/pp includes lodging (with enrolled student), meals, student performance, instructors performance, all other activities excluding workshops.

Last winter much of the nation was pounded with heavy snows, but not Hawaii!! So be apart of the FPR On-The-Road Hawaii 2012 workshops and escape the cold, dreary winter and experience the Hawaiian sunshine and Aloha spirit!

Read more about what's happening at FPR and On-The-Road

• Jorma - Cracks In The Finish
• Vanessa - The Labryinth
• Hurl's - Checkin' The Levels

If you haven't already seen the FPR Youtube Channel, be sure to stop by and rate our videos, or become a subscriber.

We are excited to have reached the 200,000 viewers mark! We hope to keep you coming back for more videos of from the Fur Peace Station.

Thanks to all of you who subscrbed to the FPR channel. We appreciate all your support.

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