COVID
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to the safe presentation of in-person gatherings of all types. Our safety protocols are guided by the findings of the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Buncombe County Health Department and those of Warren Wilson College.
For the last two years, we have required documentation, verified with a photo ID, that all participants have received a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and have gotten the most recent booster dose recommended by the CDC.
Covid is still with us, but its prevalence has receded to the point where we no longer require vaccination, but still strongly recommend it. Anyone testing positve for Covid during the Gathering will be asked to leave in order to limit the spread of the virus among the participants. Participants will be updated throughout the spring of any changes or additions to these safety measures.
Contemporary Folk Week welcomes newcomers Tyler Ramsey and Crys Matthews, and welcomes back our old friends Elise Witt and Grammy-winner Don Henry to a staff that includes folk veterans John Gorka, Cliff Eberhardt, Joe Craven, Ellis Paul, David Wilcox, Nora Jane Struthers, Greg Greenway, Laurie MacAllister, and Vance Gilbert to form a stellar team of veteran singer/songwriters. Drawing on tradition and innovation, our instructors bring a world of practical and imaginative experience to help you create and perform the music that makes your heart sing. Whether you’re trying out material at a local ‘open mike’, a performer gaining some experience, a working musician looking for some help in reaching your next goal, or someone who would simply like to feel more confident pulling that guitar out in front of others, we’re here to help. Our top-notch staff, knowledgeable in the various aspects of both the art and business of contemporary acoustic music, can help you achieve your goals. In addition, our limited enrollment and small campus encourage community-building at its best with frequent and informal interaction between students and staff, all doing our utmost to ensure that you go home energized and empowered to make the most of your music. Choose from a wide variety of songwriting, performance, vocal and creativity classes which all stress supportive interaction among staff and students and individual attention to students’ needs. Each day’s schedule will address both artistic and commercial questions and concerns, while also providing time for sharing music on an informal basis, and social activities will include open mikes, concerts, song circles, and spontaneous music-making.
Contemporary Folk Week runs concurrently with Guitar Week, using the same schedule, so it’s easy to take classes in either program. Please note, however, that the Contemporary Folk Week open mikes are open only to those who have declared themselves to be Contemporary Folk Week students and are taking at least two classes in the Contemporary Folk Week program.