(THIS INFO IS FOR THE 2023 EVENT. INFO FOR 2024 WILL BE POSTED IN FEB.)
COVID-19 SAFETY PROTOCOLS
The Covid-19 pandemic has presented unique challenges to the safe presentation of in-person gatherings of all types. For next summer, our safety protocols will be guided by the recommendations of the national Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the Buncombe County Health Department and those of Warren Wilson College. We anticipate that these measures will continue to evolve in response to the progress of the virus, but as of this writing:
– All participants, including children, must provide documentation, verified with a photo ID, that they are up to date with a COVID-19 vaccine primary series and have gotten the most recent booster dose recommended by the CDC. For maximum immunity, please insure that your immunizations are up-to-date at least two weeks before your participation in the 2023 Swannanoa Gathering.
– We recommend that Gathering participants remain on campus throughout the week.
– Other Covid precautions may be imposed in the spring depending on conditions projected for July. Registrants will be notified in advance of additional safety protocols.
– Participants will be updated throughout the spring of any changes or additions to these safety measures.
Contemporary Folk Week welcomes newcomer Dar Williams to a staff that includes Grammy-winners Tom Paxton and Jim Lauderdale, vocal instructors Moira Smiley and Red Molly’s Laurie MacAllister, and folk veterans John Gorka, Cliff Eberhardt, Joe Craven, Ellis Paul, David Wilcox, Nora Jane Struthers, Greg Greenway 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.