Wondering how smart (or not) it is to bring guitar- I am just learning how to play and can play a few chords. Is there opportunity to "jam" with others and pick up some pointers. I have a nice wood guitar and wondering how the dampness might affect it. I only have a soft case for it- don't want to schlep a hard case (or buy one).

there will definitely be opportunities to jam with others/ pick up pointers- but as to how the weather will affect it, I can't really say- I've never had a guitar that I paid more than $50 for so I always just brought it along and it always seemed fine to me.

There are pretty extreme temperature swings diurnally at fest some years. It can also go from damp to dry fairly quickly. If you have a really nice guitar, the climate changes may very well affect it to some degree. It can affect your set-up, cause hairline cracks in the finish or worst case, warp your neck. There isn't really any way to predict how a specific instrument will react. If your instrument has been exposed to extremes before it will proly be ok, if not, who knows? I have seen some significant damage from temp extremes from storing instruments in cars in the sun.

I would never bring an instrument to fest that I was worried about loosing, either to temp changes or moisture. Remember, we're in the freaking woods!

I have seen some womyn with pretty nice-looking guitars around the fire at triangle. I think they are brave, I wouldn't take the risk. Another thing to consider if you do decide to bring it is some way to regulate the humidity in the case. If it's a beginner instrument, it's probably not even worth it to go that far, just remember it might get damaged. If I ever brought a guitar to michfest it would probably be a heavily used pawn shop guitar. :) Cars can get 200+ in the sun. I'm not sure how hot tents get, but I'm pretty sure not as hot as cars.

Thanks everyone for your feedback about bringing my guitar. Even though I am a beginner (again), I have a close bond with my guitar- it's a beautiful wood acoustic-electric- no special name brand but not a cheapy. She will remain at home until my return.

Hi, I would like to bring (maybe buy there) but start shopping now for a
drum to bring to Fest. My fantasy would be that it is made by a woman.
I wish to have it for drum circles, meditation, healing, etc so would like it
to have that energy. I would also like to put my hands on it before I buy it, or
have it made for me...AND maybe the tricky part would be that I prefer
the price to stay under $100.

I am also open to a gift of one that has been used this way,
still prefer built by a womon for womon. (or used one for sale)
I was going to say "loan" but I prefer to not worry about it so
it needs to be mine.

That is my fantasy. I am open to recommendations about drum types.
(it definitely needs to be campfire side portable) I am an amateur...have
not been taught anything about drums. (yes, choir/drums/choir/drums..which
intensive? ) So can't really tell you which I am drawn to. (do I really have
to pick ONE?)

I have been told that drums need to be made to be able to be tuned.
(I bought one at a flea market and it is not. You know, the sort when
you hit it everyone looks at you? No? ) It is nice to know if it is something
traditionally used for the purposes I mention above...as well as if it is usually
a womyn's drum or not.

That in mind......My attitude toward music, sound, and art is that it comes from
the soul, so only being allowed to strike an instrument a particular way, only certain
genders being allowed to play it...all that.....um...no. (unless it is the rules for
a class or a particular circle of course) So if it comes from another woman
who feels the same way, that is a plus.

Soooooooooooooooooo recommendations anyone?

Meanwhile while I was searching for drums made for and by womyn, I came across
these videos that I thought fit well here. Maybe even some have played here already.
I think you will enjoy them.

first for those who think they might be getting old.... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mYZkFOZoP-o
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wq1a2xk- ... re=related I suspect these gals capture the Fest spirit
as do these http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pAArhi8T ... re=related

Greetings,

I teach many drum workshops at Michfest, and am also a drum seller. Feel free to contact me about any questions you may have regarding drums. Been at this for a few decades, so know my way around drums and the land.

Email me at drummerchrisca at aol dot com

Be well,

~~drummerchris~~

Hey drummerchris

I sent you an email. Had something on my mind. Hope all is well with you and please know that your expertise is appreciated by many!

savvy