La-La-La-Lark Camp!

Irish Seísun in the Camp One kitchen

Another summer, and Lark continues to exceed expectations. It is such a weird and rare world. It's not just hippie musicians in the woods, because it's folks from all walks of life. It isn't just instruction, because it encompasses an expansive social life, a chance to catch up with old friends who you may only see this one time per year, meet someone completely new to you, or build better friendships with people you only know a little. It's a chance to play, dance, and sing, shine and learn. All this under the canopy of coastal redwoods with ravens clacking contentedly. Someone once said,

"This is not a music camp--it's a love camp!"

I think Lark Camp is both. This year I taught two workshops and as always, thoroughly enjoyed my students. Danny Carnahan (who teaches a songwriting workshop) likes to joke that the secret truth is that he benefits from the students as much as they do from him, and it's true. Each year I gain new insight into what it is that needs teaching! Also, this year was my first post-knee surgery year, and I did a bit of cautious dancing, delighting in the fact that I COULD DO IT! That alone, was immensely reassuring and just plain delicious! Each year, someone comments that they wish camp could go a few days longer, but I think one week is perfect. It leaves you yearning to come back again next year!

My "office" in the Mendocino Woodlands for a week