Internationally-recognized guitar players and instructors Robin Kessinger, Wayne Henderson and Jim Ritchey are the big attractions for the Guitar Workshop Weekend at Twin Falls Resort State Park April 11-13. This is a special event weekend tailored to guitarists interested in fine-tuning their finger-picking techniques, getting tips from a national flat-picking champion, hitting chords and licks, and learning the etiquette of jamming. The guitar workshop will begin with a Friday night instructors' mini-concert and jam session and conclude Sunday afternoon.
"Our workshop features what I believe are the three best guitar instructors any beginning or accomplished guitar player could hope to meet or learn from," says Scott Durham, Twin Falls Superintendent. "The opportunity to share their talents and teach others in a three-day workshop setting at a state park speaks even greater volumes about their character than their many awards. Kessinger, Henderson and Ritchey know guitars inside and out, from creation of the instrument to playing."
The Guitar Workshop Weekend, April 11-13 at Twin Falls State Park, includes two nights' lodging, workshop fee, lunch on Saturday and Sunday, break refreshments, and door prizes for $207 per person. For the workshop only, without overnight accommodations, the price is $98 per person. Cabin rates and other package prices are available. Advance reservations are required. Workshop size is limited.
Twin Falls State Park is located in Wyoming County on U.S. Route 97, near Saulsville between Mullens and Pineville. The park features a 20-room lodge and restaurant, 14 cabins, campground, 18-hole championship golf course and miles of hiking trails.
For more information or reservations call: Twin Falls Resort State Park (304) 294 - 4000 or 1-800-CALL WVA and ask for Twin Falls, or visit online www.twinfallsresort.com.
The Instructors
Robin Kessinger is one of the country's leading flatpick guitarists, winning the National Flatpicking Championship in Winfield, Kansas, as well as multiple state Flatpicking Championships. Kessinger holds titles in Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia, West Virginia, Best of Tri State (OH, KY & WV) and other contests. As a writer for the Bluegrass Unlimited Magazine wrote: "When Robin Kessinger performs, you can hear the ghosts of generations past joining in to help blend the notes from his guitar into the familiar strains of old-time-tunes." Kessinger has been featured on PBS and BBC television specials and NPR radio shows and teaches at Steve Kaufman's Flatpicking Camp, Augusta Heritage Workshops in Elkins, W.Va., since 1983, and at the Allegheny Echoes Workshop near Marlinton, W.Va., since 1997.
Wayne Henderson is a top-notch guitar finger-picker and instructor from Grayson County, Va. He has performed at Carnegie Hall, in three national tours of "Masters of the Steel-String Guitar," and in seven nations in Asia. In addition to his reputation as a guitarist, Henderson is a luthier (maker of stringed instruments). He is a recipient of a 1995 National Heritage Award presented by the National Endowment for the Arts. He produces about 20 instruments a year, mostly guitars; he as well-known for the mandolins he has made. Henderson mandolin owners includes Doc Watson, and Eric Clapton is a Henderson guitar owner. Blues guitarist John Cephas said that Wayne Henderson "is probably the most masterful guitar maker in this whole United States."
Jim Ritchey is an experienced guitar teacher, a recording engineer, a published songwriter and was a touring musician for 20 years. His songs have been recorded and performed by numerous artists, including Kenny Rogers, BaJae Fleming, Mickey Jones, Kelly Hunt, Jim Messina and B.W. Stevenson. Jim honed his writing and performing skills in the clubs of Austin and Dallas. A long time lover of the blues, Ritchey has worked with such legends as Lightnin' Hopkins, Mance Lipscomb and Big Mama Thornton.