Fur Peace Announces 2013 Workshop Schedule!

Fur Peace Ranch Announces 2013 Schedule The Fur Peace Ranch is pleased to announce its 2013 Workshop Schedule! FPR 2013 Schedule FPR 2013 Fees & Tuition FPR 2013 Application Many of our top-shelf instructors will be returning in 2013 including: Larry Campbell, Tommy Emmanuel, GE Smith, Roy Book Binder, Woody Mann, Geoff Achison, Bill Kirchen, Chris Smither, Happy Traum and many others. The Captain of the Camp, Jorma Kaukonen, will bring his Songwriting class that has only been offered in Maui . . . back to the mainland this spring. Jorma has added a new level 3/4 workshop for those of you looking for a leg-up to his level 4 workshops. And he will be offering a new level 3 course that focuses on the Songs of Quah! The Fur Peace Ranch is also pleased to announce 4 new instructors to the roster for 2013! The drop-dead brilliant songwriter,Patty Larkin will be joining the fold with a workshop on Songwriting and Performance. Patty descends from a long line of Irish/American singers and tale tellers. A self-described "guitar driven songwriter" will pass on her imaginative lyrics and guitar wizardry to her sure to be dynamic class! The California Guitar Trio, who made their first appearance on the Fur Peace Station Stage earlier this year will return in 2013 to teach their first workshop at the Ranch. All of you players who like to use electronic gadgets, loops, and New Standard Tuning (Robert Fripp) will want to tune in for this one! Ruthie Foster will join the faculty next August to teach you Blues the Ruthie Way. Ruthie has garnered prestigous awards like the Koko Taylor Award and the BB King Entertainer of the Year Award and has been a staple in every Blues/Jazz Festival from the New Orleans Jazz Fest to Monterey Jazz Fest to the Telluride Blues Fest. Her brand of guitar playing and vocals are nothing short of phenomenal. Steve Earle makes his inaugural trip to the 2013 Season Opener. Steve is one of the most celebrated master storytellers there are. Steve will be imparting his authenticity, poetic spirit and cinematic energy to this eagerly anticipated class. Click here to check out the whole 2013 schedule and apply now before the seat you really want is gone! FPR 2013 Schedule FPR 2013 Fees & Tuition FPR 2013 Application This just confirmed . . . David Lindley will teach a level 1/2 Strictly Lap Steel for Beginners class in May. So drag out your crazy looking steels, dobros and Weisenborns and get ready for a wild class. David says "no bottlenecks please."

Fur Peace Ranch 39495 St. Clair Rd Pomeroy, OH 45701 (740) 992-2575 Monday, Wednesday - Friday 10 AM - 4 PM directorofc@earthlink.net

See the full schedule here! Enroll Here!

Inventive & Timeless Jorma Kaukonen Goes Out on Fall Tour

Inventive and Timeless Jorma Kaukonen Goes Out on Fall Tour Jorma Kaukonen has been and continues to be an inventive player from his timeless music as member of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame band, Jefferson Airplane days, through out Hot Tuna, and his own dynamic solo career. He will be performing intimate solo concerts: Sept. 01 Dark Star Jubilee, Legend Valley, Thornville, OH Sept. 12 Bearsville Theater, Woodstock, NY Sept. 13 Stage One, Fairfield, CT Sept. 14 The Colonial Theatre, Phoenixville, PA w/Loudon Wainwright III Sept. 15 The Stephen Talkhouse, Amagansett, NY Oct. 04 The Birchmere, Alexandria, VA Oct. 05 Rams Head On Stage, Annapolis, MD w/Peter Mulvey Oct. 06 Kirk Avenue Music Hall, Roanoke, VA Oct. 07 Natasha's Bistro & Bar, Lexington, KY Oct. 11 Infinity Hall, Norfolk, CT Oct. 12 Earlville Opera House, Earlville, NY Oct. 13 Narrows Center for the Arts, Fall River, MA Oct. 14 YMCA Boulton Center for the Performing Arts, Bay Shore, NY Oct. 18 Brewery Arts Center, Carson City, NV Oct. 19 Napa Valley Opera House, Napa, CA Oct. 20 Swedish American Hall at Cafe Du Nord, San Francisco, CA Oct. 21 The Big Room at The Sierra Nevada, Chico, CA Nov. 01 Dakota Jazz Club Restaurant, Minneapolis, MN Nov. 02 The Redstone Room, Davenport, IA Nov. 03 Stoughton Opera House, Stoughton, WI Nov. 04 Old Rock House, St. Louis, MO Nov. 15 Bell's Eccentric Cafe Back Room, Kalamazoo, MI w/Steve Kimock Nov. 16 City Winery, Chicago, IL w/Steve Kimock Nov. 17 City Winery, Chicago, IL w/Steve Kimock Nov. 18 20th Century Theatre, Cincinnati, OH w/Steve Kimock All shows include Barry Mitterhoff on a variety of instruments. Barry Mitterhoff is a mandolinist who cannot be pigeonholed. He performs a dazzling array of styles that include bluegrass, classical, swing and jazz, and a variety of ethnic styles such as Brazilian, Neapolitan songs, Klezmer and more. Perfect for accompanying whatever songs Jorma pulls out of his hat. “Kaukonen's highly inventive guitar work rocks tough and articulate, clean as a cat's whiskers. He still sings with that slightly strange, quintessentially laid-back voice,…waxing wry with an existential bent. His melodies, even mean as a snake, have warmed over the years with a bluegrass influence.” – Twin Cities Daily Planet “Within the music world, there are rare beings that seem to be able to lay hold of sounds and concepts that are seemingly ignorant of time and space. Jorma Kaukonen is one of those.” – Honest Tune Magazine

Jorma’s 70th Birthday Celebration DVD Jorma Kaukonen’s 70th Birthday Bash at the Beacon Theater in NYC on December 3 & 4, 2010 was a very special night, if not a historic one. There was electricity in the air and cause for celebration as Hot Tuna and special guests (We are talking about guitarists galore!) tore up the Beacon Theatre. Electric Hot Tuna and Friends lit up both nights with straight on rock and roll. It was a celebration of Jorma’s birthday for sure, and a celebration of a lifetime of friendships and musical camaraderie. To get your copy please go to the Fur Peace Ranch Store...it's not so "fur" away at furpeaceranch.com/store.

Steady As She Goes is one of Red House Records best sellers. It is available as a Deluxe Two-LP Set and CD. To purchase please go to furpeaceranch.com. “This is rock & roll with heart and an unwavering no nonsense spirit. … Essential listening!” – Eric A. Harabadian, Music Connection Greats, Innovators, in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Initiators of Psychedelic Rock, Purveyors of the Blues, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady are Hot Tuna. From their new hit album, Steady As She Goes (Red House Records), to their on air and live performances this legendary rock and blues band provides a fine musical experience, innovative, respectful and jammin'! To follow Jorma's escapades please join: jormakaukonen.com Twitter@JormaKaukonen www.facebook.com/pages/Fur-Peace-Ranch

Hot Tuna comes to Phoenix!

Well, Mesa to be exact. Last night Jorma, Jack and Barry weathered the heat and performed for an intimate crowd of in tune followers at the Mesa Arts Center. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the Mesa Arts Center it is certainly one of the finest facilities of it's type anywhere. I have seen many shows here including Buddy Guy and Jeff Beck as well as Hot Tuna on numerous occasions. The interior aesthetic of the Virginia G. Piper Repertory Theater is matched only by it's incredible acoustic quality which brings us to the show. Hot Tuna played a 26 (to my count) song

set which was broken by one short intermission. HT (Jorma Kaukonen on his signature Martin tobacco burst acoustic and vocals; Barry Mitterhoff on mandolin, ukelele, tenor guitar and octave mandolin; and Jack Casady on his signature Epiphone hollow body electric bass put together a very cohesive and interesting show. The concert began with True Religion which set the pace for what was to come all night... Hot Tuna, Rev. Gary Davis, rag style blues (with a touch of bluegrass and jazz). Early in the concert they played Hesitation Blues, one of my personal favorites in very traditional regalia but with a sweet "Hillbilly Jazz" (bluegrass and jazz mixed) break in the middle. Mitterhoff played a particularly cool solo on this track. On another RG Davis track, Let's Get Together, Jack took the first of many bass solos of the evening. Come Back Baby and Let's Talk It Over were both particularly strong. Jorma's guitar work was clean and expressive and he played a particularly nice solo on this track. How Long blues was another really strong performance followed by Let Me Lay It On You and a bluegrass jam to finish the first set. During the break I was checking out the bands gear and ended up in a discussion with the couple sitting just in front of me. I have been recently suffering dry eyes, a pretty common malady of living in the desert, using the computer too much and so on. The lady in front of me offered a vial of a solution that she has been prescribed and wow did it help. I also ran into a good friend Gene and his wife Cindi, fellow Hot Tuna fans. Second set included the Vicksburg Stomp (and they were literally dancing in the aisles), 99 Year Blues, Bar B Que King (featuring a great blues solo by Jorma)and the Doctor Gonna Fix It. This was a particularly great set sans the one overly exuberant fan sitting in the front row (with the close cut hair, wire rimmed glasses and Tommy Bahama shirt...yeah you know who you are) who was clapping along just ahead of the band to the point of total disruption. I mean it's hard enough for a totally acoustic band to run through all of these great tunes and stay tight but to have some egghead with no rhythm clapping louder than the band! I know...at least he enjoyed himself. HT wrapped the set with Good Shepherd, Parchment Farm, Keep Your Lamp Trimmed and Burning (one of my favorites from the early days of Tuna) and encoring with the Water Song. Nobody left the house without their fill of great traditional blues and Hot Tuna mix. Barry, Jack and Jorma played their asses off and Jorma's voice sounds as solid as it did when he first formed Hot Tuna. I don't know if it was the theatre acoustics or Jorma's guitar but it really sounded particularly crisp. The interactions of the band members were priceless and Jack became quite animated during a number of tracks which is always a treat. These guys were having fun and so was the audience. If you haven't seen these guys in a few years, this is a great. Catch it while you can. Great show guys!!

I apologize for the lack of photos and original video but I'm having el;ectronic malfunction today. I'll replace the video and supplimental photos as I can.

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! - ”LIKE”

Hot Tuna in Colo. & Ariz. July 2012

(Austin, Texas) Hot Tuna, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady, rev up their audiences with groundbreaking music and insightful songs that keep them a moving musical force. Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees from their legendary Jefferson Airplane days, Hot Tuna updates their repertoire always keeping a roisterous sound and a wry sense of humor. Adding dimension to the duo is mandolin virtuoso Barry Mitterhoff and, when electric, daring drummer Skoota Warner. Hot Tuna has just released a two-hour live performance DVD, Jorma’s 70^th Birthday Celebration with special guests and guitar players galore. (HotTuna.com) About Hot Tuna’s live performances the critics say:

“The symbiotic force of Kaukonen and Casady’s electrifying music led the band into a seminal rock jam. All told, the stunning performance cemented Hot Tuna’s continued presence as a fresh and innovative face of rock blues more than 50 years after the duo began playing together.” – Crawdaddy

“Kaukonen's highly inventive guitar work rocks tough and articulate, clean as a cat's whiskers. He still sings with that slightly strange, quintessentially laid-back voice, waxing wry with an existential bent. His melodies, even mean as a snake, have warmed over the years. Casady is Casady, one of the most unorthodox and profoundly gifted bassists ever known to rock music. They've always been a fascinating pair." – Twin Cities Daily Planet

Greats, Innovators, Initiators of Psychedelic Rock, Purveyors of the Blues, Jorma Kaukonen and Jack Casady are all these and more, they are themselves masters of expression. Catch the excitement live as they tour this summer. If not check out their new DVD and follow their escapades on twitter: @HotTunaBand.

July 01 The Bull Run Concert Series, Shirley, MA Shows: 3 & 7pm

July 05 Westbrook Performing Arts Center, Also Darol Anger, Westbrook, ME

July 06 The Flying Monkey, Plymouth, NH

July 07 The Theater at Newburyport High School, Newburyport, MA

July 09 The Arts Center, Carrboro, NC

July 10 Bijou Theatre, Knoxville, TN

July 11 Diana Wortham Theatre @Pack Place, Asheville, NC

July 13 Variety Playhouse, Atlanta, GA

July 14 Tampa Bay Perf. Arts Ctr, Tampa, FL

July 17 One World Theatre, Austin, TX

July 18 Kessler Theatre, Dallas, TX

July 20 Oriental Theatre, Denver, CO

July 21 Third Street Perf. Arts. Ctr, Carbondale, CO

July 22 Sheridan Opera House, Telluride, CO

July 25 Mesa Arts Ctr, Mesa, AZ

July 26 Orpheum Theatre, Flagstaff, AZ

July 27 Anthology, San Diego, CA

July 28 Rio Theatre, Santa Cruz, CA

July 30/31 Sweetwater, Mill Valley, CA (SOLD OUT!)

Aug. 02 Tower Theatre, Bend, OR

Aug. 03 Aladdin Theater, Portland, OR

Aug. 04 Mount Baker R&B Festival, Bellingham, WA, Electric

If you like what I’m doing, Like ---Bman’s Blues Report--- Facebook Page! I’m looking for great talent and trying to grow the audience for your favorites band! -  ”LIKE”

FPR News June 2012

In This Issue Breakdown Way Update Jack's Custom Bass FPR @ The Dana 2013 Calendar Submissions Spotlight On: Jill Sobule Ruth Grace Update FRESH CATCH! Electric Hot Tuna has embarked on a tour of the Mid-Atlantic with Steve Kimock.  The Electric Tour is directly followed by an Acoustic Tour running through all of July!  The Acoustic run is topped off with one Electric performance at the Mount Baker Rhythm & Blues Festival in the beginning of August. 06/25 Electric Hot Tuna           The National           Richmond, VA           * Also Steve Kimock 06/26 Electric Hot Tuna           Grand Opera House           Wilmington, DE           * Also Steve Kimock 06/28 Electric Hot Tuna           Sherman Theater           Stroudsburg, PA           * Also Steve Kimock 06/29 Electric Hot Tuna           Theatre at Westbury           Westbury, NY           * Also Steve Kimock 06/30 Acoustic Hot Tuna           Venetian Theater,           Carammor Festival           Katonah, NY           * Also David Bromberg 07/01 Acoustic Hot Tuna           The Bull Run Concert           Shirley, MA           * Two shows: 3 PM & 7 PM 07/05 Acoustic Hot Tuna           Westbrook P.A.C.           Westbrook, ME           * Also Darol Anger 07/06 Acoustic Hot Tuna           The Flying Monkey           Plymouth, NH 07/07 Acoustic Hot Tuna           The Theater at Newburyport           High School           Newburyport, MA 07/09 Acoustic Hot Tuna           The Arts Center           Carrboro, NC 07/10 Acoustic Hot Tuna           Bijou Theatre           Knoxville, TN 07/11 Acoustic Hot Tuna           Diana Wortham Theatre           at Pack Place           Asheville, NC 07/13 Acoustic Hot Tuna           Variety Playhouse           Atlanta, GA 0714  Acoustic Hot Tuna           Tampa Bay P.A.C.           Tampa, FL 07/17 Acoustic Hot Tuna           One World Theatre           Austin, TX 07/18  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Kessler Theater            Dallas, TX 07/20  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Oriental Theatre            Denver, CO 07/21  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Third Street P.A.C.             Carbondale, CO 07/22  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Sheridan Opera House            Telluride, CO 07/25  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Mesa Arts Center            Mesa, AZ 07/26  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Orpheum Theatre            Flagstaff, AZ 07/27  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Anthology            San Diego, CA 07/28  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Rio Theatre            Santa Cruz, CA 07/30  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Sweetwater Music Hall            Mill Valley, CA            SOLD OUT! 07/31  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Sweetwater Music Hall            Mill Valley, CA            SOLD OUT! 08/02  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Tower Theatre             Bend, OR 08/03  Acoustic Hot Tuna            Aladdin Theater           Portland, OR 08/04  Electric Hot Tuna           Mount Baker Rhythm &            Blues Festival            Deming Log Show            Fairgrounds,            Bellingham, WA Fur Peace Station Upcoming Performances August 11, 2012 Acoustic Hot Tuna and The Persuasions SOLD OUT! August 25, 2012 Jesse Colin Young Band Tickets Available! Purchase Now! FPR Workshops August 10-13, 2012 Jorma Kaukonen Moving On Down The Road Level 3 For players with a well honed thumb, and fingerstyle experience.  Jorma will demonstrate the variety of licks, runs and embellishments that provide style and nuance, and also represent a vocabulary of tools that may be used in various keys. This is an excellent repertoire- building workshop, and will encourage skills that can also be applied to original music, improvisation and arranging.  ENROLL NOW! Jack Casady Bass Guitar Proficiency Level 3 This class is for those gaining proficiency at learning the neck and fingering positions, and who have a basic understanding of chord progressions and construction of the song form in general. In this workshop we emphasize right hand technique, with particular attention to accuracy of note placement, rhythm combinations, dexterity, and broadening of tone. With the fretboard hand, we will examine finger placement and smooth note execution. ENROLL NOW! Jill Sobule Acoustic Guitar and Songwriting Level 2 Jill Sobule belongs to a rare breed of artists. Her work is at once deeply personal and socially conscious, seriously funny and derisively tragic. While her songs cover a huge amount of ground, they all benefit greatly from Jill's subtle intelligence and skillful light-handedness. No sloganeering flag-and-fist waving here, but rather story songs about human beings, real and imagined, which allow us to step back from the issue, be it personal or social, and relate to it as we would a close friend.  ENROLL NOW!  The Persuasions Street Corner Harmony All Levels The emphasis is on the pure enjoyment of singing group harmony. No prior knowledge of harmony or performance experience necessary to become proficient at learning how to harmonize with groups of two or more voices. By course end we will show you how to best connect your voice with your soul by drawing on the essence of your personality to help you select a song that will allow you to express yourself.  You'll learn how to share your spirit with others, a crucial step in letting yourself relax and embrace the art of singing.  ENROLL NOW!   Live From Fur Peace Ranch    Broadcast Dates and Performers:   Check http://woub.org/listen/furpeaceranch for upcoming performers and broadcast dates. ATHENS, OH 91.3 FM WOUB-FM Friday nights at 7:00 PM Sunday 12:00 AM Monday 1:00 AM CINCINNATI, OH 89.7 FM WNKU-FM Sundays 09:00 PM ITHACA, NY 90.1 FM WITH-FM Saturdays at 10:00 AM You may also listen to WOUB-FM's live stream. Or visit WOUB's Archives. Audio files are updated weekly (excluding repeats). Due to right's restrictions, most programs are only available online for four weeks. WOUB welcomes your feedback! Drop them a line: radio@woub.org. Contact Your Local NPR station and let them know that Live From The Fur Peace Ranch! is available to them for free through Airplay Direct.  ITunes   New Releases    New to iTunes this month:   iTuna: 05-19-1995 Aladdin Theatre, Las Vegas, NV   The Aladdin featured a double bill: Electric Hot Tuna and the Radiators. This is the classic 90's Electric Tuna: Jorma and Jack with Michael Falzarano, Pete Sears, & Harvey Sorgen playing a long set which included "Junkies on Angel Dust",  "AK-47", "Ice Age" and the double encore of "Stop Breaking Down", "From Four Until Late" 2012-03-15 20th Century Theater, Cincinnati, Ohio This was the 2nd to last show of the Winter 2012 Tour.  An Acoustic Trio...Jorma and Jack with Barry Mitterhoff.  A sold out show with an energized audience. Set One filled with greats like "True Religion", "Childern of Zion", "Sea Child", and "99 Year Blues".  In set two you'll hear songs such as "Good Shepherd" with Barry playing "Circle Will Be Broken" during the opening of the song and the rarely seen in the set these days - "Whinin' Boy Blues"! iJorma 2003-07-10 Blues Cruise Around NYC A Jorma ~ Barry Duo Show featuring both the early and late Sets... Lots of songs from Quah which had been just re-released and digitally remastered...."Another Man Done Gone", "Genesis", "I'll Let You Know Before I Leave", "I Am the Light of This World" plus many more such as "Tom Cat Blues", "Search My Heart", "Keep on Truckin', Mama"  Jorma solo @ FPR Compilation   2007, 2008, 2010   Pomeroy, Ohio   10/13/2007   5th Annual Tribute to the Rev. Gary Davis. Jorma runs thru a set mainly filled with the Rev's songs like "Hesitation Blues", "Death Don't Have No Mercy" however he adds a Snooks Eaglin  tune "Uncle Sam Blues" and one of his own "A Life Well Lived"   03/30/2008   Featuring Jorma's opening set for Roger McGuinn He plays many classics such as "New Song (For The Morning)", "Barbeque King","Trial By Fire"  09/26/2010 Jorma opens for Spencer Bohren & Bill Kirchen's Honky Tonk Heaven.  Jorma plays songs like "I Know You Rider", "Come Back Baby","Things That Might Have Been" encoring with Rev. Gary's "I Am The Light Of This World"    Jorma's iTunes directory  Hot Tuna's iTunes directory  June Birthdays Bill Kirchen Howlin' Wolf Gregory Issacs Les Paul  Happy Birthday Everyone!

FPR News    June 2012     Circle of Life    Here it is...June already and we are half way through our 15th season at Fur Peace. Technically, not yet summer but it sure feels like it. We have already experienced multiple weeks of 90 degree temps and prehistoric bugs eating our newly planted gardens. We are battling  small slugs presently...that are eating all of our zinnia's. Jeroch, our resident Soul Flower, is trying his hardest to replant and not take it personally. As he gently pulls each slug from their nesting beds in our flower gardens.....I can see that he is methodically trying to find them another place to live. I personally might not be so kind for it is the circle of life.........     The circle of life swirls around me daily as our daughter grows bigger and bigger every day. Her relationship with Jorma is something that dreams are made of. The two of them are like Frick and Frack. Our daughter has recently shown an interest in our motorcycles....his in particular. Why only a few months ago, she hated the sound of the loud pipes. My bike is so loud she wouldn't go near it! Last week, she insisted on riding on the back of his bike with all of the proper gear. Music to our ears I tell you.  We bought her a new helmet (which she took over 1/2 hour to pick out) and a Harley jacket. Unfortunately our local Harley shop has discontinued their line of kids boots....so we are still looking for a pair of boots just like her Dad's, only smaller.     On her maiden voyage on the back of his bike, I rode behind in my car filming on my iPhone laughing...almost crying....calling out...."Jorma, slow down!". I was a wreck!  She was undaunted by the whole experience....in fact, when they pulled back into the driveway and I expressed my excitement....she just rolled her eyes at me. I tend to gush...I can't help myself. I am in awe of the space she inhabits and in awe of Jorma as she bends his will. I am not really sure how Jorma's fans see him. I have an idea of how his music moves them....but do they look at him and see the great Dad that he has become? Jorma didn't spend much time with his son Zach when he was young...just the way the universe played that hand, but they are very close today and Jorma really shines in his presence. To Jorma's delight....Zack loves to ride motorcycles!  My rock star husband has proven himself as a seasoned musician but more so as a great guy, a loyal friend and a really good Dad who's kids got his ticket! Happy Father's Day to all those Dad's out there and Happy Fathers day to you Jorma.......may there be no slugs in your garden of life....... - Vanessa Kaukonen Breakdown Way Updates  Break Down Way presents online guitar workshops from Jorma and many of FPR's world class instructors through the use of streaming videos with up close shots of the fingering positions so you can catch all of the notes, pinches, pulls . . . and much more including access to chord charts, lyrics and the ability to email your questions to the instructors. All of this great material can now be had on the go with the Break Down Way App for iPhone!  Now you can access all of the great lessons available on Break Down Way where and when you need it!  (The App has also been developed for the iPad and should be released in the coming weeks.) New lesson by Jorma Kaukonen has been released: A new lesson from Jorma Kaukonen has also been released.  "Vampire Women" harkens back to Jorma's second studio album and is taught here in all it's glory.  Purchase this lesson for only $4.99 for 30-days, or sign up for a monthly membership ($29.99) and receive all of the fantastic lessons available taught by the master's! Visit Break Down Way and see what all the fuss is about!  Jack's custom Epiphone Bass heard at Queen's Diamond Jubilee There have been quite a few sightings of Jack's custom Epiphone Bass recently.  Chris Null who plays with a group by the name of Dead Sara uses Jack's Custom Epiphone. Jack's bass was also sighted in the hands of Chris Kuffner who performed with Ingrid Michaelson on the Late Show with Conan O'Brien. Brian Ray who plays with Paul McCartney has been sporting Jack's Bass all around . . . from the Grammy's to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee and points in between. . .  . . . Jack's Bass rocks them all! Big surprise coming in July for all of Jacks' Epiphone lovers! More info coming soon! GOING BACK TO CALIFORNIA IN 2013 It was in California that the Fur Peace Ranch first presented it's "On The Road" workshops.  It's a concept that has proved successful and we've enjoyed spending a few weeks during the Winter in warm and beautiful surroundings.... bringing the spirit of Fur Peace and our award-winning classes to our "On The Road" destinations.  After a few years in California's Desert Springs area we ventured further west and ended up in Maui.  Our last two sessions at the Royal Lahaina in Maui were fantastic and we all have loved the Maui environment as well as that wonderful Aloha spirit.  However, for 2013 we're going back to California. The Fur Peace Ranch "On The Road" workshops for Winter 2013 will be at the fabulous The Dana on Mission Bay.  San Diego's perfect climate is what draws you in and the premier waterfront setting and accommodations at the Dana will be our home on the road.  The Dana is located close to many of San Diego's best attractions.  The Dana is a short trip to downtown San Diego and it is walking distance to Sea World.  It is also next to Mission Bay Park, a 4,600 - acre wonderland, the largest park of it's kind in the world!  What we have always looked for when planning our "On The Road" workshops is a desirable location with excellent staff, services, accommodations and food.  The Dana has it all!  We are familiar with this location as Hot Tuna has stayed there as well as the Kaukonens and Hurlbuts on vacation trips.  The Dana has beautifully designed and appointed rooms and they have room to accommodate any family members or friends that would want to join you on your adventure.  This resort features 2 spectacular swimming pools as well as 2 spas.  It is also the center for many other activities that their guest service staff are willing and able to help you with.  There are water sports and bicycle rentals on sight.  All meals will be served and prepared by the Dana's fine dining staff and the food is fantastic! We are really looking forward to our first workshops of 2013 being in San Diego and in particular at The Dana on Mission Bay.....where the only thing they overlook is Mission Bay!!!  We look forward to you joining us in California for our Winter 2013 sessions. We have reserved three Mondays through Fridays for 2013.  The weeks that we will be in San Diego are:  January 14 - 18 January 21 - 25 February 04 - 08.  We will be announcing the particulars of our class schedule for these workshops soon, however, we wanted to announce  our intentions now.....so you could start making plans to join us in 2013 for an unforgettable experience and adventure as the Fur Peace takes it on the road to The Dana on Mission Bay. CALLING ALL PHOTOGRAPHERS........    Well.....we've talked about doing one of these for a long time now and we're finally gonna do it.  We're planning a 2013 Fur Peace Ranch Calendar and you can be a part of it.  We'll be making a very cool Fur Peace calendar for next year and we're going to be holding a Cooperative Calendar Photo Contest in conjunction with the making of the calendar.  The Fur Peace Ranch will be looking for photos to be a part of our 2013 calendar and we're offering prizes to those whose photos are selected for inclusion in the calendar.   We'll be selecting 12 photos to accompany each month of the year.  The photos we will be interested in should show scenes from the Fur Peace Ranch that convey a sense of time, place and happiness.  They could be just landscape.......or maybe a portrait.......or a "live action" shot from one of our concerts.  All photos will be considered, so be creative.  Next year will be our 16th season and over the years we have been given many wonderful photos from students and other visitors to the Fur Peace.    The photos do not have to be recent.  Maybe you haven't been to the Fur Peace for a while, but have some great pictures in your archives.....send them on.  We're really excited about this calendar and the contest.  There will be twelve winners as we  will feature a photo with each month.  Photo winners will earn a $75 gift certificate for our Company Store and a copy of the calendar signed by Jorma. We're opening this contest to anyone that has been to the Fur Peace and taken some photos while here......you do not have to be a Fur Peace student or alumni.    HERE ARE THE RULES:  Each person may enter 3 photos for consideraton High-Resolution Color Digital images only Submissions must be sent by email attachements Photo format should be landscape and appropriate for a 7x11" area  Include explanation of photo . . .where, when, who, what and photographers name Identify anyone who is in the photo Include your name, email and phone number Photos should be sent to brett@furpeaceranch.com with the subject heading "2013 Calendar".  We want to make this calendar available by late October, so deadline for submission is August 31st.  As mentioned, over the years we have seen many, many great pictures taken from folks visiting the Fur Peace....now's your chance to have your great photos seen by many.  Don't delay.....send your great photos.....our way.     Thanks and Blessings.   Spotlight on:  Jill Sobule: Though Jill Sobule may not be a household name, she has developed a loyal following over the years. To date Jill has released 7 studio albums, 3 EPs, and a Greatest Hits compilation. As a testament to her loyal following: in 2009 Jill sought to raise $75,000 through fan donations to record her next album, California Years. She reached that goal in a mere 53 days! Her compositions alternate between ironic, story-driven character studies and emotive ballads. Weaving satire, humor and personal   Jill Sobule Netroots Nation 2011 experience she has tackled subjects including depression, war, sexuality, abandonment, addiction, greed, and of course there is always. . . love. She has an arsenal of techniques that range from intentionally mimicking other artists, to the use of impeccable rhythmic sensibility, timing, and great harmonies. Jill has also worked on many collaborations. In the 90's Jill toured and wrote with Richard Barone as "The Richard and Jill Show". Several of their songs have been used in popular TV programs of the day including The West Wing, Felicity, and Dawson's Creek. Jill wrote the theme song for the popular Nickelodeon produced show "Unfabulous" that follows a 13-year old girl who writes songs about her life in junior high school. Jill also contributed many of the songs "written" by the shows' main character Addie Singer. Jill also created the music for a multi-media project, Prozak and the Platypus, with playwright Elise Thoron graphic artist Kelly Anne Hanrahan. Though Jill remains more of an underground artist playing small, intimate venues, her work is critically acclaimed and has garnered her the support of some household names of the music world like: Todd Rundgren, Tom Morello, Don Henley, John Doe, Joe Jackson and Warren Zevon. Join Jill during our Couples' Weekend, August 10-13, 2012, to learn the tools and tricks of the trade that has kept this underground songwriter in high demand. ENROLL HERE!  Help Ruth Grace Get Her Ride    Ruth Grace with Vanessa and Izze Kaukonen Last month we told you about Ruth and her family's need for a new handicap accessible vehicle and about the National Mobility Awareness Month contest  that was going on.  Unfortunately the Benavides did not win, however they were not far behind the leaders and were semi-finalists in the competition. Thank you to all of you who helped by checking out the link!

2012 Workshop Incentives! 1st 2012 enrollment - Regular Price 2nd 2012 enrollment - save $75 3rd 2012 enrollment - save $100 4th 2012 enrollment - save $200 Offer Expires: November 09, 2012