Relaxation, renewal, creativity and open spaces go hand in hand, and we have all these in abundance at the BrazenHead Inn. Does your group need a place to host workshops that support that? We thought so. Look no further.

The BrazenHead Inn is proud to host musical events and more, including private conferences and retreats, for the benefit of our guests and the general public. We have an on-site conference center, and our outdoor pavilion (under construction in 2007-2008) is already near enough completion to host family reunions and open-air musical events.

We also host public and private gatherings that aren't exactly workshops, so check our Events page for those.

Below are a few coming attractions of special interest. Contact us if you'd like to participate in any of our scheduled events, or to book an event for your own group.

String Break!

Robin Kessinger on Guitar

Guitar workshops with Robin Kessinger are something special, and that's what's in store for guitar pickers young and old next April, for the sixth consecutive year, at The BrazenHead Inn. We call it "String Break!"

The cost will be $150 for all three days, which does not include lodging, but a special discount on lodging will be extended to all who attend this workshop. Enjoy all your meals in our cozy restaurant, and pay only $70 (plus the obligatory 6 percent state tax) for all meals Friday and Saturday, and Sunday breakfast. For more information about the workshop, contact Robin Kessinger. For information about lodging availability, contact the BrazenHead Inn by phone or by e-mail.

Reservations (for both dinner and lodging) are strongly recommended on this weekend.

April 3-5, 2008

5 Days of Fiddlin'

Dave Bing on Fiddle

Dave Bing is one of West Virginia's most respected old-time fiddlers, and for many good reasons. One of the most important of these is his considerable skill and patience as a teacher. He has taught old-time fiddle to students at all levels in the United States, the British Isles, Spain and Australia.

Bing grew up in the southwestern coalfields of West Virginia, and began playing music learned from family members at a young age. His major influences include members of the Hammons family, Jim Wheeler, Clark Kessinger, Glen Smith and Frank George. Many of the tunes he plays are almost gone from the memories and abilities of the older musicians, arranged to his own emotionally charged style of fiddling.

Besides his significant solo talent, Dave performed with the Bing Brothers Band for more than 20 years. He now performs with the band Gandydancer, and with various other artists.

We encourage you to ask around about Dave's reputation as a teacher of fiddlers. Few people alive can match his combination of skills as either a fiddler or a teacher, and he's a darned nice guy, too.

The cost for this five-day workshop will be $175 per person, which does not include lodging, but a special discount on lodging will be extended to all who attend. For more information about the workshop, . For information about lodging availability, contact the BrazenHead Inn by phone or by e-mail.

Reservations (for dinners and for lodging) are strongly recommended this week whether you're attending the workshop or passing through.

April 6-11, 2008

Mountain Road Fiddle Camp 2008

The dates are set for an unforgettable weekend of playing and socializing with fellow fiddle students of all ages. Nightly sessions and Ceili dance!

Fiddle with Alex Caton. Learn new tunes, improvisation, phrasing, how to perform old-time, Irish and gypsy fiddle tunes, Aug. 15-17 at the BrazenHead Inn, Mingo, West Virginia.

ALSO! ...

• Irish Step & Set Dancing with Lori Madden. Learn social dances as well as "Riverdance type" set dancing.
• Irish Bodhran drumming & Old Time Banjo with Joe Fallon.
• Irish style DADGAD & Standard Guitar as well as Voice Instruction with Phil Audibert.
• Traditional Singing & Old-Time fiddle with Pete Vigour.
• Old-Time Fiddle, Singing & Mandolin with Ellen Vigour.

Please visit www.alexcaton.com/fiddle_camp.html for instructor biographies, full schedule of classes, photos and more.

FEE: $140 for four classes, or $120 before June 1st. The camp is open to all ages and levels and is very family friendly. Family members or guests with registered students may also take a class or two at the cost of $35 per class. Students are responsible for their own food and accommodations at the BrazenHead Inn. Rooms and camp sites are available, and it's always a good idea to make reservations in advance at the inn.

Please be sure to bring your instruments, and we ask that those with drums might share with those who do not have any.

Please bring snacks and bottled water. Feel free to record your lessons.

A few more details can be found at Alex's own Web site. To register, please contact Alex Caton, or call 540-832-7787. Alex will register your information and your four class preferences (i.e. beginner fiddle, intermediate drumming, beginner dance, etc.). Mail the registration fee to:

Alex Caton
120 Pine Crest Lane
Gordonsville, VA 22942

August 15-17, 2008