From my good friend and colleague Jon Luks. There will be a fantastic weekend retreat in August up at Jon's home in Andes NY. I will conduct blues guitar workshops for novice, intermediate, and advanced players. We will have jam sessions, tips on playing harmonica & singing, and songwriting, etc. Jon will lead us in dance, stretching, yoga, hikes, and more, and, he'll cook up some healthy meals.Accomodations included/ Check it out and let us know if you are interested, we're going to have to limit the number of people we will accomodate.

Dear Friends and Players,

I want to include you in an exciting summer activity that I think you'll appreciate. I have a gorgeous piece of property in The Catskills and I'm looking for your participation in The First Annual, Bootleg Hollow Blues Retreat. This would be an intimate study/jam experience with Blues Master Robert Ross. Robert has been inducted into The N.Y. BluesHall Of Fame, and is a 2x N.Y. Music Award winner. He has played and recorded with Big Joe Turner, played with Lightnin' Hopkins, Brownie McGhee, Johnny Winter, and a who's  who of Blues legends. There will be 3 sessions, 1 1/2- 2 hrs each of Chicago Blues, Slide Guitar , and Jazz/Blues. There will also be plenty of time for working with small combinations of students to practice, jam and trade off with. Robert is also a singer and  good Harp player and can help develop your  skills. I'm also there to play, and I'll bring a bass, some drums, amps and PA.

I have 50 Acres, a swimming pond(pristine, spring fed), a hot tub, great hiking trails,  a large deck, and studio room. Meals are included, I have a nice wood fire BBQ, and full kitchen. I have 6 Beds, a fold out couch, gym mats, and room for 10 tents. I have had 50 people spend the weekend very happily in this manner. In order to get this idea to grow wings I just need a show of interest  from 5 of you.

The introductory offer is as follows: Robert's classes as mentioned above, up to 5 meals (I'm a good cook, and use healthy ingredients), and  use of the property as described. I would also lead a stretch and tone class with dance, yoga and meditation elements.  Arrival can be from Fri P.M., or Sat A.M. Robert's sessions would begin on Saturday morning and go throughout the day. We'd have a casual brunch Sun. That's the basic concept, it will be fine tuned as we move forward.

We are looking at the weekends of Aug 21-23 and 28-30 as our best options. The price for each participant from the above list is $260.00, about the cost of 2 nights at a Best Western with no food or world class Blues. Ten dollars off if you are too late to snag a bed, and end up on a gym mat (they're not bad). $15.00 off if you camp out, I have 2 tents.

Please let me know your interest level so I can plan accordingly. I will follow this up with pictures of my place, and more info on Robert. I really think this could be an incredible time with great growth potential. Let me know your preferred dates, and any other questions you may have.

I look forward to good times,

Jon Luks  jonathanluks@aol.com