Willow Creek Gathering, June 8th - 10th, 2011
Review by: Sue Harris

I wanted to thank each and every one of you for coming together to present such an enjoyable Gathering! I know the untold hours it takes to make something like this happen, and it is SO appreciated!
You made us performers feel so welcome! The green room, besides being a place to tune up, visit and rehearse, was never lacking in an array of tasty snacky-things, plus the water and coffee that were always available. It was also really nice to have that extra "green room" right next to it, where you could step aside and run through some tunes without interrupting someone else's conversation or rehearsing.

The sound was really well done. We could hear ourselves onstage, and the sound in the main room (out front) was good, too... It never got that muffled/bass-laden/echo-y sound that can happen in big rooms like that.

Thank you so much for taking care of selling our CD's for us, too. That is SO appreciated!

The vendors who were there had a really interesting array of handmade crafts, and it was fun to see them, and to visit with the craftspeople. I hope they did well, and will be back!

The campfires, of course, were wonderful. And, well, just EVERYthing. Thank you for creating an event that felt like a big happy family reunion. And that thanks of course extends to all the businesses who generously donated to help sponsor the Gathering.

I have a big warm "happy" in my heart! I look forward to the next time I get to see you all again!

Willow Creek Gathering, June 8th - 10th, 2011
Review by: Phyllis Rathwell

Warm winds gave the sheltered and comfortable arena an extra shot of welcome during the Willow Creek gathering ... and the welcome performers and guests receive is top notch in this venue! The pleasant and upbeat volunteers who man the 'blue room', the registration desk and the book table made us all feel welcome and wanted! The sound was great, the audience relaxed and ready to be entertained. Truly one of the nicest places to perform!!

The artist and craft alley was interesting and varied, the concessions were well stocked, the supper was delish and the well-oiled machine that is the organizing crew did an amazing job.

The feature shows showcased Phyllis Rathwell, Mag Mawhinney, Hugh Kelly, Joanne Leitz, Colin Bunt, Bj Smith, the Devine Bovines, Mel Brown, Charlie Ewing, Randy Smith, Frank Gleeson, and the Gordie West Band.

Even the campfire did not succumb to the wind, as a couple of fifth-wheel and motorhomes joined forces to provide shelter for Noel Burles' forte, the jam-session comraderie that is a high-light of many gatherings.

The entire weekend was super, kudos to those who work so hard to make it happen!