Some notes on 2013 Humboldt Afro-Cuban Camp. 1st stop, Salt Lake City. Stayed with an old friend, and had breakfast the next morning at another didjeridu buddies' house. This, after trying to find an open breakfast place and striking out THREE times!
Next day on top of the Sierra's camping at Alderwood camp ground. I still contend this is one of the most beautiful places on earth!
https://www.dropbox.com/s/fofwuwzfmfo1v4t/aldcamp3.jpgThird day into Grass Valley where I stay in a tent on the deck of Bob Scarlett's home.
http://mrcrowder.us/cong/Bob.m4aLessons with Gary Greenberg on Itotele, and Grass Valley's World Fest on Sunday.
http://www.worldfest.net/performers.asp My new favorite band - Incendio.
http://www.worldfest.net/performerPopup.asp?recordID=187 Stay here 4 days.
Next three days in Berkeley with another friend James, (tyko) from this list, who had not played drums since my last visit last year! He was smoking hot! I guess not playing and practicing agrees with him! Go figure! We did a redwood hike, a drive up the coast, and foodie hits around SF and Berkeley. It's the land of fine and affordable cuisine!
Next night in Forestville with my good friends Arrow and Rio.
Picked up David Calechman, an old friend who had been to the camp two years prior, at the Santa Rosa airport next morning so he can get a ride up. Nice to have a travel buddy for at least part of the way.
We got there just in time to have dinner at the Humboldt cafeteria. The next seven days are a blur as usual, but the same old heavy hitters were there. John Santos, Mike Spiro, David Peñalosa, Miguel Bernal, Roman Diaz, Sandy Perez, Lázaro Pedroso, Lázaro Galarraga, Rogelio "Noño" Kindelan, Jesus Diaz, new this year, Octavio Rodriguez Rivera, Dancers, Susana Arenas, Danys LaMora Perez, Silfredo La O.
The crowd this time was smaller than ever. With only about 50 participants we really got tight with each other. Much more so than years in the past. There was a new kid on the block - Nick, who is already one of the better white rumberos I've seen at 17 years old!!!! He was so impressive that Roman and Susana looked at him in amazement the night of the beach party when he flashed some amazing Peruvian rhythms and quinto later that evening. Everyone was in good spirits. A real sense of camaraderie was overwhelming! The participants had a big jam one night, a small bata practice, and several small rumbas in our dorms. I had a hike into the redwoods and nap on the last day, and this year's show again did not disappoint. The final party was short, but went really well. The big boys started with my request; "Compa Gallatano", and the participants ended it with Nick leading the group.
The next morning, David and I headed out to Portland where we shared a dinner with his brother and family. Next day I spent languishing with my friends Stan and Susan, and eating THE BEST FOOD IN THE WORLD! Susan can cook!! Next began the two day trek back home from Portland.
Wow! I can't believe it came and went so fast!