Forum - Banjo Ben Clark

True Confessions From Cabin Camp

I’ve been reading about Cabin Camp since I became a Gold Pick member a couple years back (already?).
I have never heard a sour note about it, and the videos that Ben posts about it are terrific! But I live waaaaaay up north and Cabin Camps are generally just a bit out of reach for me.
But last month I attended the Kruger Brothers Academy in Wilkesboro NC. It still took me two days to drive it, but it was about 2 hours closer than Nashville. And we have good friends in Maggie valley NC we wanted to visit, so we embarked on a major road trip.
Part of me felt like a dirty double-crosser, going to somebody else’s banjo camp. But I wasn’t alone. I saw several Banjo Ben stickers on cases & cars. I’m not calling those folks dirty double-crossers, for I am certain they had legitimate reasons for not tasting some of Ben’s tasty brisket. And please don’t start the “Texas vs Carolina BBQ” debate!
I will say this: I have no doubt Ben’s & Jens’ gathering both have one thing in common - that special crackling atmosphere when like-minded people get together to share something they love. As I read accounts of Cabin Camp, I sense the same “Cloud 9” feeling I felt. I wouldn’t be surprised if many of Ben’s attendees are still on Cloud 8. I know I am!
The point is…if you ever get the opportunity to attend a gathering with like-minded people sharing a passion, grab it!
Ben’s Cabin Camp is still on my bucket list, and for you folks within a 12 hour drive, I say “Go for it!”
After a couple years of practicing alone, it is such a high to be with people that get it!

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