Deadline to register and pay? August 1, but space is limited so register early.
What does my fee cover? 11 hot meals, four nights comfortable double occupancy rooms with private baths, instruction and teacher performances, and all the sweet mountain air you can breathe.
What type of guitar should I bring? Best to bring a hollowbody if possible.
Do I need an amp? No. Unless you only have a solid body guitar. No pedal boards please. Volume becomes an issue in groups of other electric guitars and amps.
Other music supplies you may want to bring: Folding music stand, pencils, notebook and Dave’s improvisation book will come in handy. It is a great teaching tool with tons of concrete ideas on how to comp and solo, plus more than 3 dozen standard tunes written in standard notation. No tab. Some of the tunes selected for the retreat will come from his book. Click here for Dave's book, Jazz Guitar Improvisation Method Vol. 111
Weather/Clothing: Dress is casual at Wildacres. Come prepared for cool and warm temperatures. During October in the mountains, temps average 40’s at night to high 60’s during the day, but can get warmer and colder all in the same week or even day. It’s best to bring layers of clothes including a sweater, rain jacket, and hiking boots if you like. Trails are on site and of course many trail heads can be found on the Blue Ridge Parkway. There are heaters in each room and a ceiling fan. No a/c. It will be cool at night so no fan is needed.
Rooms: Bedding and towels are provided, but you are welcome to bring your own comforts from home. Rooms don’t have tv’s, phones, fridges, microwaves, or coffee makers. A pillow and blanket are also provided. There will be soap but if you have a preferred type, or want shampoo, feel free to bring it. The canteen does sell a few of these items.
Medications: If you take medications, even over the counter like Tylenol, bring them with you.
Canteen: The canteen is open a few times during the day; some snacks and beer or wine are available for purchase, but you may want to bring a supply of your favorite snacks and drinks to keep in your room. There is also a soft-drink machine.
Refrigerators, microwaves, and coolers: Rooms do not include these amenities, but you’re welcome to use the microwave in the canteen; there is a refrigerator in the canteen pantry, but space might be limited. You may also bring a cooler for your room; an ice machine is located in the canteen, but Wildacres Retreat asks that we do not use the ice to fill coolers.
Free coffee: Coffee is provided mornings in the canteen, but you’ll need to bring your own coffee mug.
Beverages: Alcohol and beverages are permitted in most places on campus, but the canteen does not sell alcohol. Beverages are not allowed in the auditorium.
Smoking: Smoking is not allowed in the rooms or any building at Wildacres but is permitted outdoors at a safe distance from buildings.
Can I check in early? No. Check in starts at 3.00. Rooms are being cleaned up until that time. There is lodging three miles away in Little Switzerland if you would like to extend your stay. But you are advised to book now. October is fall colors season.
Getting to Wildacres: Nearest airport is Asheville, about an hour and 15 minutes from Wildacres. Charlotte is 2 1/2 hours away.
Driving directions: Wildacres is about 25 miles from Interstate 40 and Marion, NC (which is about halfway between Hickory and Asheville). From Marion, take NC 226 North (bypass) to NC 226A and proceed to the “Wildacres” sign on the left. Follow the road and signs to the Wildacres grounds. Although Wildacres is in the mountains, the roads are well maintained and easy to drive.
Is there a shuttle from Asheville or Charlotte? Sorry, no. But Uber can get you there. You may be able to find a ride with a fellow attendee through the Facebook group Jazz Guitar at Wildacres. https://www.facebook.com/groups/jazzatwildacres/.
Can I request a roommate? Yes, please email me at chipgulbro@gmail.com.
What if I have dietary restrictions? The Wildacres dining hall accommodates most dietary restrictions (vegan, dairy free, vegetarian, gluten free, etc). Students with restrictions should put their requests in the “dietary restrictions" blank during registration and on the designated sheet when you sign in at Wildacres. Then introduce yourself to the dining hall staff at the opening meal. At each meal, those campers will receive their substitute meal directly from the dining staff. Those with more uncommon dietary restrictions may want to contact the food service manager at Wildacres prior to arrival.
Can I bring a family member to camp? Significant others are welcome but they must pay the same fee as a student.
Facility Amenities
Toiletries: Towels, linens, soap, and toilet paper are provided by the facility. Please bring any other toiletry or personal items you might need (shampoo, hair dryer, iron, etc.), as they’re not available on site.
Laundry: There are no washers and dryers on site, but several laundromats can be found in Spruce Pine or Marion, about 20 minutes away.
WiFi: Wildacres offers free WiFi for your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. You can usually find a good signal in the lobby, auditorium, or on the porches, but it is not readily accessible in your room. Service is limited and we are asked not to conduct prolonged business or browse the web using the facility WiFi. If you need long computer sessions, there are several places in Spruce Pine that have free access.
Office services: Wildacres has no office services, computers, or printers for public use.
Emergency phone number: The Wildacres number to leave with your emergency contacts during your stay is (828) 756-4573. This is an emergency number ONLY: The staff is small and locating people for phone calls can be time-consuming for them.
Handicap Accessibility: When registering please let us know if you have mobility needs. Wildacres has a few options depending on your needs. A golf cart is available for trips to cafeteria and ramps are available to the buildings. But the terrain to and from buildings has uneven pathways. The distance between your room and the auditorium, where most of the action will happen, is about 40 yards. Instruments can be left in the rehearsal rooms so you don’t have to lug it everywhere you go. Best to check with manager of Wildacres for details. Call at 828-756-4573.