Camp is just around the corner. I’m leaving on August 4th, and driving out to Scottsdale this year. Traveling with a guitar is much easier by car.

I’ve been thinking of all of the Camps. This one will be number twelve. I’ve been involved in all of them and attended all but three. It’s been many years since I missed one.

The Camp started with John Stewart. It would have ended with John’s death if Bob and Bobbie Shane hadn’t stepped up their involvement. John always insisted that the Camp was not a John Stewart Fantasy Camp. It was always a Trio Fantasy Camp and it was always about the music. There have been some great moments at Camp. Many great Campers and great Bloodliners who supported John and provided the framework for what has become a great four day party.

With John’s passing the torch went  to The Kingston Trio. A great bunch of guys and really fun to be around. The history of the Trio is a long and interesting history. When Nick moved to Oregon and John decided to write and perform his own songs, Bob Shane realized that he really loved to sing as part of a group. He formed The New Kingston Trio and the fun began. The first group that sung under than name consisted of Bob, Pat Horine and a great banjo player named Jim Connor. Pat is gone now but Jim is still perhaps the best frailing banjo player in the world. Jim will be joining us at Camp this year and holding court in the Cactus Room with Greg and Janet Deering as well as playing a few songs at the concerts on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights.

The sound of The New Kingston Trio was different from that of The Kingston Trio. It had more of a country edge to it but the harmonies and the music was at  the same high level.

The New Kingston Trio cd’s are available from The Kingston Trio Store and from Rediscover Music.

The Kingston Trio Store

Rediscover Music

Here is The New Kingston Trio singing a John Stewart song; Oldest Living Son.

Oldest Living Son