Hi Stick friends, it is with great regret that I have to announce that the Free Hands Academy for 2016 is cancelled.



I have contacted David, Andy, Greg and Mark personally about their refunds. I am glad to report Andy was able to get his flight refunded and that Mark was able to get a full refund on this PayPal payment. I'll be ripping up all the checks that were delivered. Brett was signed up but had a busy summer and had to cancel.

This sits pretty squarely on my shoulders. I started late and am now paying the price for not allowing more time for people to plan. Me included.

Next Steps? Well, lots of great ideas abound. Interlochen and Vancouver next year for sure! I am hopeful there will be an event before the end of the year where we can join up. Thanks to everyone that has been so supportive.

so sorry to hear that... You know I was dying to go and meet all of you in person... More than anything I just wanted to see everyone play live, I just couldn't afford the plain tickets.... Maybe next year?


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Lets draw some sort of positive Rodrigo, maybe we will meet up again next year, but in LA this time!

Oh, that would be cool!


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Gene,,

Thanks for all your efforts to make this happen. It's always better not to force things, and it's only a failure if you don't learn anything. Looking forward to the next opportunity to get together with Stickists...

Not a failure at all. A noble effort and positive ambition.
Another time

Steve A

Sorry to hear things didn't work out. Events like these are difficult to organize and without passionate people behind them they wouldn't exist. Everyone greatly appreciates how much you do for the Stick community, Gene.

Sadly, Jim Meyer announced at this year's Vancouver seminar that he would be taking 2017 off, but has big plans for 2018.

My tentative plan was to come to FHA 2017 in leu of that fact. Perhaps even bring my band for a mini west coast tour?

You're trying so much to get this so alive...I agree with the others...no mistake here...you just wanted to do something nice.

I can guarantee that I'll be at Interlochen next year!

Thanks friends, I sure to appreciate it. This is the first I am hearing of the Vancouver rescheduling. So then our next call is with Mr. Poorman!

This is also an excellent opportunity for people in their regions to get together for smaller events, similar to how the NorCal Stick community was running (JRJ spoke about that briefly in last Friday's session). The scope of their group has expanded to include people other than Stickists, which is a great way to go versus limiting inclusion or exposure based on the instrument that one plays. The more the merrier.

It has been a fantastic learning opportunity. Thanks again for all the fish.