Re:
Can you elucidate on the Winterhawk Festival, please. Thanks.

OK
This year's festival will be held Wed July 14 thru Sun July 18, as always
on a hillside in or near Ancramdale NY/Hillsdale, NY near the Mass. border.
There will be several thousand tents on a freshly mowed slope, a fleet of
RV's, even a "quiet area" for those who actually sleep.  No electricity.
No telephones.  No rock music, please.  Late nignt jamming.  Very young to
very old.  Main stage for the big names from the traditional Ralph Stanley
to The Lonesome River Band to the latest Allison Kraus or Bela Fleck have
to offer, perhaps 20 bands or acts all together...meet the performers
after.  Not sure who's on the bill this year.  Each year's roster, and
weather, is different.  (Remember the microburst three years ago.  Or the
mud bog the next year.  From the campsite last year we watched a
thunderstorm approach across the valley while we played guitars, banjos and
Dobro like mad as lightning flashed all around.)  There are workshops for
learners, tents for kids (ages 5 to 10 are especially appreciative), a
midway, food, and generally good fun.  And yes, there is considerable
alcohol consumption, but no real problems to date.  It's not in the
"culture".  But don't spread the word too far.  Saturday is about as
crowded as it should be.  I can post the phone number for info next week.
Are you a fan?  Play?  --Jim R