Pat Wictor

Adventures That Stay With Us

Some of the most impactful and memorable experiences of my life were adventures, where I went somewhere new, met new people, and learned something (musical or otherwise) that became part of my life. Adventures like these stay with us and keep giving to us, with the ongoing relationships and doors of exploration that they open up.

In 2013, I was grieving my father's recent passing, and my mother was soon to pass herself. I'd been touring almost nonstop with Brother Sun for over 3 years. I decided to do something just for myself. I went on a week-long adventure of Circlesinging with Bobby McFerrin (and his colleagues), and it changed my life, musically and personally. It gave me a way to explore improvisation in a way that I'd never done before, and opened a community of people to me, including some that are now dear friends and collaborators.

I want to invite you to join me in two week-long musical adventures that I'm playing a part in.

The first is I'm teaching at the Swannanoa Gathering on July 5-11, leading classes on guitar and on vocal improvisation.

The second is that I'm co-leading a musical trip to Ireland next year, April 14-23, 2027, with my wonderful friend and fellow singer-songwriter Judy Kass. It may seem like a long way off, but the seats are limited, and time goes fast.

If you might want to be part of either of these adventures, I'd encourage you to plan and reserve your place early.

More on the adventures:

July 5-11, 2026
Swannanoa Traditional Song Week
at Warren Wilson College
701 Warren Wilson Rd, Swannanoa, NC 28778

Registration and information:
https://swannanoagathering.org/traditional-song


I'll be teaching two classes that come from two of my musical passions: "Play Your Guitar Like an Orchestra," and "Small-Group Vocal Improvisation - Go New Places!" In the guitar class we'll work on playing two things at once, including simple melodies and accompaniment at the same time. We'll use a variety of songs and techniques inspired by players like Mississippi John Hurt and Rev. Gary Davis. The vocal improv class will immerse us in fun exercises and games for singing (and structuring) spontaneous music with others. If you can carry a tune, you can improvise!

The instructors at Traditional Song Week this year include: Susan Pepper (balladry), Kathy Bullock (gospel choir and abolitionist songs), Chris Koldewey (sea chanties), Josh Goforth (shape-note singing and music theory), Sara Grey (ballad interpretation), Joe Newberry (song styles and accompaniment), Zoe Mulford (community singing and songwriting), Sally Rogers (songs of Jean Ritchie), Howie Bursen (banjo and guitar songs), Claudia Schmidt (vocal wellness and harmony), Cara Valenti (vocal warm-ups and technique), and Pat Wictor (vocal improv and guitar).

You don't need any special knowledge of traditional songs to attend. It's for anyone who loves to sing, to instrumentally accompany singers (including your own voice!), and anyone who might want a week in the mountains to be immersed in music with other fine people.

AND,

April 14-23, 2027
Inishfree Music Tours to Ireland
Judy Kass and Pat Wictor co-leading
This tour will visit Counties Cork, Kerry & Clare

Reservations and information:
https://www.inishfreetours.com/tours/april-14th-april-23rd-judy-kass-pat-wictor/

This is a week-long tour of southwestern Ireland with music in the evening. By day we’ll explore places like Mizen Head (the most southwesterly point in Ireland), the gorgeous Slea Head Drive on the Dingle peninsula, and The Burren in County Clare. We’ll also visit ancient sites such as a stone circle or ring fort, Gallarus Oratory, and Kilmalkedar Church. Evenings will include concerts by Judy and me (and possibly others), and sessions in local pubs. Judy's a fantasic songwriter and a good friend that I have collaborated with over the years. We'll definitely do some singing and playing together, to add some extra sizzle. :-)

What are some adventures that you've undertaken that have left a lasting impression on your life?

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Ears and Eyes: What I'm Listening to and Reading

Larry Levis - Swirl and Vortex: Collected Poems
https://www.graywolfpress.org/books/swirl-vortex-0

Arika Okrent - In the Land of Invented Languages: Adventures in Linguistic Creativity, Madness, and Genius.
https://tinyurl.com/yvpbj6wr

Jorma Kaukonen, "I Am the Light of This World."
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZA2MvF1pbw

Jef Lee Johnson - A Vaulx Jazz 2009 (fragm. 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z1T2qK9ZK64