ResoSummit, Rob Ickes’ annual workshop weekend for resonator guitarists is scheduled this year for November 10-13. As always, there are 3 days of instruction and performances by some of the top slide artists in Nashville and beyond.
This year, Rob and ResoSummit co-producer Betty Wheeler are offering a full-scholarship for a young picker (18-and-under), in honor of Houston Caldwell. Houston was a talented banjo player who died at the age of 18 in a tragic motorcycle accident last year, leaving behind a legacy of both musicianship and community service. He was a volunteer fireman in Galax, VA where he lived, and had only recently returned from Army basic training when he was killed.
Not only does the ResoSummit scholarship offer full tuition ($420 value), plus room and board, and it is also the only way to get in if you aren’t already registered. The event sold out as soon as it was announced in January, but Rob and Betty set aside one spot for the scholarship winner.
Betty explained a bit more about this first Houston Caldwell scholarship:
“We’re looking for an aspiring dobro player who exemplifies Houston Caldwell’s passion for music and dedication to community. Although the application process is intended to be informal, we’ll listen to audio (or watch YouTube videos) where available, and talk with the applicants and their parent(s) to learn more about them and their involvement with the dobro.”
In our first year of this scholarship, we’re especially interested in casting the widest net possible. If we find there is high demand for this scholarship, we’d like to know that so we can consider expanding the program in future years.
For more information about the scholarship application process, please contact them by email.
Houston will be further memorialized this Spring at HoustonFest, a 2 day festival in Galax May 6-7. The event is a benefit for the Galax Volunteer Fire Department, and 45 bands are scheduled to perform over two full days.
