Switchback Songwriters Weekend, April 8-10, 2011

If you love writing songs, this is your weekend!

Come visit one of the most beautiful spots along the Mississippi in a carefully restored mansion on an elegant estate for a weekend of creativity, camaraderie, relaxation and music.

Where is it taking place?

At the beautiful Four Mounds Inn in Dubuque, Iowa

Who should attend?

Anyone who loves to write songs or is a fan of songwriting, young or old, pro or amateur!

What are we doing?

Creating Songs–we will discuss songs, write songs and share songs!

Relaxation–sleep late, take naps eat freshly prepared meals created exclusively by the Four Mounds Inn-keeper.

Reflection–allow the natural beauty of the Four Mounds and the Mississippi river restore your soul. Hiking trails and the nearby town of historic Dubuque, Iowa await you!

Your staff:

Brian FitzGerald and Marty McCormack of Switchback

John D. Lamb, nationally recognized songwriter and host of Lamb’s Retreat Songwriting Camps

Non-lodging including meals (2 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner, wine and appetizer reception) and workshops - $259

Meals include:
Welcome fete on Friday night with beer, wine, soda and appetizers
Full Iowa breakfast with juice & coffee on Saturday and Sunday
Lunch on Saturday
Full dinner on Saturday night
Please indicate in advance any special dietary needs
To reserve your spot, click here for the Songwriters Weekend Reservation Form

Lodging at the Four Mounds Inn is separate and can be booked directly by calling Marie FitzGerald at 563/556-1908 or by emailing her at inn@fourmounds.org. Space is limited, so please book your room early!
Click here to view the rooms and rates for lodging

The Iowa School Tour of October 2010

We all know that kids say the darndest things. While Marty and Brian have visited over 30 schools in the past couple of weeks presenting their educational program, they have come upon some insightful, inquisitive and humorous comments from the elementary school students. Here are a few…

On one of the first days of our school tour, when asked if the students had any questions, one little girl asked us where we bought our boots.

At one school, a kid asked us when we became a real band.

We played "Ain't Misbehavin’” and asked the kids what kind of music it was. One kindergartner raised his hand and said, "Far out music?"

One kid asked, "How much does your guitar cost?" "$200," Brian said. "How much for the little guitar?" "The mandolin costs $400." "That thing should only be $3," the kid said.

One boy asked if we had ever played his school before. "Yes, five years ago," we answered, "Would you have wanted to be here then to see us play?" "No," he said.

At a Hazel, WI school, a kid asked, "Do you know Lady Gaga?" and at Jefferson school a kid asked, "Do you work with Justin Timberlake?"

We are giving out Switchback stickers for correct answers. During our show, one girl walked up in the middle of us playing and said, "I didn't get a sticker and I answered the question right." So we gave her a sticker and had her take a bow.

One girl identified Brian's mandolin. "How did you know it was a mandolin?" we asked. "My daddy plays in the basement with three of his friends," she said.  "Do they always play in the basement?" we asked. "Yeah," she replied, "but sometimes you can still hear them!"

"Do you guys tour?" one kid asked. "Well this is a tour," Marty replied. The kid looked around the assembly. "Doesn't seem like much of a tour," he said.

We finished packing up our gear at the school today and the janitor asked, "Now that you're done playing, do you go to work?"

Celebrate El Dia de los Muertos with Switchback!

Celebrate El Dia de los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) with a Celtic twist! Join Switchback at the Pine Room of Ascension Parish, 601 Van Buren Street, Oak Park, IL, on Saturday, October 30 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 at the door. This year, the Kosier Studio of Dance from Sterling, IL will be presenting original choreography to Switchback songs. Beer, wine, and other refreshments will be available for purchase.

Switchback began hosting the Day of the Dead Show nine years ago to celebrate the Mexican custom of honoring those who have passed on to the next world. The tradition has roots in the pagan practices of Mexico and is similar in intent to the Celtic feast of Samhain. In both traditions, the veil separating the dead and the living is at its thinnest, thus offering people a chance to honor the spirits of their ancestors.

Dia de los Muertos is a colorful tradition. The people believe that heaven is opened on midnight of October 31 and the spirits of the deceased children are allowed to celebrate with the living. Later on November 1st and 2nd, the adults who have passed on are allowed to party with the living.

And it is quite a party. Altars are made in each home and decorated with candles, marigolds, tortillas, fruit, mole and special bread called “pan de muerto." In addition, alcohol, chocolate, toys and cigarettes are left for the spirits. Special sugar skulls are decorated and placed on the altar in honor of the deceased. It is believed that the happy spirits protect and bless those who honor their memory.

The traditional altar or “Ofrenda” will be in place at the show, and everyone is asked to bring a picture of a loved one who has passed on. Sugar skulls will be in place, and all are invited to visit their local Mexican store and purchase and decorate a skull of their own for the altar.