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Press/presenters: Photos | Workshop descriptions | Thumbnail blurbs | Backgrounders | Schedule Kate Long & Robin Kessinger A collaboration between two of Appalachia's most compelling performers
“Working together, they create magic.”Appalachian traditional and contemporary music, laughter, thought-provoking stories, and who knows what. “Between the amazing picking of Robin Kessinger and Kate’s unique voice, I went to my thesaurus to try to find some words that could capture the talent and uniqueness of this work. The book did not help. All I can do is say WOW!! .. Just brilliant work.” “Long and Kessinger have a down-home approach, an easy rapport, and an instinctive musical connection. Long sings with passion and earthiness. Kessinger’s guitar frames Long’s voice with grace and perfection. The result is an extraordinary collaboration … warm, witty and fun.”
“They had our whole crowd singing and laughing, even crying. Not to be missed!” "I have not been that entertained by two people in a long, long time. If they are coming to your area, and you have any reservations about hearing this duo, trust me, go. They are worth any price of admission.” – Ken Cartwright, KENC-FM CD! What We Do. Listen to samples:This is the kind of mix you can expect at a Kate and Robin concert.
Copies of live performance CDs sent to presenters on request. WorkshopsWorkshop descriptions from West Coast tour: Three-hour workshops | 90-minute workshops Robin Kessinger: Guitar (flatpicking)
Robin specializes in traditional Appalachian, Irish, and swing tunes. Students in his classes will learn new flatpicking techniques, new tunes, and fresh chord combinations and runs. Equally important, they can absorb some of Robin’s exceptional ability to play familiar tunes in creative ways. Students come away with tab and handouts. Students should be familiar with standard chord changes. In workshops longer than 2 hours, Robin gives each student individual attention. Robin will also arrange individual lessons, as time allows. Kate Long: Songwriting, a capella singingAfter talking with the presenter, Kate puts together a workshop that suits their group.
As a Swannanoa Gathering student wrote, “Kate creates an aura of excitement, safety and encouragement. She spends one on one time with each student, which is essential in such a deeply personal activity.” Her students enjoy themselves and often amaze themselves. A national award-winning songwriter and writer, Kate Long has worked as a writing coach for 23 years. She truly knows how to help people take their writing to the next level. She offers much more than a “feel good” class. Her students leave with actual craft tools they can use the rest of their lives. Click here for more information about Kate's workshops More comments from presenters: “I just gotta say – DON’T MISS THEM. Robin is a master guitarist steeped in traditional music, and Kate is the songwriter I wanna be when I grow up (if I decide to grow up. Individually, each could easily keep an audience rapt. Working together, If you’re not familiar with Kate’s songs, expect to laugh, cry, think, reflect, and come away
with a full heart. Whether she and Robin are playing traditional tunes or their own
compositions, the feeling is down-to-earth, down-home, and deeply rooted. Go hear them!” “The town is talking about your performance and the workshops in the schools. I want to thank you for all you did and the generous giving of your time beyond the norm. You not only provided entertainment and knowledge, but left your good names behind in our community. You are welcome here any time.” “People in Grant County loved your outstanding performances. The people at your workshops BioRobin Kessinger’s dazzling guitar virtuosity has earned him national and state titles and an international reputation for creative, sensitive rendition of traditional tunes. A Winfield national flatpick guitar champion, he is one of the most beloved of Appalachian traditional guitar masters and teachers. For a decade, he coordinated Guitar Week for the Augusta Heritage Center, and he teaches at Steve Kaufmann’s guitar camp, the Swannanoa Gathering, and other camps. He has appeared on the cover of Acoustic Guitar Magazine and on more than two dozen CDs, including eight of his own. He and his legendary musical family were the subject of a BBC documentary. For more information: www.robinkessinger.com. Kate Long is a national award-winning songwriter whose voice Rambles Magazine described as “a rich, deep force.” She has performed at the International Storytelling Center, the Kennedy Center Millineum Stage, and the South Florida Folk Festival, among others and has taught at Augusta, Swannanoa and various camps. Her songs have taken honors at IBMA, Merlefest, and South Florida Folk Festival, among others. She performs regularly for public interest groups and spiritual groups and has 3 CDs of her own songs. She is also a national award-winning journalist who tackles tough subjects, most recently predatory mortgage loans. Like her public radio and newspaper stories, her songs showcase her heart, humor, intelligence and down-to-earth ability to connect with people. For bookings, information, or CD samples: info@robinandkate.com
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Fresh versions of traditional tunes:
To say Robin Kessinger is a national flatpick guitar champion is an understatement. He has also been a nationally-known guitar teacher for two decades. A member of the famed Kessinger old-time music family, he has coordinated Guitar Week for the Augusta Heritage Center and teaches regularly at popular guitar camps like Steve Kaufmann’s Guitar Kamp and the Swannanoa Gathering. 
their already powerful talents create magic. (Did I mention how impressed I am with them?)