In September 1993, singer/songwriters from near and far gathered for a three- week retreat on the island of Martha's Vineyard to rest, recuperate from the road, and write. Every Friday and Saturday night, informal concerts at The Wintertide Coffeehouse in Vineyard Haven were taped, as well as spontaneous musical creations that materialized during the week. In all, close to 300 songs were recorded, and it was so difficult choosing which ones to include in an album that we talked Rounder Records into making this project a double album. It was still difficult making the choices, but I think what we have here is a terrific representation of what went on during the retreat. -Christine Lavin