What about Buffalo N.Y.??

I know, same here just wishfull thinking. But we will have to keep it in mind

Canada has them often. Sean is teaching in June up in London. It's 4 hours from where I am in Rochester (Webster), which means it should be closer to you.
I am going to leave early that morning, drive up and come back that night. I've done less driving for gigs (keeping in mind I drive for Ren Faires all the time).

Pashur is also scheduled to be at the Ohio Haunters Convention. If I go to that I will be staying overnight since there are a few cheaper places, and I'm applying for a grant to go.

Now...if money is an issue on going to these things, it needn't be fully. In NYS each county is allotted arts funds to it's arts council. This comes in the form of Strategic Opportunity Grants (formerly Special Opportunity Stipends).
You can get the application from your local arts council. They are given out 3 times a year to help defray costs of special opportunities artists are given.
They won't pay for entry into a workshop but if you plan to compete or are invited to a jam that happens to be attached to workshops (hint hint!) they will pay for supplies or travel fees. They only go up to $600 so you still need to be frugal, but it's something. You will need to get letters from event organizers, and I've never met one who didn't help me out.
I've received 8 of these over the years, as well as a couple full grants (I became a certified grant writer years ago to help fund my arts ).
They aren't a sure thing but they are great when you get one!

Also, never undervalue the power of YouTube. Sometimes, since so many workshops at large conventions are little more than demos anyway, the videos are amazing tools to practice a long with and develop your own flair!

I may be interested if something gets planned at a time I can come, but I'm in the Binghamton area, about 3 hours away from you, I think, and our funds are very limited as well. If it was the kind of thing that I would have to stay at a hotel for, it might be out of reach financially for me.

Lori

Hey everyone, I know it isn't exactly local, but Cathy Corbett is coming to Brampton Ontario (near Toronto) for 6 FULL DAYS OF CLASSES!!! I know a couple of local girls who will be looking to cut costs and share hotel rooms. If you get a few people to a room, it can be very affordable. Cost is only $100 per day. I am going to post it on the upcoming events page now.