“I create in service to beauty”

I create in service to Beauty,
in gratitude for
the miracle of trees,
whorls in wood, ripples in water,
​quiet nights of stars, music, musical turns of phrase,
​fractals, flowers, and fellowship.

- Sally Ashcraft

Alasdair Fraser and Sally Ashcraft first met at Lark Camp in California in October 1981, drawn together by a shared love of music, friendship, nature, and the sense of community that can grow when people gather to share traditions. In the decades since, they have devoted much of their lives to creating music camps and gatherings where musicians of all ages and backgrounds can learn, play, eat, laugh, and connect.

For Alasdair and Sally, the setting has always been an important part of that experience. Bringing people together in places of extraordinary natural beauty—among mountains, forests, rivers, and open skies—creates space to slow down, listen more deeply, and reconnect not only with one another, but with the natural world. Music and nature have a way of opening people up, encouraging creativity, generosity, and a deeper sense of belonging.

Cup o’ Kindness grows naturally from that shared journey. Taking its name from the enduring words of Burns' Auld Lang Syne, the weekend retreat celebrates friendship, hospitality, music, nature, and the simple pleasure of being together. At a time when life can feel increasingly hurried, divided, and disconnected, Alasdair and Sally believe that gathering in person—to make music, share stories and meals, spend time in a beautiful landscape, and renew old friendships while making new ones—is more valuable than ever. Cup o’ Kindness is an invitation to come together and do just that.