Our fall concert series starts off soon with a world class group of guitarists known as California Guitar Trio. They are appearing on
Sunday September 12th @ Callahan's Music Club in Auburn Hills,at 7pm.Callahan's isonly 15 minutes north of our Ferndale Venue. Having attended a CGT performance we can attest that they are remarkable musicians who present an amazingly entertaining show.
Tickets for their performance are available @ www.fingerstyle.org or at the door for $25 general admission.
This link to Callahan's has a map and Callahan's has a dinner menu and drinks. It may be a good idea toget there at 6pm, find some nice seats and grab dinner and drinks before the show starts. www.atcallahan's.com
Opening for CGT will be local Chapman Stick perfomer Glenn Poorman. The Chapman Stick is a pretty unique instrument made notable by Tony Levin of King Crimson/Peter Gabriel fame. http://www.stick.com
Guitar Workshop By CGT!
In addition to their performance California Guitar Trio will be sponsoring aGuitar Workshop from 3pm - 5pm the same day as the show.CGT initially studied with Robert Fripp of King Crimson back in the late 80's and have been touring since. They have been proponents of the 'New Standard Tuning' which will be discussed at the workshop. What a remarkable opportunity to spend 2hours, close up and hands on with some of the best guitarists in the world.The fee for this workshop is $40.http://www.sroartists.com/artists/californiaguitartrio/files/sem-cgt.pdf
We will be discounting concert tickets for workshop attendees. The Cost of the concert and the 2 hr workshop together will be $50.
If you would like to attend the workshop you'll need tocall 248-646-4030
to make a reservation. This is for guitarists of all levels!
Other important news
Picking Party on Sunday September 19th MFGS board member, and recent attendee of an Interlochen Guitar Festival Workshop, Dave Stuart will host a picking party @ Shelest Music Store in St. Clair Shores.Directions can be found on their facebook sitehttp://www.facebook.com/pages/St-Clair-Shores-MI/Shelest-Music-Workshop/137302566303579?v=wall and http://shelestmusicworkshop.blogspot.com/This is an informal gathering of guitarists or guitar music lovers of all levels. Some come to play, some come to listen.We share songs, ideas and information about fingerstyle guitar.Save the date, more information to come. Thanks Gordy for opening up your shop!
Saturday September 25th,Preston Reed will perform at the First United Methodist Church at 22331 Woodward.Check our web site www.fingerstyle.org for information and tickets will be available soon.
A Friend In Need .... Remembering the lyrics of James Taylor's classic song ˜You've Got a Friend'..."When your down and troubled And you need a helping hand" We thinking abouta dear friend to MFGS who is in need of our assistance.Pam Rossi hosts the 'Overeasy' Show on WCSX/94.7 on Saturday & Sunday mornings. Pam plays a very eclectic variety of songs that are familiar to all of us and that we do not hear on other stations.Check out her playlist here http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy . Pam also frequently hosts live performances by local and nationally known musicians and has always graciously hosted our guest guitarists from all over the world. Tragically, Pam'sSaturday show has been cancelled!! We know that this show is a source of great music to many of us and we would like you to take a moment and let WCSX know how unhappy we are that this show was cut back. She may even loose the whole weekend to be replaced by preprogrammed shows, no live guests, and no soul to the show. MFGS is a big fan of Pam and her show and we know you are too! We encourage you to call station manager Brent Alberts at 248 398 9470 and leave a voicemail indicating your support of putting her back on the air on Saturdays and to protect her show on Sundays.Also please post this information on your facebook or myspace accounts or sendemail blasts to your friends.We need to give back a little to someone who has given us great music over the years.
Future Performance Dates
Preston Reed- Saturday, September 25th @ First United Methodist Church, Ferndale
Stephen Bennett & Tony McManusboth on the same stage in Ferndale, November 20th
Pino Forastiere, Brian Gore, Clive Carrol & Alexandre Gismonti, son of legendary Brazialian Guitarist Egberto Gismonti will perform with International Guitar Night, January 29th 2011 @ Callahan's.
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization
JB Davies - Rick Haden - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Dave Pierson - Ron Stavale
See you on the 12th of September, Enjoy the last week of summer!
Callahans will have dinner and drinks for you starting at 6pm
Tickets available now $25
click here to Buy Tickets Now! It is pretty special when you can claim that yourmusic was featured on television coverage for the 1998, 2000,2002 & 2004 Olympics, that you performed on the 2003 Grammy Award Show and that your music traveled around the world as wake up music for the crew of NASA's Space Shuttle Endeavor. We think it is also pretty special that MFGS is bringing CGT to Callahan's for the first time. You'll hear music ranging fromKing Crimson to Bach, fusing rock, blues, jazz, world music, progressive, as well as the quintessential California musical genre surf music, the California Guitar Trio's stunning virtuosity and sly sense of humor have earned them an enthusiastic following and wide notoriety
This will be an amazing show and you'll hear compositions from their new CD 'Andromeda' CGT will be making live performance CD's for your purchase immediately after the show.
California Guitar Trio will be sponsoring a Guitar Workshop from 3pm -5pm the day of the show.This is a remarkable opportunity.Spend 2 hours with CGT, pick out your seats and grab dinner while you wait for the show to begin.
Workshop Tickets are $40 - Call 248-646-4030 for reservations, seating will be limited.
Don't Forget!Preston Reed
and The Interlochen Guitar Festival later this month
It's about time to announce our fall schedule and remind you of other musical events going on. Ifyou were thinking about going to the Canadian Guitar Festival there’s still time.It starts on July 30th. They have an amazing lineup of guitarists. Check out the information at http://www.canadianguitarfestival.com/
Also here in Michigan there is our own Interlochen Guitar Festival and Workshop starting August 26th.
The California Guitar Trio was founded in 1991 and consists of Paul Richards from Utah, Bert Lams of Belgium and Hideyo Moriya of Japan.They first met in England at one of Robert Fripp’s Guitar Craft Courses in 1987. After their studies they embarked on a worldwide tour with Fripp’s League of Crafty Guitarists.
A California Guitar Trio performance is like a night at the theater: Drama, passion, humor, joy , pathos, it's all there." -
Acoustic Musician Magazine
Save this date to see one of the most remarkable group of guitarists in the world today.
At Callahans Music Hall there is the opportunity to come early, get a good seat and have dinner before the show.
This will be a great show and you’ll hear compositions from the New CGT Album Andromeda. After working on this album for more than 2 years, they have just set an official release date of October 12, 2010. This will be the first CGT album featuring entirely new original music, both composed and improvised by Bert, Paul and Hideyo. Guests on the album include Tony Levin, Julie Slick, Eric Slick, Tom Griesgraber, Tyler Trotter and more. Album Artwork by Pablo Mandel.
CGT will sponsor a Guitar Workshop the same day as their concert. More information to follow.
Next ...on Saturday September 25th MFGS presents Preston Reed@ the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale we will present http://www.prestonreed.com/in Concert & Guitar Workshop. This will be Preston’s third visit here to MFGS. He last played way back in 2003.
First we would like to again thank our Spring Concert Series performers, Germany's Peter Finger, Italy's Stefano Barone, Sergio Altamura and Pino Forastiere (Guitar Republic) http://echoesblog.wordpress.com/2009/08/11/acoustic-guitar- & Lawernce Juber who was originally from England and now resides in California. These were fabulous guitarists and we were fortunate to have them perform for us at the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale and at MAMA's Coffeehouse in Birmingham.
Also a thanks to Bert Lams of California Guitar Trio & Tom Griesgraber who graced the stage at the Barn in Rochester Hills along with local stick player, Glenn Poormanhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg-zI89yCNU
We are extremely disappointed that Andy McKee's July 17th concert @ Callahan's was cancelled. We were looking forward to his performance and his workshop as many of you were. It's not often that we have the opportunity to host such a popular guitarist. As a non-profit, volunteer driven society created to promote the art of Fingerstyle Guitar we try to follow our mission statement and circumstances would not allow this concert to occur. We look forward to Andy's October concert at the Ark and will let you know the details of that concert as they emerge.
It is summertime and we generally do not host concerts but other folks do! Let's start out with the Canadian Guitar Festival 2010this is one of the premier guitar competitions/festivals in all of North America if not the whole world.Here is some information on the Festival.
2010 Canadian Guitar Festival and Fingerstyle Guitar Competition July 30th - Aug 02, 2010 (Kingston, Ontario: 2hrs from Toronto)
This is THE EVENT to be at this summer for Guitar Fans. Reserve your tickets to the festival and a camping pass if you plan to camp at the Loughborough Lake Holiday Park. Camp, Swim, and Jam with us... See you at the festivalhttp://www.canadianguitarfestival.com/ 2010 Confirmed Performers - Don Ross, Michael Manring, Tony McManus, Antoine Dufour, Jimmy Wahlsteen, Gareth Pearson, Craig D'Andrea, Vicki Genfan, Kelly Valleau, Andrew White, David Barrett, Ray Montford, Denny Snyder, Ewan Dobson, Matthew Woodward, Holmes Hooke.Can you say www.Candyrat.com?Buy Tickets and Camping Passes Herehttp://www.canadianguitarfestival.com/
If anyone is driving there and looking for someone to share driving expenses please contact us and we would be glad to share your email/phone information with other attendees.Email rxvalle@yahoo.com with the subject Canadian Guitar Festival.
Then there is the most famous and our home grown Interlochen Guitar Festival & Workshop from August 26-28,2010.http://college.interlochen.org/program/guitar-festival-and-workshopHere are some of the famous guitarists to attend Interlochen either as students or teachers, Michael Hedges, Alex DeGrassi, Laurence Juber, Andrew York, Bill Frisell, Pierre Bensusan, Badi Assad etc.
Here are the performers and instructors for this year's festival , Adam del Monte, Brad DeRoche, Brian Morris, Brian Roberts, Bruce Dunlap, Bryan Galloup, Dan Kelchak, Francois Carew, John DeFaria, John A. Sunsch, Matt Brewer, Matthew Palmer, Nich Palmer, Nich Halley, Michael Chapdelaine, Nonato Luiz, Pat Bergenson, Phil Keaggy and Richard Cobo.
And then there is the locally famous MFGS Picking Parties.We will let you know when our next one is set up.Our most recent one at Shelest Music Studio in Saint Clair Shores was a success with about 12 folks showing up. Thanks Gordy, nice shop and we hope to come back there again.
Here is a sneak preview of our Fall Concert Series.
We are so close to nailing this down that we can actually announce that the The California Guitar Trio (CGT) on September 12th @ Callahan's will perform in concert and sponsor a guitar workshop.This is a big deal for MFGS. A first with CGT and a first at Callahan's. Perhaps it came out of our recent concert at the Barn in Rochester Hills where Bert Lams performed with Tom Griesgraber.Perhaps the stars were in line. Whatever it is, we don't care.California Guitar Triohttp://www.cgtrio.com/ will be performing Sunday September 12th @ Callahan's in Auburn Hills.Details to follow soon.
Preston Reed, September 25th @ the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale, Concert & Guitar WorkshopWhat else do we have to say? Preston http://www.prestonreed.com/ has actually performed here twice and we were very lucky to book him for a third time.Michael Hedges called him "Inspiring'. Al DiMeola called him 'Phenomenal'/He was THE major influence in Andy McKee's career.
Stephen Bennett & Tony McManus on November 20th @ the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale , Concert & Guitar Workshop Wow! What a way to top off the Fall series but to have the 1987 winner of the Winfield Guitar Festival and inspiration to almost every guitarist out there AND the Best Celtic Guitarist in the World(John Renbourn' quote) in the same show.This will be a fantastic concert.
MFGS Friends to stay in touch with over the summer
Tickets are on sale now. $25 for General Admission and $20 for Seniors (60 & over) or students with ID. There will be limited seating for this performance
We first brought Andy here to Michigan in 2006 after hearing about his finalist performance in the 2001Winfield Kansas Fingerstyle Competition.Andy was a newcomer toMFGS which, fulfilled another part of our mission by bringing in new fingerstyle performers to our audience.Andy returned in 2008 to an overwhelming show selling nearly 400 tickets at our First United Methodist Church Venue.
Picking up the guitar at age 13 Andy eventually was inspired by Preston Reed, Billy McLaughlin, Michael Hedges and Don Ross. From teaching guitar at a music store in Topeka the self-taught McKeeis now considered one of the worlds finest acoustic guitar soloistsHis dedicated online community has raised his YouTube video views in excess of 78 million plays and at one point he held the #1, #2 and #3 positions for Top-Rated Videos of All Time on YouTube. McKee has seen fantastic online media success which has allowed him to tour internationally with over 200 live shows a year.
Callahans offers a unique venue in that it is a concert hall and a restaurant!Stop in early to reserve your seat, enjoy a meal and then watch Andy McKee perform.
Better yet!Andy will also sponsor a guitar workshop for players of all levels from 3pm to 5pm @ Callahans.The workshop cost is $40 and you can reserve your front row seat at the concert by attending the workshop.
For More information on the Picking Party, the Andy McKee concert or the guitar workshop please call 248-646-4030
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization
JB Davies - Rick Haden - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Dave Pierson - Ron Stavale
Picking Party this Weekend & Andy McKee Tickets Available
First we would like to thank Bert Lams of California Guitar Trio (CGT) and Tom Griesgraber for a special night of music at the Barn in Rochester Hills last Wednesday. The opener for the show was local Chapman Stick player Glenn Poorman who then joined the duo for an beautiful encore performance of the CGT song 'The Marsh'. It was generous of Jeb & Betsy McIntyre to offer their 'Barn' for the opportunity for folks to see these performers in an intimate setting.
TOMORROW - SUNDAY JUNE 6TH - There is a Picking Party from 2pm to 5pm @ Shelest Music Studio in St. Clair Shores. MFGS'sown Dave "Dadgadave" Stuart will host this Picking Party. He will start off by discussing DADGAD alternate tuning and performing a couple pieces in that tuning. After that, there is an open mike for anyone to step up and perform a piece or two in any tuning they like! This is a very informal and supportive setting so any player at any level is welcome to stop by to perform or just listen and check out Gordy's new music Studio. Shelest Music Studio is at22410 Harper Ave. Saint Clair Shores, between 8 & 9 mile on Harper Ave. Use google maps or mapquest to get you there and look for our MFGS signs out front! (586) 218-7071.guitargordo@yahoo.com
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We have been getting calls about Andy McKee's performance @ Callahan's onJuly 17thhttp://www.andymckee.com/ . Callahans is a music hall near Woodward @ Square Lake Road in Auburn hills, about 12 miles north of the Woodward/696 interchange. MFGS generally does not sponsor summer concerts but due to Andy's touring schedule and the opportunity to host the concert @ Callahan's we set up his concert there. This is a first for us @ Callahan's and this fall we will return to our Ferndale venue. Callahans offers us a great venue tailored for music and also they have a dinner & drink menu . http://www.atcallahans.com/Menu/Menu.htm
Andy has quite a national following and there were nearly 400 folks in attendence at his 2008 performance in Ferndale. Callahan's has a more limited seating arrangement so you may want to consider purchasing tickets ahead of time.
Andy will sponsor a guitar workshop before the show between 3pm & 5pm. The workshop is 2 hours of hands on instruction from one of the best fingerstylists around. This workshop is for players of all skill levels.
We at MFGS would like tothank all of you for your support, and also to our musical guests for a really fabulous spring season of guitar music. Typically this would be the last you would hear from us until September but we have a few things brewing that we hope will catch your attention.
First of all let's take a moment and thank Germany's Peter Finger for starting of our season out with a really impressive display of his guitarmanship. Peter was not well known here in the US but we certainly witnessed a special night of diverse fingerstyle music and storytelling that has been performing in the rest of the world for a few decades now. Thanks Peter! Next we were just totally enthralled byGuitar Republic's remarkable evening of innovatively brilliant music. Until that night I have never seen a standing ovation before intermission! Italy'sPino Forastiere, Sergio Altamura and Stefano Barone really enjoyed the 'love' they felt from the audience and you can tell by their encore arrangement of Johan Sebastian Bach's, 'Smells Like Teen Spirit' (yea right Pino, you can't fool us on that one, we're an educated audience !!) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QC-7hgnpZqc . Guitar Republic deserves a 'saluti e baci' (it's an Italian thing!) from all of us. Finally the master, LaurenceJuber, did some great interviews on Pam Rossi's 'Overeasy' and then Ann Delisi's 'EssentialMusic' shows. Laurence then joined us along with our friends at MAMA's Coffeehouse. Thank's MAMAs for allowing us to share a very special night of beautiful compositions and some covers of Beatles tunes by LJ.
So, what's up now? As part of our mission of supporting guitar music that comes in our area we would like to remind you that This Wednesday, June 2nd,California Guitar Trio's Bert Lams performs with Tom Griesgraber @ 'The Barn' in Rochester Hills. This is a house style concert with limited seating, which isn't a bad thing, if your there! Please go to http://www.poorman.ws/detroitstick/berttom/ for more information. We've been trying to get these guys for a few years and this is the chance to see them up close. Support these musicians, you won't be disappointed. Here is a sample of what you will see this Wednesday! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU0MaVHXV54&feature=related
Next on our agenda is a MFGS Picking Party, Sunday June 6tfrom 2-5pm Another part of our mission is to help promote Fingerstyle Music by having networking or picking parties. These are very informal gatherings where some of our more seasoned guitaristslead a discussion about an aspect of fingerstyle playing. After that there can be more discussion and thenthere is time to go up to the mike and perform in a truly non-competitive, supportive and very appreciative audience.MFGS's own Dave "Dadgadave" Stuart will host this Picking Party at Shelest Music Studio in St. Clair Shores on this Sunday.Shelest Music Studio is at22410 Harper Ave. Saint Clair Shores, between 8 & 9 mile on Harper Ave. Use google maps or mapquest to get you there. (586) 218-7071.guitargordo@yahoo.comJune 6th, Learn a little and play a lot or play a little and learn a lot!
And finally, we have been getting calls about this special performance for a couple months now. We are very pleased to announce that on Saturday, July 17thAndy McKee will perform live at Callahan's Music Hall in Auburn Hills Michigan.
Tickets are on sale now. $25 for General Admission and $20 for Seniors (60 & over) or students with ID. There will be limited seating for this performance
We first brought Andy here to Michigan in 2006 after hearing about his finalist performance in the 2001Winfield Kansas Fingerstyle Competition.Andy was a newcomer toMFGS which, fulfilled another part of our mission by bringing in new fingerstyle performers to our audience.Andy returned in 2008 to an overwhelming show selling nearly 400 tickets at our First United Methodist Church Venue.
Picking up the guitar at age 13 Andy eventually was inspired by Preston Reed, Billy McLaughlin, Michael Hedges and Don Ross. From teaching guitar at a music store in Topeka the self-taught McKeeis now considered one of the worlds finest acoustic guitar soloistsHis dedicated online community has raised his YouTube video views in excess of 78 million plays and at one point he held the #1, #2 and #3 positions for Top-Rated Videos of All Time on YouTube. McKee has seen fantastic online media success which has allowed him to tour internationally with over 200 live shows a year.
Callahans offers a unique venue in that it is a concert hall and a restaurant!Stop in early to reserve your seat, enjoy a meal and then watch Andy McKee perform.
Better yet!Andy will also sponsor a guitar workshop for players of all levels from 3pm to 5pm @ Callahans.The workshop cost is $40 and you can reserve your front row seat at the concert by attending the workshop.
For More information on the Picking Party, the Andy McKee concert or the guitar workshop please call 248-646-4030
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization
JB Davies - Rick Haden - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Dave Pierson - Ron Stavale
California Guitar Trio's Bert Lams performs with Tom Griesgraber
At 'The Barn' near Meadowbrook Music Theatre
California Guitar Trio’s own Bert Lams will pair up with Chapman Stick extraordinaire, Tom Griesgraber for an evening concert at the ‘Barn’ in Rochester Hills. The Barn is an intimate house concert setting where you will experience two world class musicians up close. We encourage buying tickets early since there is limited seating at the 'Barn'
Since 2004, California Guitar Trio member Bert Lams and Chapman Stick player Tom Griesgraber have been organizing tours in the US together, performing primarily as a duo but also dual soloists.
Developed by musician Emmett Chapman in the early 70s, The Chapman Stick used by Griesgraber combines six guitar strings tuned in fourths with six bass strings tuned in fifths. Notes are “tapped” rather than strummed allowing the player to create separate parts in each hand with a variety of guitar and bass-like sounds. An unusual instrument at first glance and still unknown to most of the world, this 12-string guitar/bass/synthesizer hybrid capable of sounding like all three instrument families at once. Until you’ve seen it performed live, the music of Chapman Stick player Tom Griesgraber sounds too big to be real. There are acoustic guitar or piano-like moments, funk rock bass lines, ambient synth and soundscape textures, rock guitar leads, jazz solos and even small bits of percussion sometimes all happening simultaneously. To the uninitiated listener it sounds like an ensemble, but to those who have seen him live, it is the magic of a unique virtuoso.
Bert Lams
Bert Lams has twenty years of experience in performing and teaching classical guitar and guitar technique. He studied classical guitar with Monique Vigneron and Albert Sundermann (A. Sundermann was a student of Andres Segovia.) at the Royal Conservatory of Music in Brussels, Belgium where he graduated with honors. He has also conducted workshops for guitar students around the world, including master classes in Berlin, Paris, Buenos Aires, Santiago de Chile, Los Angeles, Tokyo and Mexico City.
Since 1990, Bert Lams has been a composer and performer with the highly acclaimed California Guitar Trio. In 1993, the California Guitar Trio released their first recording Yamanashi Blues on Discipline Records followed by a successful world tour. In the same year Lams completed a world tour with the Robert Fripp String Quintet resulting in the recording, The Bridge Between, on Discipline Records.
Tom Griesgraber
Griesgraber is one of the world’s most respected and active performers on The Stick. He has toured as an opening act and guest for more than eighty US shows with the California Guitar Trio, toured the US and Europe with drummer Jerry Marotta as the duo Marotta/Griesgraber and opened numerous shows for artists like The Tony Levin Band, The League of Crafty Guitarists, The Dixie Dregs, Steve Hackett, Adrian Belew, Al Dimeola, Stanley Jordan, Bill Bruford’s Earthworks, Larry Carlton and Steve Lukather, Muriel Anderson, Tower of Power, Asia, Michael Manring, Tim Reynolds, Jazz Mandolin Project and The Bad Plus. At the request of Recording Academy (Grammy’s) president Neil Portnow, he has also performed for the Academy’s Board of Trustees as well as the Academy’s Holiday Party and the 2004 Grammy Awards Show Post Party
These meetings will be a great opportunity to share pieces you enjoy playing, to play ensemble music and just talk with other people who have a similar love for the guitar, in an informal, friendly environment. All are welcome. Go to our website for more info: www.guitarmichigan.org
June 2nd - Bert Lams (California Guitar Trio) & Tom Griesgraber
At 'The Barn' near Meadowbrook Music Theatre
Since 2004, California Guitar Trio member Bert Lams and Chapman Stick player Tom Griesgraber have been organizing tours in the US together, performing primarily as a duo but also dual soloists. Their music draws from their highly eclectic backgrounds and includes everything from the music of Bach and Chopin to original pieces and California Guitar Trio (CGT) covers that range from progressive rock to spaghetti westerns
Just a reminder that this weekend, Saturday April 17th, @ 7:30 pm, Guitar Republic will be performing at the
First United Methodist Church @ 22331 Woodward, 4 blocks south of 9 mile in Ferndale.
Doors open at 6:30 pm, Show at 7:30 pm Tickets are $20 & $15 for Students & Seniors
There are still a few open spots in the guitar workshop from 3pm - 5pm. The focus will be performing and composition with other guitarists in a group. This is for players of all levels. All 3 members of Guitar Republic will be teaching at the workshop.
Consider coming to the workshop, selecting your seats and then going out to eat at one of the restaurants within walking distance of the church. You won't need to get back to the church until just before the concert starts!
Workshop attendees will receive concert tickets for $10.
Call 248-646-4030 to reserve a spot at the workshop or for questions about this performance or MFGS
Our next two concerts will be held at other Venues !!
May 15th, 2 Time Grammy Winner - Laurence Juber @ MAMMA's Coffeehouse
July 17th, Andy McKee - Callahan's Music Hall
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization
JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Dave Pierson - Ron Stavale
Friends of MFGS- Due to an error in sending out this newsletter only 1/2 of our distribution list was contacted. We are sending out the newsletter again so that everyone gets the information. If you've already received this today we apologize for the resend.
Part of the mission of MFGS is to let you know about upcoming guitar events. Here is a listing of some performances. Please let us know if you here of guitar performances that you want mentioned. Remember that we are volunteers so give us a decent lead time. And we can always use a hand getting flyers posted at coffee shops, music stores or where you work. Call us if you can help out 248-646-4030
Thursday April 15th - Our own JB Davieswww.jbdavies.com will be opening for Jill Jack at the City Mission Benefit Concert & Wine Tasting night.
Admission is $30.00 per person and you BYOW (bring your own wine). The benefit is at the beautiful Redford Theatre 17360 Lahser,http://redfordtheatre.com/ Detroit, MI 48223. You will have a chance to hear great performances by some gems of the Motor City in the most well kept secret, the Redford Theatre. You will also be able to share your favorite wine with friends, new and old.
Will all of this music going on, don't forget that on
April 17th we will be featuring Guitar Republic in their first US appearance.
First United Methodist Church, 22331 Woodward in Ferndale.
This will be remarkable night of music from Pino Forastiere,Stefano Barone & Sergio Altamura. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCQCkcqTgqAGeneral Admission tickets are $20 & $15 for students & seniors available on line www.fingerstyle.com or at the door.
Stefano, Sergio and Pino will conduct a 2 hour guitar workshop from 3pm - 5pm the day of the show at the First United Methodist Church. The cost of this workshop is $40 and it is for all levels of players. The focus of the workshop will be composition and performance in a band. If you attend the workshop your concert ticket is only $10. Seating is limited.
We are also fortunate to have Michigan Luthier, Gary Zimnicki at the show www.zimnicki.com Gary will have some of his fine handcrafted instruments for you to view.
Call 248-646-4030 to reservve a seat at the workshop or for concert information.
Farther down the line.......
May 15th -@ MAMA's Coffeehouse - 2 Time Grammy Winner Laurence Juber - Ferndale guitarist Joel Palmer will open for Laurence.
July 17th @Callahan's Music Hall - Andy McKee
and thanks to our friends who fill us with the music we love to hear!!
This is WDET's pledge week so help them keep this music coming to us by donating whatever you can.
In honor of our upcoming Thanksgiving holiday we will send out some thanks before spreading the news.
Michael Chapdelaine, http://www.michaelchapdelaine.com/ thank you for a fabulous concert and guitar workshop last Saturday. We were fortunate witnesses to a remarkable & masterfully artistic guitar performance. Michael left on Sunday with an appreciation of some of our Detroit art too! He marveled at the DIA's Diego Rivera Mural and it's permanent collection and even ventured to the lower east side of Dtown to take in the Heidelberg Project http://www.heidelberg.org/ . Michael, we'll be waiting on your new CDs to come out and hope to have you back in the future.
Kevin Tarnas, thanks for bringing your energy to our society as a member of our board. You single-handedly revitalized our picking parties and we hope to maintain the energy you brought. All the best from us to you and keep us informed on your upcoming performances.
Ann Delisi (WDET) http://www.wdetfm.org/ann-delisi.php & Pam Rossi (WCSX) http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/, thanks for hosting Michael Chapdelaine for your in studio interview and performance. Michael was quite appreciative, as well as all of us @ MFGS, for taking the time out of your busy Saturday's to have a fingerstylist on your show. We look forward for future visits. Michael will send you some of his new CDs when they come out!
And finally, a bigthanks to you for supporting MFGS. Our mission is to promote the art of Fingerstyle Guitar through workshops, performances, community outreach and picking parties. If you can help us put up posters or know of any other means to get the word out about our society please let us know.
MFGS NEWS & EVENTS
LIVE PERFORMANCE AND PICKING PARTY on SUNDAY DECEMBER 6TH,
JB Davies www.jbdavies.comco-founder of MFGS will perform live 2pm -3:30pm @ the DESSERT OASIS www.DessertOasis.net205 S. Main St. (Rochester Rd.) at corner of Main and Second in downtown Rochester (google the address for a map). After JB's performance MFGS will sponsor a Picking Party 3:30 - 5pm. The Dessert Oasis is a very comfortable coffee house venue and our picking parties consist of supportive guitarists and friends of fingerstyle guitar. All level of players (and listeners) are welcome. Come to listen or to play and enjoy a light lunch, coffee and desserts. Our good friend and former board member, Dave Pierson, is returning to our board after a sabbitical of sorts and will host the picking party.
Some highlights of next years performances. For our 2010 Spring Series we should use the title “if you can’t visit Europe, we will bring Europe to you” Series.We will start off with the remarkable German fingerstylist,Peter Finger, who will visit MFGS for the first time. Next on the list will be Italy's Guitar Republic, consisting of our good friend and guitar maestro, Pino Forastiere, and his compatriots, Stefano Barone and Sergio Altamura. These guys are pushing the limits beyond progressive Fingerstyle Guitar to where (as Captain Kirk would say) “where no man has gone before”. Finally we will bring back the amazing English guitarist,Laurence Juber (LJ). This two time Grammy Award winner and former lead guitarist of Paul McCartney's 'Wings' will again dazzle us with his brilliance on the guitar.
Stay tuned for more updates next month and remember to put on some of that fine fingerstyle music while your digesting your Turkey or Tofu, whichever you chews (sorry bout that). We wish all of you and your families a very Happy Thanksgiving!!!
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3)(c) non profit organization
JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Dave Pierson - Ron Stavale
Michael received great reviews from MFGS members after his last concert in March 2008. He is truly a fabulous guitarist and entertainer with amazing expressiveness and breathtaking technique. Michael is the only guitarist in the world to win international honors in both nylon and steel string competitions. You won’t want to miss him (besides, it’s our last concert of the year!)We’ve mentioned that he was a student of Andres Segovia and on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiAbqfaYGwk there is a tape from a master class with the master himself. Segovia listens and then impatiently disses a young Chapdelaine off the stage since Michael isn’t following Segovia’s transcription precisely. It's about 9 minutes long but you'll see that Michael makes the best of it and he has come a long way from that day; we hope you’ll see him this Saturday.
Here are a couple of songs you might hear on Saturday.
This will be our last show of the 2009 series and we will be raffling off some CDs & DVD’s graciously given to us from our friend, Rob Poland of Candyrat records www.candyrat.com Rob has quite the stable of guitarists & singersongwiters and a few of them will be coming to MFGS next year.
On Saturday before you come to the show turn on the radio and tune in to Michael performing live, just after 9am on Pam Rossi’s ‘Overeasy’ show, WCSX 94.7 , 7a-10aSat. & Sun.http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/And then just after 12 noon on Ann Delisi’s ‘Essential Music’ show, http://www.wdetfm.org/ann-delisi.php WDET 101.9, 12 - 4pm Sat. & Sun.
And finally, Michael (his 2008 workshop in photo) will be sponsoring a 2 hr guitar workshop on Saturday from 3pm-5pm at the FirstUnitedMethodistChurch.The workshop costs $40 and discounted concert tickets are $10 for workshop attendees. Call 248-646-4030 to reserve a spot or for more information.
See you Saturday
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3)(c) non profit organization
JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Ron Stavale
Well, as much as we'd like to, we can't book all the great players so Trinity Househttp://www.trinityhouse.org/ is helping out by bringing in a fabulous fingerstyle guitarist, Richard Gilewitz http://www.richardgilewitz.com/ this Saturday, November 7th. He puts on a great show and if you get a chance to see him you won't be disappointed.
On Sunday November 8th, our good friend Paul Murphy of BlueFish Musichttp://www.bluefishguitars.com/ is hosting a soon to be annual Luthier Gathering from 1pm-5pm. There will be about a dozen amateur and pro luthiers from Michigan, Ohio and Ontario getting together to discuss building, swap tonewoods and show off their instruments. Any friends of MFGS are welcome to check it out and try some guitars. Paul will have the stage and amp set up so there will be some open mike time and with the lesson rooms there will be some quiet places to test drive some guitars. Paul also does repairs and helpful with advice on anything to do with guitars.
Of course you know that the remarkable Michael Chapdelaine will close out our 2009 Michigan Fingerstyle Series November 14th (click on our web site,www.fingerstyle.org ). What you don't know yet that on November 14th Michael will be gracing the studio of our good friend Pam Rossi on her Overeasy show, 94.7,WCSX on the dial. We will be on the show sometime after 9am but just set your alarm to Pam's show @ 7am and blend yourself into the morning (Sat. & Sun) with a nice mix of great songs. Also Michael will be heading down to 101.9 WDET to visit with Ann Delisi on her Essential Music Show http://www.wdetfm.org/ann-delisi.php at 12 noon. Ann is back on the radio scene in Detroit on Sat. & Sun. from 12 noon to 4pm bringing home grown, eclectic and new 'essential' music to Detroit’s airwaves.
After Michael’s radio appearances MFGS will sponsor a guitar workshop from 3pm - 5pm at the FirstUnitedMethodistChurch. You can't ask for a better opportunity to learn from one of the best guitarist in the world. The cost of the workshop is $40 but workshop attendees can attend Michael's concert for just $10. Call to reserve a seat.
Now that we've planned your day on Saturday the 14th, if you need any further info call us @ 248-646-4030
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The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3)(c) non profit organization
JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Ron Stavale
"As carelessly as the word 'virtuoso' gets tossed round these days, it still only characterizes a minuscule percentage of artists. New Mexico-based guitarist Michael Chapdelaine is one of the chosen few"Weekly Alibi
This former student of the renowned master Andres Segovia proved himself to be one of the world's finest classical guitarists; twice winning the coveted National Endowment for the Arts Solo Recitalist Grant, and taking First Prize in both the Guitar Foundation of America's and the Music Teachers National Association's Guitar Competitions. Chapdelaine expanded his musical range and gained instant notoriety and credibility in the "acoustic music" world as a "fingerstyle" guitarist and composer, by winning the National Fingerstyle Championships.
Chapdelaine is the only guitarist in the world to win international competitions in both nylon & steel string guitar.
Concerts tickets are $20, Seniors & Students $15
Michael will be sponsoring guitar workshops prior to his shows from 3pm-5pm. Don’t miss the opportunity to spend 2 hours with one of the finest guitarists in the world. Seating is limited. Call to reserve a spot.
Cost of Guitar Workshop is $40
Workshop attendees receive Concert Ticket for $10
For more information call 248-646-4030
join us on Facebook & Myspace!
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3)(c) non profit organization
JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Ron Stavale - Kevin Tarnas
On April 18th Peppino D’Agostino will perform in concert &
sponsor a guitar workshop for MFGS.
At The First United Methodist Church
22331 Woodward (just 4 blocks south of 9 mile in Ferndale)
Concert tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for students and seniors.
Show starts @ 7:30pm and doors open @ 6:30pm. Tickets can be bought online @ www.fingerstyle.org or at the door.
D'Agostino was chosen as ‘Best AcousticGuitarist, 2007’ by Guitar Playermagazine Readers Choice Awards and he is on the coverof the most recent Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine.
Acoustic Guitar magazine calls him “One of the most capable composers among fingerstyle guitarists” & the San Francisco Chronicle says he is“a poet…among the best talents around”
D’Agostino has released 12 critically acclaimed CDs and 2 DVDs. He has been featured on numerous guitar samplers alongside such greats like Pat Metheny & John Scofield. For more information on Peppino visit www.peppinodagostino.com&http://www.myspace.com/pdagostino
Peppino will appear on Pam Rossi’s ‘OverEasy’ show (94.7 WCSX) http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/ on Saturday April 18th @ 10:30 so make sure to tune in and hear him &
you can tune in to Pam’s show any Sat. or Sun. to hear some great music 7am – 12 noon.
Don’t miss this opportunity to hear another amazing fingerstyle guitarist appear in concert with MFGS. Tickets are available online www.fingerstyle.org
or at the door.
Peppino will be also be sponsoring a guitar workshop @ our venue from 3pm - 5pm.The cost of the workshop is $40. Ifyou come to the workshop and wish to attend the concert then concert admission will be $10 for general admission and only $5 for students and seniors.
There are still some seats available but seating is limited.
Call 248-646-4030 to register.
The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3)(c) non profit organization
JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Ron Stavale - Kevin Tarnas
Paul Murphy of Bluefish Music is again opening up his shop on a Sunday to host our picking party.
- There will be demonstrations of Paul's guitars & amps
- Discussion on Fingerstyle arranging
- And of course, your chance to meet and pick a few of your strings with fellow Fingerstyle players. Get there early to sign up to play or just come to listen.
This is Peppino's first appearance @ MFGS. Peppino was named 'Best Acoustic Guitarist 2007' by the Readers Choice Awards of Guitar Player Magazine. Peppino will sponsor a workshop the same day as the concert.
On March 7th @ 7:30 (doors open @ 6:30) MFGS will present from Rome , Italy, Pino Forasiterewww.forastiere.it along with special guests, Craig D’Andrea & Antoine Dufour.This will be a very special night of Fingerstyle Guitar.All 3 guitarists have quite a following and can be viewed @ www.candyrat.com Tickets will be available @ the door
Pino will conduct a hands on 2 hr guitar workshop from 3pm-5pm the same day as the show.Tickets are still available @ $40. If you go to the workshop & the show (which most folks do) we will discount the costs to you. Workshop & show combined is $50. This is an opportunity to learn some of the finer points of fingerstyle guitar. The format is open at this point so feel free to suggest aspects of playing that you would like to improve on. Stop by for the workshop and then enjoy a bite to eat at one of the local eateries before the show.Call 248-646-4030 for information about the workshop.
In addition to that Paul Murphy of Bluefish Music in Plymouth will be at the show with some instruments http://www.bluefishguitars.com/forsale.html and guitar amps/accessories for you to view before, during intermission and after the show.If you have any questions about any aspect of guitars or amplification Paul is the one to ask.
It is always good to Tune in to Pam Rossi’s ‘Overeasy’ Show, 94.7 FM radioSaturday & Sunday mornings for some good jams. On March 7th Pino will be featured at about 10:30 for in-studio interview/music. For those of you out of broadcast range, tune in on your computer @ http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/
And in case you missed it, one of our esteemed board members (actually it was his guitar, not him) was featured on history detectives episode 11.We won’t spoil the twists and turns of the plot, nor the outcome. Needless to say, it was quite an interesting show. Check local listings for channels and times.
Pino Forastiere was born in Latronico, a small village in southern Italy. In 1992 he graduated from SantaCeciliaConservatory in Rome with a degree in classical guitar, remarkably using a ten-string classical guitar for his final performance. In the late 1990’s Pino was given a CD of the late American innovative guitarist Michael Hedges. Pino, realizing the possibilities to expand the musical boundaries of the acoustic guitar, converted his playing from the traditional nylon classical guitar to a 6 string steel strung acoustic guitar. Forastiere leaped into the musical landscape with both the precision of his classical training and the inspiration & the seemingly wild abandon that Hedges employed in his music. Today Pino is considered one of the most skilled Fingerstyle guitarists in the world and he has the ability to compose some of the most complex musical arrangements with unparalleled artistry. http://www.forastiere.it/ENG/mp3andvideos.htm
Pino will sponsor a guitar workshop the day of the show from 3pm - 5pm. Cost of workshop is $40. Combined concert and workshop cost is $50.
Please call 248-646-4030 for information
Appearing with Forastiere will be
Craig D’Andrea
Craig is from Connecticut. He picked up the guitar in 1999 & studied classical guitar for 3 years. Some of his influences were Lindsay Buckingham, Don Ross and Leo Kottke. Craig placed first in the Canadian Fingerstyle Guitar Competition in 2007 and his career has blossomed since then touring with Andy McKee, Don Ross & Antoine Dufour.
Antoine is from Montreal. He started playing guitar at the age of fifteen. Influenced by Leo Kottke, Don Ross & Michael Hedges. Antoine pursued fingerstyle guitar and placed first in the Canadian Fingerstyle Competition in 2006. His pieces are characterized by a highly percussive playing style, using slap and natural harmonics adding to his music’s complexity.
A guitar players paradise with great gear and great prices!
744 Starkweather St. - Plymouth, MI -Ph: 734-927-0675
Located in Plymouth's Old Village near the corner of Liberty and Starkweather
check out their website for directions
We Want to Hear What Your Guitar has to say!
We offer an "Open Mic" format for guitarists of all skill levels in a noncompetitive and encouraging environment. Entertain the group with one of your tunes or just come along and enjoy the music.
Other Activities include:
-Discussion and Tips on creating a set list
- Product Demonstrations
- Socializing and Refreshments
- Win a pair of tickets to one of our spring concerts
- Raffle of MFGS CDs made by members like you!
- Comments and suggestions for MFGS Board always welcome!
-Thanks to Antoine Dufour and Craig D'Andrea for putting on a stunning display of guitar wizardry last Saturday night.For those of you who missed the show you have to see them next time around. Until then check out Antoine’s ‘Existence’ and Craig’s ‘Crazy is Catching’ CDs on the Candyrat records site http://www.candyrat.com/
-Thanks to Ed Gerhard and his music from the heart on our first show of the season.There aren't many who can play the guitar so soulfully asEd. There is always room for Ed here@ MFGShttp://www.virtuerecords.com/
- Thanks to Pam Rossi of WCSX , 94.7. and her 'OverEasy' Sat am show.Pam has always supported our society and the guitarists that we bring in by interviewing them and allowing them to play a few of their pieces on her show.Tune in to her show to hear some great music that spans generations and genres.http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/
-Thanks to Paul Murphy of Bluefish Music who sponsored our first Picking Party in a year or so. Paul came in on a day off (a Sunday none the less) to open up his store for friends of MFGS to discuss amplification techniques and for members to play a few tunes.Check out his myriad of instruments @ http://www.bluefishguitars.com/\
-Thanks to Gary Zimnicki who brought his gorgeous guitars to our show at the Players Guild of Dearborn and to a concert in February. Gary continues to create beautiful instruments ranging from mandolins and ukes to steel or classical string guitars and jazz boxes. Gary was also the hero in February when Pino Forastiere came into town. Pino opened his hard shell case only to find a 12 inch full thickness, jaw dropping (literally!) crack on the side of his guitar after flying in from Chicago. Duct tape got Pino through the concert but Gary did a spot on job, permanently repairing the crack so Pino could play his next gig.Check out some of Gary's nice instruments@ http://www.zimnicki.com/index.html
-Thanks to all of you who come out to our shows and support our Society and these musicians. Keep in mind that we can always use a little help with shows since we are all volunteers trying to keep things running smoothly.We always appreciate your help and your suggestions for making this a better society.
We are all looking forward to our concert with Antoine Dufour and Craig D'Andrea this Saturday, Oct 11th @ 7:30, (Doors open @ 6:30)
Remember that the concert and workshop will be held at the*Players Guild of Dearborn*(not in Ferndale!!)
The Guitar Workshop is from 3-5pm (same location) Michigan luthier Gary Zimnicki will be at the concert with some of his handcrafted guitars on display.
If you are not familiar the location of the Players guild then click on "Get Directions" below.
Players Guild of Dearborn
21730 Madison St Dearborn, MI 48124 (313) 561-8587 Get directions
Craig & Antoine will be live on 94.7, Pam Rossi's 'Over Easy' radio show Saturday October 11th @ 10:15 am. Tune in and enjoy a preview of the show.
Tickets can be purchased at the door or online. For more information on the workshop or the concert, you can go to www.fingerstyle.org
