Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society - Community Weblog

MFGS Concert Updates - Sunday Sept. 12th

Tue, 31 Aug 2010 21:42:39 GMT

MFGS Concert Updates

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 is only 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.

CGT will be featuring music from their new CD release called 'Andromeda' http://www.cgtrio.com/latest/item/1-andromeda-will-hit-the-earth-in-october as well as their storied repertoire from classical to fusion and even surf music. They have been featured on several Olympic broadcasts and they performed at the 2003 Grammy's. CGT will be recording this concert and CD's will be available after the show. For info and to catch some of their music check out http://www.sroartists.com/artists/californiaguitartrio/index.php

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 to get 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 a Guitar 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 2 hours, 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 to call 248-646-4030 to make a reservation. This is for guitarists of all levels!

Other important news

Picking Party on Sunday September 19^th 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 site http://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 25^th, 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 about a 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's Saturday 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 send email 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 25^th @ First United Methodist Church, Ferndale

Stephen Bennett & Tony McManus both on the same stage in Ferndale, November 20^th

Pino Forastiere, Brian Gore, Clive Carrol & Alexandre Gismonti, son of legendary Brazialian Guitarist Egberto Gismonti will perform with International Guitar Night, January 29^th 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 12^th of September, Enjoy the last week of summer!

Tickets On Sale For California Guitar Trio - Sept 12th

Thu, 12 Aug 2010 13:04:02 GMT

The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society presents

California Guitar Trio

Sunday September 12^th, 7pm

At Callahan's Music Hall http://www.atcallahans.com/

2105 South Boulevard, Auburn Hills, MI

Just 12 miles north of our Ferndale venue

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 your music 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 from King 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.

Opening for CTG will be Chapman Stick performer - Glen Poorman http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mg-zI89yCNU

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

http://college.interlochen.org/program/guitar-festival-and-workshop

http://www.interlochen.org/media/video-2009-icca-guitar-festival

and last but not least all of our other MFGS Friends to stay in touch with.....

The Ann Arbor Clasical Guitar Society - http://www.society.arborguitar.org/

Classical Guitar Society of Michigan - http://www.arborguitar.ms11.net/CGSM_index.html

Pam Rossi of WCSX and Overeasy http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/

Paul Murphy of Bluefish Guitars http://www.bluefishguitars.com/

Gary Zimnicki of Zimnicki Guitars http://www.zimnicki.com/

JB Davies http://jbdavies.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-home.cgi?d=jbdaviescom

Ann Delisi on WDET with Essential Music http://www.wdetfm.org/ann-delisi.php,

Rob Reinhart of WDET with Acoustic Cafe & Essential Music, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-Reinharts-Essential-Music/260231449465

Shelest Music Workshop http://shelestmusicworkshop.blogspot.com/

Huber Breese Music - http://www.huberbreese.com/

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

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Thu, 29 Jul 2010 16:15:02 GMT

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Buy Tickets Now!

Fall 2010 & Spring 2011 Concert Announcements

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 02:37:42 GMT

Dear Friends of MFGS

It's about time to announce our fall schedule and remind you of other musical events going on. If you were thinking about going to the Canadian Guitar Festival there’s still time. It starts on July 30^th. They have an amazing lineup of guitarists. Check out the information at ht tp://www.canadianguitarfestival.com/

Also here in Michigan there is our own Interlochen Guitar Festival and Workshop starting August 26th.

http://college.interlochen.org/program/guitar-festival-and-workshop

These are two premier guitar events you won't want to miss!

Now on to our Fall Concert Series 2010/Spring 2011

Sunday September 12th - with the remarkable California Guitar Trio http://www.cgtrio.com/ This will be a Sunday evening concert @ Callahans http://www.atcallahans.com/

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.

Buy Tickets Now!

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.

"True spellbinding guitar mastery" - Guitarist Magazine

November 20th - Stephen Bennett & Tony McManus on the same stage.

January 29th, 2011 - International Guitar Night featuring Clive Carroll, Pino Forastiere, Brian Gore and Alexandre Gismonti

March 12th - Pierre Bensusan

April 16th - Stefano Barone

May 21st - Craig D'Andrea & Antoine Dufour

MFGS Friends to stay in touch with.....



The Ann Arbor Clasical Guitar Society - http://www.society.arborguitar.org/

Classical Guitar Society of Michigan - http://www.arborguitar.ms11.net/CGSM_index.html

Pam Rossi of WCSX and Overeasy http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/

Paul Murphy of Bluefish Guitars http://www.bluefishguitars.com/

Gary Zimnicki of Zimnicki Guitars http://www.zimnicki.com/

JB Davies http://jbdavies.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-home.cgi?d=jbdaviescom

Ann Delisi on WDET with Essential Music http://www.wdetfm.org/ann-delisi.php,

Rob Reinhart of WDET with Acoustic Cafe & Essential Music, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-Reinharts-Essential-Music/260231449465

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

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Tue, 22 Jun 2010 04:29:13 GMT

Dear Friends of MFGS

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 Poorman http://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 2010 this 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 30^th - 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 festival http://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 Here http://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-workshop Here 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 12^th @ 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 Trio http://www.cgtrio.com/ will be performing Sunday September 12^th @ Callahan's in Auburn Hills. Details to follow soon.

Preston Reed, September 25^th @ the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale, Concert & Guitar Workshop What 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 20^th @ 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

Classical Guitar Society of Michigan - http://www.arborguitar.ms11.net/CGSM_index.html

The Ann Arbor Clasical Guitar Society - http://www.society.arborguitar.org/

Pam Rossi of WCSX and Overeasy http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/

Paul Murphy of Bluefish Guitars http://www.bluefishguitars.com/

Gary Zimnicki of Zimnicki Guitars http://www.zimnicki.com/

JB Davies http://jbdavies.com/cgi-bin/p/awtp-home.cgi?d=jbdaviescom

Ann Delisi on WDET with Essential Music http://www.wdetfm.org/ann-delisi.php,

Rob Reinhart of WDET with Acoustic Cafe & Essential Music, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Rob-Reinharts-Essential-Music/260231449465

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

Cancellation of the Andy McKee Concert on 7/17/2010

Tue, 15 Jun 2010 22:06:16 GMT

It was with great regret that MFGS received word that the Andy McKee show on July 17th was canceled. We have nothing but the highest regard for Andy's considerable talent and his obvious world-wide following. Unfortunately there were several demands on our organization that we couldnâ€™t accommodate, the most significant of which was Andy's cancellation of the planned guitar workshop, which had been advertised on both our and Andyâ€™s website for several months.

We are not promoters, and have no profit motive. We are an all volunteer non-profit organization that has existed for ten years now with the sole purpose of advancing the art of Fingerstyle guitar. Prior to committing to host a performer we require that all performers agree to lead a workshop to allow our members to learn from the artist. We always give the artist 100% of the money collected from workshop attendees. Andy has done this for us twice in the past & he committed to lead one before this concert. We, as well as the attendees, were looking forward to learning from him again as well.

Our organization sponsors six to seven concerts and workshops a year and never arranges these events in the summertime. Our initial date of May was changed due to Andy's tour bookings and given our mutually appreciative history with Andy, we nonetheless were able to find a very popular replacement venue during the month of July. There was a mutual commitment for this performance and we tried to complete the contract negotiations. We had hoped that the nominal remaining differences existing in the proposed contract could be bridged.

We intended no disrespect, condescension or insult to Andy. We regret that he feels otherwise and truly apologize to him for any distress this has caused him. We are disappointed that this issue was brought forth in a such a public manner and we have endeavored to speak directly with Andy, but have been unsuccessful. As such, we felt this public reply was necessary.

In the past ten years the MFGS has sponsored countless concerts for the world's most talented guitarists, hosted a similar number of artist workshops and have given back to our community by providing our musicianship on a not for profit basis. The majority of these artists are given accommodations in our homes and we do not take any percent of merchandising in order to support the artists. We pride ourselves on establishing and maintaining excellent relationships with the many gifted musicians who have played Detroit via our auspices. To our constituents, we apologize that this concert was canceled and will look forward to seeing you at our fall series. Note that Andy intends to play a concert in Ann Arbor in the fall and we will post its particulars at the appropriate time.

Thank you.
The MFGS Board of Directors

Andy McKee - In Concert @ Callahan's - CANCELLED

Mon, 07 Jun 2010 16:09:14 GMT

Saturday, July 17^th Andy McKee will perform live at Callahan's Music Hall in Auburn Hills Michigan.

http://www.atcallahans.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lWwxi8VNLk&feature=related

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 2001 Winfield Kansas Fingerstyle Competition. Andy was a newcomer to MFGS 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 McKee is now considered one of the worlds finest acoustic guitar soloists His 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.

http://www.atcallahans.com/Menu/Menu.htm

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

Sat, 05 Jun 2010 07:32:57 GMT

Dear Friends of MFGS

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's own 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 at 22410 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

--------------------------------

We have been getting calls about Andy McKee's performance @ Callahan's on July 17th http://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.

http://www.atcallahans.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRAiUzrmkMk&feature=related

Tickets are on sale now

$25 for General Admission &

$20 for Seniors (60 & over) or students with ID.

There will be limited seating for this performance

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

MFGS Music Updates & Andy McKee Concert Information

Mon, 31 May 2010 05:01:30 GMT

We at MFGS would like to thank 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 by Guitar Republic's remarkable evening of innovatively brilliant music. Until that night I have never seen a standing ovation before intermission! Italy's Pino 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, Laurence Juber, did some great interviews on Pam Rossi's 'Overeasy' and then Ann Delisi's 'Essential Music' 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 2^nd, 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 6^tfrom 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 guitarists lead a discussion about an aspect of fingerstyle playing. After that there can be more discussion and then there 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 at 22410 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.com June 6^th, 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 17^th Andy McKee will perform live at Callahan's Music Hall in Auburn Hills Michigan.

http://www.atcallahans.com/

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GRAiUzrmkMk&feature=related

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

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.

http://www.atcallahans.com/Menu/Menu.htm

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

Pickin' Party Sunday 6/6/10, 2-5 pm!

Sun, 30 May 2010 02:31:54 GMT

Learn a little, play a lot!!

We're having a Picking Party on 6/6/10, 2-5 pm at Shelest Music Studio 22410-A Harper Ave. Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080.

I, Dadgadave, will host and put on a short demo on composing (using a couple of my DADGAD tunes to teach with). It will mostly be fun with guitars and plenty of encouragement to stretch out and play with abandon!

Cheers, Dadgadave

Shelest MusicWorkshop

(586) 218-7071

guitargordo@yahoo.com

22410-A Harper Ave. Saint Clair Shores, MI 48080

Upcoming Concerts - Californita Guitar Trio's Bert Lams teams up with Tom Griesgraber

Wed, 19 May 2010 03:49:49 GMT

June 2nd 7:30 pm -

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'

Tickets $15 - Info @ http://www.poorman.ws/detroitstick/berttom/

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.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JU0MaVHXV54

The Chapman Stick

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

____________________________________________________

The Return of Andy McKee !

July 17th @ Callahans Music Hall

http://www.atcallahans.com/

Remember that Callahans has Dinner avialable before the show.

http://www.atcallahans.com/Menu/Menu.htm

Laurence Juber - May 15th, 8pm & upcoming performances

Tue, 04 May 2010 02:33:35 GMT

Two-time GRAMMY Winner

Former lead guitarist for Paul McCartney & Wings

Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine's "Guitarist Of The Year"

Laurence Juber

Saturday, May 15th

Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society

At MAMA’s Coffeehouse

Birmingham Unitarian Church

38651 N. Woodward at Lone Pine, Bloomfield Hills

Just 9 miles up the road from Ferndale!

MAP To MAMA's http://www.bucmi.org/mapbuc.htm

Show begins @ 8pm with opening act Joel Palmer, doors @ 7:30 pm

Tickets $15 general admission - $13 Seniors & Students

***Juber will conduct a guitar workshop for guitarists of all skill levels* **

2 hours with one of the finest guitarists in the world!

Workshop is from 3:30 - 5:30 pm @ MAMMA's Coffeehouse.

Cost of workshop is $40

Call 248-646-4030 for concert information or to register for the workshop

May 16th - 3pm – 5pm - Michigan Classical Guitar Society

http://www.guitarmichigan.org/

Madonna University (map)

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

for details and to RSVP, contact:
berttom@poorman.ws

July 17th Andy Mckee @ Callahan's in Auburn Hills http://www.atcallahans.com/

Don't forget our friends @ http://www.society.arborguitar.org/

The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization

JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Dave Pierson - Ron Stavale

Concert Reminder - This Saturday, April 17th. Guitar Republic

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 21:45:39 GMT

Dear Friends of MFGS

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

MFGS - Performances This Week - resend (sorry)

Fri, 09 Apr 2010 15:17:09 GMT

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 Davies www.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.

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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=ZCQCkcqTgqA General 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.

Ann Delisi's Essential Music on WDET http://www.wdetfm.org/ann-delisi.php & facebook

Rob Reinhart's Essential Music and Acoustic Cafe on WDET http://www.acafe.com/ & facebook

Pam Rossi's 'Overeasy' show on WCSX http://www.wcsx.com/overeasy/ & facebook

Candyrat Records www.candyrat.com

Ann Arbor Classical Guitar Society - http://www.society.arborguitar.org/

The Classic Guitar Society of Michigan - http://www.guitarmichigan.org/

MAMA's Coffeehouse http://mamascoffeehouse.org/

Trinity House - http://www.trinityhouse.org/

Carrick House Concerts - http://www.myspace.com/carrickshows

Callahans Music Hall - www.atcallahans.com

and finally, don't forget to join us on facebook!

A special thanks to Jan Golz who works behind the scenes to make our society successful .

The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is a 501 (3) (c) non-profit organization

JB Davies - Mark Hawks - Jeb McIntyre - Dave Pierson - Ron Stavale

MFGS News, Picking Parties & Updates

Thu, 19 Nov 2009 23:04:39 GMT

Dear Friends of MFGS,

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 big thanks 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.com co-founder of MFGS will perform live 2pm -3:30pm @ the DESSERT OASIS www.DessertOasis.net 205 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