Don't miss this concert!- Jeb McIntyre [ 5/5/2006 - 08:11 ] #
| We're proud to present GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist Ed Gerhard this weekend. Considered by many to be the finest guitar player around today. As one critic said, "Ed Gerhard plays songs only the guitar can sing". This is perhaps an understatement. I promise, you won't be disappointed. |
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5/6/2006 (7:30 PM - 10:00 PM) (doors open at 6:30 PM)
Location: First United Methodist Church 22331 Woodward Avenue Ferndale, MI 48220
GRAMMY® Award-winning guitarist Ed Gerhard will appear on Saturday, May 6 at the First Methodist Church, 22331 Woodward Ave., Ferndale, MI. Showtime is 7:30pm. Gerhard will be presenting a fingerstyle guitar workshop the following day, May 7, 1-3pm. To register for the workshop call (248) 646-4030.
From sold out tours of Japan to headlining festivals in Italy, Ed Gerhard's music has touched concert audiences all over the world. Gerhard stands out among instrumental performers for his ability to captivate audiences of any size with a combination of virtuosity, generosity and humor distinctly his own. Known for his gorgeous tone and compositional depth, Gerhard can move a listener with a single note.
Ed Gerhard returns to Ferndale celebrating the release of his long awaited blues CD "Sunnyland." It is in homage to his blues heroes. “For me, the blues has been a deep source of inspiration since I began playing the guitar as a kid. Guys like Blind Willie McTell, Tampa Red and especially Mississippi John Hurt were my heroes. While I’ve always played blues I’ve rarely recorded any of it. When James Jensen at Solid Air Records suggested this project to me I jumped at the chance to revisit my old musical stomping grounds. This unexpected trip back to the well really inspired me, and I had a great time writing the music for this record. I think there’s a pretty good mix of styles on there, from great gospel tunes like “Just a Closer Walk With Thee” and “Amazing Grace” to some rollicking uptempo tunes like “Night Owl Blues” and “Little Road”. I hope you’ll enjoy the music.” Ed Gerhard
He has recently been awarded the coveted GRAMMY® Award for his inclusion on Henry Mancini; Pink Guitar. Gerhard arranged and performed "Moon River." His recordings and performances have received unstinting praise, including the Boston Globe Critics' Pick for "Top Ten Albums of the Year." Acoustic Guitar Magazine writes "...his recordings and live performances have established him as one of the most exciting of the guitarist-composers." His music is featured in the Ken Burns documentary Mark Twain.
Gerhard will share an evening of exquisite guitar music- performing songs from newly released CD "Sunnyland" as well as concert favorites. Performing on 6-string, 12-string, slide guitar and Hawaiian lap steel, Gerhard combines rare compositional depth with inspired virtuosity. Fans of guitar music won't want to miss this opportunity to see and hear one of the country's finest players. |
|  | House Concert at Jeb and Betsy's Place- Jeb McIntyre [ 4/21/2006 - 11:48 ] # Saturday April 22, Erika Luckett will be in concert at the Barn in Rochester. The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society is pleased to welcome award winning singer/songwriter/guitarist, Erika (say “eddie-Kah”) Luckett, back to Rochester Hills to perform a concert at The Barn (2791 Walton Blvd Rochester Hills) as her spring tour breezes through the Midwest.
 Get there early, because seating is on a first come first serve basis, and the venue only seats about 65. Doors open at 6:30, and the concert takes place at 7:30 on April 22, and tickets are $15 at the door. Since this is my home, BYOB is ok. This is Erika’s second performance presented by the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society, a non-profit organization created to promote the appreciation of fingerstyle guitar through concerts, workshops and good will. She played to a packed house in April, 2005 and was so well-received, they’ve invited her back.
Unlike many of the artists we’ve brought in, Erika writes most of her own material, and sings, in addition to being a superb guitar player. She’s also a fine entertainer, blending humor and insight with her musical virtuosity. This is a show you won’t want to miss.
Jeb
Erika Luckett is blazing songs across the global frontier. Some say it's like Michael Hedges' guitar slipped its way onto a Bebel Gilberto vocal track; or that Carlos Santana hung out with Lucinda Williams and came up with a whole new repertoire. Others say she sounds like Shawn Colvin after a steamy adventure in Havana; or like Norah Jones with a funky edge. Performing Songwriter Magazine introduces her this way: "To be blessed with prolific songwriting skills and a captivating voice is one thing. But to absolutely master an instrument on top of that is indeed an enormous accomplishment. Meet Erika Luckett." Whatever the description, it’s clear that Erika Luckett has carved out a new niche.
Distinctions between styles fade beneath the undeniable talent and raw passion that characterizes Erika's music, whether singing in French, Spanish, English or Portuguese...whether tapping out a two handed Latin Funk groove or teasing a lilting melody from her six strings. Her audience may capture frames of Jazz, Folk, Pop, Latin, Flamenco, and Soul, but in the end the full reel of music offers a cohesive and captivating story.
A multi-award winning performer and songwriter, Erika has been honored as Female Artist of the Year 2004 by Just Plain Folks (the world’s largest independent music organization), as well as One of the 100 Most Outstanding Women of the Year 2005 by both Modern Woman Today Magazine and the Jewish Post. Her albums have received numerous accolades including Best International Music CD of the Year 2005 (World Art Celebrities Journal – “Unexpected”), Best Jazz Vocal Album 2003 (Just Plain Folks - “My Little Crime”) and Best Independent Release of the Year 2002 (Acoustic Guitar Magazine - “My Little Crime”).
This is an artist whose music and intention are about building bridges, upholding the beauty and depth of our human expression, and inspiring authentic connection. She donated 100% of the proceeds from the sales of album “The New Orleans Sessions” after hurricane Katrina for relief efforts on the Gulf Coast. Her next album, “Yaxche Live!” (to be released in May 2006) will benefit the Yaxche Learning Center in Taos, New Mexico, a school that cultivates creative and critical thinking as well as an integrative approach to learning.
Come experience the wonder of Erika Luckett in concert on April 22 at 7:30 pm at the The Barn in Rochester Hills - and step into a world where melody, lyrics and groove transcend the limitation of boxes and categories. For more information about this concert, call 248-705-1390, or visit the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society on the web at www.fingerstyle.org.
|  | Stephen Bennett in Concert- Jeb McIntyre [ 1/7/2006 - 14:38 ] # Presented at the First United Methodist Church 22331 Woodward Avenue Ferndale, MI 48220
Concert at 7:30, doors open at 6:30
Tickets $15, seniors and children $10
Start the new year off with one of the very best! Stephen Bennett is one of the finest guitarists playing today, and a favorite of the MFGS. His music is evocative, melodic, subtle and complex. His Beatles covers are amongst the best ever done, while his origional compositions are equally extraodinary. His technique is flawless, and his stage presence is delightful. He's one of those rare artists who's equally appealing to both the sophisticated fingerstyle guitar player and their grandmothers.
Whether playing his great-grandfather's harp guitar, his 1930 National Steel or a standard 6-string, Stephen Bennett is a guitarist to hear. His playing has won awards and critical praise. In live performance and on record, his diverse musical influences and interests are joined with a three decade long love affair with the sound of guitar strings.
Stephen's recently released CD contains some of the very best fingerstyle arrangements of Beatles songs ever recorded. Rumor has it another is on the way. Highly recommended.
For guitar players, Stephen's workshops are amongst the very best we've ever hosted. He is simply a brilliant teacher. Moreover, he teaches creativity as much or more than technique. Everyone who attended his last workshop bumped their playing more than a notch! His workshops are suitable for all levels of players.
Space for the workshop is limited, and advanced paid reservations are required. Contact Jeb McIntyre at 248 705.1390 (leave message) or jeb@fingerstyle.org for reservations.

Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society 255 E. Brown St. Suite 101 Birmingham, MI. 48009 248-646-4030 Office 248-646-4598 Fax
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|  | | Pino Forastiere in Concert- Jeb McIntyre [ 11/13/2005 - 09:18 ] #
Pino Forastiere House Concert - Saturday November 19, 2005 In Rochester Hills at The Barn (private residence of Jeb and Betsy McIntyre)
Advanced Tickets Strongly Recommended! 2791 Walton Blvd Rochester Hills, Mi 248 705 1390 Phone
Doors at 6:30pm Showtime is 7:30pm Cost: $10 per person (No MFGS Discounts)

When you hear him play, you will hear the influence of Michael Hedges, but Pino is no Michael Hedges wanna be. He’s a unique performer who’s advancing the meaning of fingerstyle ever bit as much as Hedges did. Simply put, Pino is at the leading edge of fingerstylests who incorporate the most advanced techniques of this so called “heavy mental” approach to playing. You might say that while Pino was influenced by Hedges, he has clearly picked up where Michael left off.
MFGS is honored and very pleased to sponsor Pino for an intimate house concert at the Barn. A friend once told of seeing Barbara Streisand in a small club in New York. He couldn’t understand how she could not be famous since she was so talented. Shortly thereafter she rose to fame as the broader public realized her talent. We feel that we are getting a rare opportunity to see this international talent before the rest of the world catches on. We believe he is destined to become one of the greats! We hope you will join us.
Directions:The Barn is on the South side of Walton Blvd., just East of Adams. If you know where Meadowbrook Music Theatre is, just go East (toward downtown Rochester) about a half a mile. It’s next to the Church. Pull all the way to the back for the parking lot, or park on any available grass. Alternatively park in the church parking lot if you can’t find a space. Advanced tickets are strongly recommended! We only have space for about 50 people, and when we're full, we're full.
Pino Forastiere Links Website | Audio & Video | Press Release
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|  | | Great Concert Saturday- Jeb McIntyre [ 11/10/2005 - 23:41 ] #
Billy McLaughlin in Concert
Billy McLaughlin Concert - Saturday Nov 12th 2005 Doors at 6:30 Showtime 7:30 22331 Woodward Ave First United Methodist Church, Ferndale, MI 248 646 4030 Phone
Billy McLaughlin will make history when he performs for the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society on Saturday, November 12th. McLaughlin enjoyed a rising career complete with Top 10 Billboard charting releases (Narada Records/Virgin) and non-stop national touring when he was struck down in 2001 by a mysterious and incurable disease that attacked his fretboard wrist and hand. Rather than quit, McLaughlin has been quietly re-learning his virtuoso repertoire - left-handed! His first-ever-entirely-left-handed-concert is arguably the acoustic guitar comeback event of all-time.
Routinely compared to Stanley Jordan and Michael Hedges, McLaughlin uses unorthodox tunings and techniques, playing with both hands on the fretboard. His compositions have been called "melodic" and "accessible" by the likes of Billboard Magazine, Acoustic Guitar Magazine and the Washington Post. A documentary film, Rewired, is currently in production tracking McLaughlin's journey back to the stage and will be shooting this concert. For the complete rundown on McLaughlin's story, please visit www.billymclaughlin.com
Billy McLaughlin Workshop - Sunday Nov 13th 2005 1pm-3pm 22331 Woodward Ave First United Methodist Church, Ferndale, MI
Billy McLaughlin will conduct an acoustic guitar workshop on Sunday November 13th at 1pm at the First United Methodist Church in Ferndale. Included in the workshop will be an introduction to two-handed tapping-style. You do not need to be an advanced guitarist to learn something valuable at this workshop! Developing and intermediate level players are encouraged to attend. Additional topics include practical use of alternate tunings, guitar amplification, and a music business question/answer segment.
Workshop space limited. Cost is $35 for MFGS members, $40 for the General Public. Contact Mark Hawks for reservations or info.
Billy McLaughlin Audio Samples Helms Place | Hurricane Bob | God Rest.. | So Long Billy McLaughlin's Website Website | Regarding his MFGS Concert | On Focal Dystonia
Copyright © 2004 Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society
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