Hamilton Guitar Association: November 2011

Saturday, November 26, 2011

Hga...SOFGA meeting

Mon. Nov.28 , at the good ol Pheasent Plucker, 20 Augusta Street, Hamilton

7:30 sign in, show starts at 8:00

EYE ACHE,... MY EAR!

This week HGA is proud to present the rescheduled feature set by super solid club members, players and friends John Harris and Andy Rock.

I tell you, I've not seen performers who look like they are having as much fun playing together as these two.Catch a clip of John doing Blake Snake Blues . I couldn't find a clip of Andy but maybe he'll have a chance to explain this photo

Check out the website for clips of our last club night, featuring the sensational EMMA RUSH, (which was literally infested with nylon stringers) and there captivating classical chantadas. We also had a visit from Bob Maclean who will be on spotlight for a feature set later this year.

While your at it, notice the new listening room page where you can listen to and record music for me to post. If you are one of the many telecommuting to the club via the website, now you can share by playing us a tune. It's like an online open mic. Presently there is only one measly song from me, but , with your help we'll have some "enjoyable" "music" from actual "musicians" very shortly.

Thanks being a part of our guitar community,

See you Monday night,

Mark

Saturday, November 12, 2011

this weeks meeting ( M..usical E...xciting E...ntertaintment T...hing),

Mon. Nov. 14, at the good ol Pheasent Plucker,
20 Augusta Street, Hamilton

7:30 sign in, show starts at 8:00

We're back to the beloved classic format, half open mic, half feature performer. ...SO,

Bring your guitar for a two song set then...kick back...grab a fresh cold one and great local food and ....

This week, the HGA is proud to present, a feature set of the amazing, lovely and talented........

EMMA RUSH

Check out this EMMA VIDEO, entitled "Tortilla w/ Blue"

S.O.F.G.A.

Southern Ontario Fingerstyle Guitar Association

Some five years ago, I typed finger style guitar into a search engine because that was the type of playing I wanted to explore. Mostly because I was tired of replacing all my lost guitar picks. What I found was the SOFGA, a club dedicated to this guitar style and encourageing new people to learn by providing a non competative performance environment. They met right here in Hamilton, I knew that this was something I had to check out.

What I found was a community of people enjoying each other's music, company and friendship. And the amazing music! Cutting edge acoustic, celtic, old blues , entire bands seems to leap from guitars held by one person. No fake effects or back tape. Each meeting, one great player after the next would play. Then, one of them would take some time to show you thier style.

This is where I found my guitar teacher and mentors and some realley good friends. Though I was just a beginner, these people seemed to have a genuine desire to hear my music. This encouragement was pivital, at a time when the rest of the world just wanted me to forget the whole guitar thing .

Some five years later, when it comes to music, I still don't have it all together most of the time, but I've come a long way, mostly thanks to SOFGA.

Now , it's called the Hamilton Guitar Association but the goal and spirit are the same. That's why I'm happy to slug all the gear up the stairs at the Pheasent Plucker every other week, set up the mics and board, then, watch it all unfold.

Mark V