January 21, 2008

Happy Pickin’ New Year

I’m a fingerstyle guitar enthusiast! So much so that I volunteer to write the Toronto Fingerstyle Guitar weekly newsletter. I’ll post my articles here for your musical pleasure. Be sure to check us out online at http://www.torontofingerstyleguitar.com.

Last week we rang in the New Year, fingerstyle… with the first picking party of 2008. And I must say, what a way to ring in the New Year. Some of our players have been hard at work and debuted new pieces on the Chalker’s Stage. My toes were tapping to a few well played Tommy Emmanuel pieces and we even got a sneak peak of one of the pieces that will be performed at the Chet Atkins Tribute (I won’t tell you which one, you’ll just have to come out and hear for yourself!). And of course, our featured performer, Mark Sepic, was fabulous as always.

So the New Year is off to a great start! If you haven’t made it out to one of our picking parties, then make 2008 the year that you do. In fact, why not make February 19th the night . Mark it on your calendar. As you know, that’s our Chet Atkins tribute night and it’s sure to be a blast.

If you’re a regular at Chalker’s and haven’t gotten up on stage yet, why not make 2008 the year that you do. I’ll be honest and say that I haven’t yet taken the plunge but I will… maybe even soon. After all, my posse is counting on me to play (cute story which someone might twist my arm to write about some other time).

You know, one of the things I love best about the TFGA is that it gives everyone a chance to share the stage. Whether you’re a novice player or a regular, each performance is met with the same level of enthusiasm and appreciation. I’ve seen players take the stage for the first time with hands trembling, only to come back a month later fully confident and comfortable.

One day that player will be me. But for now I’m content to tap my fingers, maybe do a little samba if the mood strikes or even sing along if I know the words (and I know a lot of words!).

Be sure to join us for a pickin’ party this year - you’ll be glad you did!. Our next Pickin’ Party will be on January 29th. See you there!