April 21, 2008

Are You Missing Out?

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.

Wow… wow… WOW!!

If you didn’t attend the 4th Annual Chet Atkins Tribute night at Chalker’s on February 19th, you missed out on a fantastic show. Don’t believe me? Through the magic of the internet, you can view highlights of the evening at

http://www.torontofingerstyleguitar.com/ChetNightFerguson.html

I left Chalker’s that Night happy as a clam. If you’ve never seen Wendell Ferguson play, I highly recommend that you do. Check his website for a list of his upcoming shows.

Are You Coming to See The Breshman?

If you’ve never been out to a TFGA event, then you really have to join us for Thom Bresh on March 1st. You won’t be disappointed. Just take a look at the video from Chet Night. That’ll give you an idea of what you’ll be missing if you miss Thom Bresh.

Every TFGA event I’ve been to has been filled with great music and amazing performances. I’ll be honest, the video highlights after Thom Bresh’s concert won’t do it justice. You have to be there! So be sure to order your tickets before they sell out (last I heard, there were only about 40 tickets left).

And finally….

What was Chet’s given name at birth? Chester Burton Atkins
Where was Chet Atkins born? Luttrell, Tennessee
Chet was well known by all of these names except… The Man With The Golden Thumb
What is the name of Chet’s one and only wife? Leona
Chet helped all of these artist get started except? Garth Brooks. - Chet was involved in the introduction and early success of many young artists including: Jerry Reed, Waylon Jennings, Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton, The Everly Brothers, Charley Pride, Suzy Boguss, and countless others.
Chet became the the head of what major record label? RCA
Chet started out playing what instrument on WNOX in Knoxville, TN? Fiddle
Chet signed with what major record label in 1982? Columbia
Chet was instrumental in the building and success of what famous Nashville recording studio? Studio B
Chet’s half-brother Jim Atkins played with what famous guitarist? Les Paul - Chet’s brother played with the Les Paul trio at the height of their popularity. Jim asked Les if he had an old guitar he would sell cheap that he could give to Chet. So he gave him an old one of his for a couple hundred bucks. This was the first real guitar that Chet ever had.