Journal of a Journeyman Guitar-player: Recital at Captial Guitars

Here's couple of pictures of the guitar recital at Capital Guitars on Saturday, November 20, 2010.  I was one of the strummers that evening, playing an all acoustical rendition of "Norwegian Wood."  However, given my son's new tastes in music, I think next time I would play this version of "Elmo's Song" (just kidding...maybe).  It was funny when Jack, my guitar teacher, told the small crowd that I had played internationally after playing in my brother's wedding...hmm, I guess this show has been on the road.  In total, there were seven performers that night ranging from classical guitar to self-written grunge songs played by a 12 year old on vintage 1950's Gibson... 

There was great sorbet punch...which would have been great with some Jamaican rum (I wasn't the first one to say THAT...).  It was nice set up.

The wall of guitars that puts my collection to shame...there are couple on that wall that wish were hanging on mine.

The staging area...Jack, the guitar instructor, help get the equipment set.  This young guy ended up playing a version of "Flight of the Wounded Bubblebee."  When he started to play, my son started spinning around in circles like the themed character in the song.

"Flight of the Wounded Bubblebee"

One of the owners...Eric...watching the performers...and passing out the best wish list ever:

I'm adding the Les Paul below and this guitar to the wish list!!!

An ode to the Les Paul that I can appreciate...when I was in Jamaica this month, I pickedup a painting that could compete with this one...Later, Jack played a jazz version of "My Life" by the Beatles...it is definitely a metric to measure my distance on this guitar journey.

My Guitar...Then

My first electric guitar was a Peavy.  It was the '80's when the hot colors were in, and this wood and black model was out:

I just didn't like the wood and the way the black pick guard rapped around the guitar on the bottom.  It had a great sound...from what I remember...

A Reminder to those on the Guitar Driven Journey to Keep Practicing

I love Minneapolis!  As I was heading back to NoMi from a picking up "this and that" (which means 'beer and beef'), I warmly greeted by this billboard .. an homage to journeyman guitar-players.  For me, its less about the "adhesive" and more of a remind to keep practicing! 

Happy Father's Day to the NoMi Dads!

I just want to say "Happy Father's Day" to all the NoMi Dads out there!  It has been so uplifting to hear the folks on the street greeting each other with this salutation.  I truly have been fortunate to join the ranks of fatherhood and now, with my son's first father's day gift in hand, I join the other fathers in receiving the traditional "Father's Day" gift of the THE TIE.  I have truly joined the club. 

My son also gave me an awesome card that featured the Picasso painting "Guitar 'I love Eva'."  An homage to all the Journeyman Guitar-playing dads... 

Another Journeyman-Guitar Player (Beatles) Jam Session at Cliques

Over the weekend, there was another jam session at PJ's barbershop ~ Cliques ~ with Ashton. This fellow journeyman-guitar player (like some others I know) has a health supply of Beatles classics at this fingertips, which was the theme of the of our musical meeting. But, when it was my turn to take the barber's chair, Ashton, borrowing the crimson Ovation with the "magical strings" broke out great Beatles classic he was save for a solo..."sexy sadie." Well, we're adding that one to the list too...along with Blackbird, and While My Guitar Gently Weeps.

Photo Journal: The Up North Get Away

The Fish House on Lake Superior

Sometimes one just needs a break from the city life.  We, of course, were suppose to spend time this week in Germany in a small Bavarian town where folks still wear traditional clothing and drink beer in shade while celebrating the spring (Maifest).  But, since the volcanic ash of Iceland triggered a world-wide airport shut-down, we decided to go up north instead.

Journeyman Guitar-Players Jam Session at PJ's Barbershop "Cliques"

PJ ~ Owner of Cliques Barbershop

PJ's barbershop "Cliques" is a chilled out spot in Dinkytown to get a reasonably priced and high quality haircut. Besides, its on the University of Minnesota campus, which reminds me of my college years. So, when it was turn to sit in the barber's chair, I give PJ a ring and head over to Cliques.

This time, I was not traveling alone...I brought my Crimson Red Pearl Ovation CK057! Well, it wasn't too long after I my haircut was finished that Ashton - another Journeyman Guitar-Player - showed up and the visit to Cliques turned into a jam session . . .