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Your chance to watch and learn from the best at Acoustic Guitar Spectacular
The Acoustic Guitar Spectacular – Regional Tour is making its way to the Gladstone Region next month with a series of performances and workshops.
The Acoustic Guitar Spectacular brings together a hand-picked group of unique and original virtuoso guitarists including internationally acclaimed Brisbane guitarist Michael Fix, who will be joined by unique tap-style guitar master, Chris Tamwoy and Queensland’s own funky finger-stylist, Sarah Koppen.
The trio will perform at Agnes Water, Calliope, Miriam Vale, Mount Larcom, Boyne Island and Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre (GECC) between 10-15 July.
Local community groups will also have food and drink options available at each location to raise money for their respective clubs.
Acoustic Guitar Spectacular workshops will also take place at the GECC Playhouse on Thursday 15 July and are free for anyone who purchases a ticket to one of the performances, with bookings essential.
Performance dates are:
- 2pm, Saturday 10 July at Agnes Water Community Centre
- 2pm, Sunday 11 July at Calliope Community Centre
- 7pm, Monday 12 July at Miriam Vale Community Centre
- 7pm, Tuesday 13 July at Mount Larcom Community Centre
- 7pm, Wednesday 14 July at Boyne Tannum Community Centre
- 7pm, Thursday 15 July at Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre.
All tickets are $10 each and can be purchased via www.gladstoneentertainment.com or by calling the GECC Box Office on 4972 2822. Tickets will also be available at the door.
Gladstone Region Councillor Glenn Churchill said the performances are structured so that each guitarist will feature as solo artists, as well as performing as an ensemble, allowing plenty of opportunity for spontaneity and improvisation.
“Each guitarist is known for their ability to entertain, and each present their unique music with a view to engage and delight audiences with stories, songs and humour, making it a performance aimed for all people, not just guitar aficionados,” Councillor Churchill said.
“All three guitarists have such diverse musical backgrounds, so this is definitely a unique opportunity to see them together on the one stage.”
Cr Churchill said the free workshops will be available to people who have purchased a ticket to any of the performances.
“Chris Tamwoy, Michael Fix and Sarah Koppen will host their own workshops at the GECC Playhouse on 15 July, but each of these workshops is limited to 30 people and bookings are essential,” he said.
“Each workshop will be one hour in duration and spaced 30 minutes apart, meaning attendees can participate in one workshop or all three.
“Guitars won’t be provided but you are welcome to bring your own, however you don’t need a guitar to attend.
“As a musician myself, I know the benefits of learning from music industry mentors so make sure you don’t let this great opportunity pass by.”
Workshop details:
10am, Learn a Torres Strait Islander song with Chris Tamwoy
Learn a traditional Torres Strait Islander song, Monkey & Tortol for guitar and voice with Chris Tamwoy. Chris will also demonstrate his unique style of guitar playing and performance technique.
11.30am, Fingerstyle Guitar Workshop with Michael Fix
Learn the fine art of fingerstyle guitar and explore the mechanics of arranging popular tunes in a variety of styles for solo guitar. Michael presents his workshops in a breezy, humorous style, answering questions and addressing issues with personal anecdotes.
1pm, Percussive Guitar & Live Looping Workshop with Sarah Koppen
Explore the capabilities of sounding like an entire band using an acoustic guitar, loop machine and FX pedals. Starting with the very basics, participants will explore the different percussion sounds achievable on the hollow cavity of the acoustic guitar. The workshop will then investigate ways of combining these techniques with various guitar FX pedals to create a full sound.
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