Best of the Best Concerts

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This is a small-venue concert series where you can see world-class entertainers up close in a wonderfully intimate environment. Most concerts are held on the lighted stage at the Baltimore Guitar School in Hunt Valley, Maryland. There is not a bad seat in the house. Larger shows are held at Hightopps Backstage Grille, Towson University and Goucher College, all in the Baltimore area. We also host Instructional Guitar Workshops and Masterclasses with most of our headliners. Our fantastic Spring season has just begun! We kicked it off with National Fingerstyle Champion PETE HUTTLINGER on March 1st. What a show! Thanks Pete. On March 30 we welcome The John Jorgenson Quintet. Tickets are available NOW. Scroll down to see a description of each show including website, audio and video links. Click Here to add your email address to our list. Then you'll be among the first to know when new shows are added. Feel free to Contact Us with comments, criticisms, performer requests or just to shoot the breeze. Click here to buy tickets. Thanks for supporting live music in Baltimore!
Previous events Sun, March 30, 2008 7:00 pm John Jorgenson Quintet Haebler Memorial Chapel - Goucher College 1021 Dulaney Valley Road Baltimore MD USA (MAP) SORRY. DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES BEYOND OUR CONTROL WE'VE HAD TO CANCEL THIS SHOW. We are working hard to bring John and the Band back this summer. Sign up for the email list for details as they become available. THE JOHN JORGENSON QUINTET Sunday, March 30, 2008 • 7PM $22.50 Each in advance $25.00 Cash only at the door (Incudes sales tax) General Admission Seating Tickets on sale now (Click HERE) The John Jorgenson Quintet features guitarist John Jorgenson, a founding member of the Desert Rose Band, the Hellecasters, and six-year member of Elton John's band. Artists ranging from Barbra Streisand to Bonnie Raitt to Earl Scruggs have sought out Jorgenson's guitar work. Recently, John Jorgenson was chosen to portray Django Reinhardt in the feature film Head in the Clouds. At a John Jorgenson Quintet performance, audiences are amazed by John's dazzling guitar work as well as his mastery as a clarinet player and vocalist. Whether playing his own accessible compositions or classic standards, John and his band make music that is equally romantic and ecstatic, played with virtuosity and soul. LINKS: iTunes Store John Jorgenson Quintet John Jorgenson's Site Hellecasters You Tube Desert Rose Band You Tube John Jorgenson Quintet You Tube John Jorgenson with Tommy Emmanuel _____________________________________________________________________ Sat, March 1, 2008 7:00 pm Pete Huttlinger! Hightopps Backstage Grille 2306 York Road Timonium MD USA (MAP) BUY TICKETS Concert $25. Guitar Workshop $20. Both $40 Delta Pace in conjunction with the Stretched Strings presents: Fingerstyle Guitar Champion PETE HUTTLINGER You saw him play for LeAnn Rimes on "Live From Abbey Road" You saw him again, playing for Leann on "Dancing With The Stars " If you were in NY, you saw him at Carnegie Hall. Here's you chance to get up close in an intimate venue! Order tickets now. Very limited seating. Hightopps is next to the Maryland Fairgrounds in Timonium, MD. Great food, full bar, intimate setting with a fireplace. Wonderful atmosphere for a night to remember. “In Pete Huttlinger’s hands, a fingerpicked flat-top becomes a mini-orchestra. He juggles it all: a tune’s melody, harmony, and bass lines—even percussion. His playing is fun, scary, and always inspiring.” Guitar Player Magazine "Few guitarists achieve the kind of fingerstyle perfection Pete Huttlinger does on this outstanding solo effort. Whether he's flying through the complex changes he's devised for Gershwin's "I Got Rhythm" or gently rhapsodizing on his own "McGuire's Landing" and "Goodbye Chester," he's in total command of his Collings OM1-A. With stunning arrangements of "Sunny" and Stevie Wonder's "Superstition," where he plays the bass line, horn parts and melody simultaneously without breaking a sweat, Huttlinger continues mining the rich vein of Top 40 Covers he began on 2002's Naked Pop. But he's also composed several great tunes, including "Hortensia," "Tommy in the Morning," (written for Tommy Emmanuel), and "Darcy's Guitar," one of the simplest and prettiest melodies in his repertoire. Titled after the "patron saint of impossible dreams" (according to the liner notes), The Santa Rita Connection is a dream to listen to." Jim Ohlschmidt, ACOUSTIC GUITAR MAGAZINE Opening for Pete is Philly's own Tim Farrell, master guitarist, teacher and founder of the Stretched Strings Concert Series. LINKS: PeteHuttlinger.com You Tube "Superstition" You Tube "Josie" iTunes Store Pete Huttlinger timfarrellmusic.com Stretched Strings Series Hightopps Backstage Grille _____________________________________________________________________ Fri, November 9, 2007 7:30 pm Australian Prodigy Kieran Murphy Baltimore Guitar School 3 Deep Run Ct Hunt Valley MD USA (MAP) Australian Prodigy Kieran Murphy You saw Kieran open for Tommy Emmanuel at Towson University in June. We had MANY requests to bring him back. Described as having that indefinable 'IT', Kieran's technical proficiency and gift for writing melodies and playing with such evocative expression has enthralled audiences worldwide. His repertoire is a constant work in progress, show-casing intricate compositions, captivation soulful ballads, and infusions of tight, funk-jazz. He must be heard to be believed. Kieran has agreed to conduct a guitar workshop! If you are a young guitarist, here's your chance to learn from an 18 year old with 4 CD's recorded who has toured the world. What a terriffic, inspirational gift for any guitar student. Only $50 for both the workshop and concert! www.KieranMurphy.com.au Read a few quotes: ‘... he plays with such a confidence and groove, and composes some incredible music, and I bought him over here, because the world needs to hear him!’ Tommy Emmanuel ‘... watch this guy, he's going to be something huge in the music world in the next 10 years.’ Michael Franti ‘... the young man played like a man possessed and became a crowd hero. It was the surprise package of the night and a moment not to be forgotten.’ FasterLouder ‘... he left the audience awe struck ... You have to hear Kieran to believe that it is just him and his guitar’ Maton Showcase Concert: Friday November 9th 7:30PM $30 each Guitar Workshop (all skill levels welcome): Saturday November 10th 1:00PM $30 each or $20 with a concert ticket Seat reservations are required. Pay cash at the door. Call Jeff Auen 443-847-6373 or email jauen@DeltaPace.com Sun, October 14, 2007 7:00 pm Frank Vignola Quintet (They sold out quickly last time they played here!) Baltimore Guitar School 3 Deep Run Ct Hunt Valley MD USA (MAP) The Frank Vignola Quintet FVQ www.FrankVignola.com The Frank Vignola Quintet has shattered the barriers between popular music and traditional jazz to create an exciting new sound in acoustic string music. Their repertoire together with the amazing virtuosity puts them in a league by themselves, in essence creating a new genre of music. They are like no other band— mixing high-energy original material with new unique renditions of contemporary tunes by the likes of The Police, Frank Zappa, Black Sabbath and even Slayer. The quintet also taps into the standard songbook, creating unique interpretations of classic jazz tunes. Showing superior versatility, Vignola and the band also tackle new arrangements of Bach and Mozart. To quote the great mandolinist Jeff Pinkham, “This is the best string band on the planet”. Watch 11 FVQ videos at www.GuitarPlayerTv.com $30 each. Reservations are required. Please call Jeff Auen (443)847-6373 or email jauen@deltaPace.com. Pay at the door (cash please). PROMOTER'S NOTE Last March, this band sold out faster than any act we have ever booked. The standing ovation was thunderous and might still be going on had we not forceably cleared the house ;-). We had to have them back! The photo above is not a promo shot. It was taken during the show. The band graciously stopped playing to pose for the shot and then started again without missing a beat. Here's the official promo shot: ____________________________________________________________________ Sat, October 6, 2007 7:30 pm Fingerstyle Guitar Champion Doug Smith w/ Tim Farrell Baltimore Guitar School 3 Deep Run Ct Hunt Valley MD USA (MAP) In association with the Stretched Strings Concert Series we present: Grammy Award Winner Doug Smith www.DougSmithGuitar.com Grammy Award Winning acoustic guitarist Doug Smith is the winner of the prestigious Winfield International Fingerstyle Competition in 2006, and Billboard Magazine writes, "Inviting melodies...stunning fingerpicking". Fingerstyle Guitar Magazine raves, "Smith's fretboard brilliance continues to dazzle”. His original music has been heard on radio and TV shows throughout the world, including True Hollywood Story and Martha Stewart Living , and his playing has been heard in movies such as “Twister” and “Moll Flanders” and the upcoming “August Rush”. Doug Smith is a nationally recognized acoustic guitarist who weaves together folk, classical, jazz and contemporary forms into a unique, flowing fingerpicking style recalling the playing of Chet Atkins, Leo Kottke, Michael Hedges, and Alex de Grassi. Doug Smith is a well traveled performer, serving as the opening act for such musicians as Liz Story, David Lanz, Strunz & Farah, and Richard Elliot, as well as performing solo in various venues and festivals around the country. He's also an accomplished vocalist, including music from David Wilcox, Dan Fogelberg, Gordon Lightfoot and Richard Thompson. Philly's Tim Farrell www.TimFarrellGuitar.com Tim is on the artist roster of Pennsylvania Performing Arts on Tour and the faculty of the Doylestown School of Music and the Arts in Doylestown, PA where he is also the Artistic Director of the Stretched Strings Concert and Workshop Series. He performs concerts, teaches private lessons, does workshops, and visits schools as part of his desire to further develop the knowledge, enjoyment, and appreciation of music. "One of the new trailblazers - the bold ones who will take guitar into the next century" Tim Farrell is one of the select group of musicians who exemplify all that is excellent in their field and who have the unique ability to entertain their audience and inspire future generations of players. Concert: ONLY $20 Each! Guitar Workshop: $40 each or $30 with a concert ticket Doug Smith and Tim Farrell will perform individually and as a duo. Don't miss this rare opportunity! If you play guitar, attened the Workshop with both Doug and Tim on October 6 at 3:00PM. Learn the techniques of composing, arranging and playing as a duet! Reservations are required and easy. Please call Jeff Auen (443)847-6373 or email jauen@deltaPace.com. Pay at the door (cash please). ____________________________________________________________________ Sun, September 23, 2007 7:00 pm Ernesto Tamayo Concert Baltimore Guitar School 3 Deep Run Ct Hunt Valley MD USA (MAP) Classical Guitar Master Ernesto Tamayo www.ernestotamayo.com FIRST PRIZE WINNER of the 1995 NGWS in New Milford, Connecticut, Ernesto Tamayo has toured extensively throughout North and South America and Europe. He is one of the most accomplished and sought-after guitarists of his generation. Ernesto is often praised for his brilliant technique, artistry, and his exceptionally warm tone and expressive interpretations on the guitar. Born in Havana, Cuba, Ernesto began studying the guitar with his father when he was five. He made his television debut at the young age of nine. In 1995, Sony Music Entertainment and Sony Classical of Mexico enabled Ernesto to come to the United States. He received a full scholarship for advanced studies at The Peabody Conservatory with world reknowned guitarist Manuel Barrueco. In Cuba Ernesto studied with world reknowned composer and guitarist Leo Brouwer and with Antonio Alberto Rodriguez. Since his arrival in the United States, Ernesto has performed in numerous concert series and with orchestras in the United States and abroad. In September of 1999, he made his Carnegie Hall debut with a sold-out performance. Past engagements at guitar festivals include appearances at the Fourth International Guitar Festival in Cuernavaca, Mexico, the Sixth International Guitar Festival in Long Island, New York, the "Classical Guitarists of the World" concert series in Fullerton, California and the Connecticut Guitar Summer Workshop. Ernesto has also given solo recitals for the classical guitar societies of Baltimore, Miami, Reno, Cheyenne and Northern Colorado, among others. Ernesto has recorded 4 CDs, Ernesto Tamayo Plays Bach, Melodias Cubanas, The Cuban Guitarist, and Classical Persuasions. The Cuban Guitarist album features two world premier recordings, "The Havana Suite" by Cuban guitarist and composer Aldo Rodriguez, and "Five Inspirations" composed by Ernesto himself. The Classical Persuasions album was released in September of 2006 where he feature works by Borges, Canonigos, Lauro, Weiss, Sor, Brouwer, Albeniz, and Rodrigo. Ernesto is a recipient of career development grants from the Maryland State Arts Council, the New York Foundation for the Arts, and the Bossak/Heilbron Foundation. He is sponsored by Bacardi Foundation, Del Mar Foundation, La Bella Strings and performs and records with Thomas Humphrey and David Daily guitars. In 1997 Ernesto was appointed as the Chairman of the guitar department at The Pennsylvania Academy of Music in Lancaster, PA. His students have been recognized as some of the most talented young guitarists and have been accepted into top music schools such as the Peabody Conservatory in Baltimore, Maryland. $30 each. Reservations are required. Please call Jeff Auen (443)847-6373 or email jauen@deltaPace.com. Pay at the door (cash please). _____________________________________________________________________ Sun, September 23, 2007 3:00 pm Ernesto Tamayo Masterclass Baltimore Guitar School 3 Deep Run Ct Hunt Valley USA (MAP) The classical guitar masterclass is available for intermediate and advanced players. Bring your instrument and be prepared to play! $30 each or only $20 with a concert ticket! Reservations are required. Please call Jeff Auen (443)847-6373 or email jauen@deltaPace.com.

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