BIT 3 October 8, 2005

Well, I thought I should give you all a “bit” of an update about the Guitar Festival! After having gone to nearly all of the nightly concerts I was able to get a very broad and thorough sampling of many of the styles represented. From various Classical and Baroque pieces to some Flamenco to Brazilian styles to some fantastic Tangos and Ragtime tunes. Although every guitarist there played differently, sometimes COMPLETELY differently, we all had a great time representing our countries while playing our individual styles.

I think I had as much fun doing all the live TV and Radio spots the week before the concert as I did actually playing in the concert! Channel 7 and 13 were fun especially channel 13…it was a live game show that they had myself and the founder of the festival, Luis Zumbado, doing a live interview for the upcoming festival…I got to play two arrangements and the host of the program had me stay on and help with some of the program…It was fun! Everyone I met doing the radio spots were really nice and they made me feel right at home! One station received a number of calls while I was playing to say how much they were enjoying my playing style!

I had many great comments from both the other guitarists and audience regarding the country style I played in the Festival! The Wabash Cannonball (the Doyle Dykes arrangement) is a fast tune, and they really enjoyed it…especially the string bending above the nut, something they’ve never seen before! When I asked Doyle if it was OK for me to use his arrangement for the Festival he was really excited that I'd be getting this opportunity and graciously gave me permission. Thank you Doyle! I had a great time! But for me, playing at the festival was more than just an enjoyable experience. It was an answer to prayer and a dream come true! Something I’d hoped and prayed would come to pass for the past five years! GOD IS GREAT!!!

Since that concert I have been asked to play for a private school in San Pedro, outside of San Jose! The music professor is a close friend of mine and I’ve played for the school before, but this year they are having a big fundraiser and I’ve been asked to play a couple of arrangements for the event, as well as to play the background music for the beginning of the event. They expect upward of a thousand people there!

I’m getting a few new licks that are bouncing around in my head but I’m still trying to put the pieces together…It’s coming along pretty good! I’ll keep you all posted as soon as I know when I’ll be starting the new CD project!

Until next time, Buddy