Bigfork, Montana (PRWEB) March 3, 2010 – The non-profit Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation (CCGF) announced today its first annual guitar festival and workshop. The event offers the opportunity to play with and learn from world renowned guitarists against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains of Northwest Montana during the centennial celebration of nearby Glacier National Park.
The event includes classes and jam sessions with distinguished guitar artists including Pat Metheny, Larry Carlton, Alex De Grassi, and Scott Tennant. The festival is being held at the Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork, Montana from August 29 – September 5, 2010. It is open to any and all with a passion for playing the guitar.
“This will be a unique guitar event, offering up close and personal time with leading artists and teachers. Participants will improve their guitar playing while enjoying one of the most beautiful places in the world,” says David Feffer, Chairman and Founder of The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation. Feffer adds, “Through our charitable partners, we will be helping to preserve the things that make Northwest Montana so unique and special.”
Proceeds from the Festival will benefit Montana charities and civic organizations, including: The Glacier Park Fund, Montana Public Radio and Public Broadcasting, The Montana Land Reliance, North Valley Music School and Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center.
The Festival includes:
• The opportunity to play with and learn from great guitarists
• Six days of intimate workshops, master classes, and jam sessions in jazz, rock, blues, acoustic, and classical
• Exclusive evening performances every night
• Public performances on stages throughout the Flathead Valley
• 4 star accommodations at the Flathead Lake Lodge
• Access to Flathead Lake, Glacier National Park, the Swan Mountain Range and other pristine natural amenities
Registration for the CCGF will be taken on a first come first served basis by calling 800-234-6479 or visiting CCGF online. There is a discount for individuals who register prior to March 15, 2010.
About Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation
Founded in 2009, the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation is a non-profit organization established to celebrate the artistry of the guitar across all genres, inspired by the unique ecosystem and beauty of the Crown of the Continent region of the Northern Rocky Mountains. The organization’s mission is to collaborate with other organizations in Northwest Montana to establish the area as a nationally respected center for guitar study, performance and composition. Proceeds from the Foundation’s activities will support other Montana non-profit organizations including: The Glacier Park Fund, Montana Public Radio and Public Broadcasting, The Montana Land Reliance, North Valley Music School and Ravenwood Outdoor Learning Center.
About Pat Metheny
With the release of his first album, Bright Size Life (1975), Pat Metheny reinvented the traditional “jazz guitar” sound for a new generation of players. Over the years, Metheny has won countless polls as “Best Jazz Guitarist” and awards, including three gold records for (Still Life) Talking, Letter from Home, and Secret Story. He has also won 17 Grammy Awards spread out over a variety of different categories including Best Rock Instrumental, Best Contemporary Jazz Recording, Best Jazz Instrumental Solo, and Best Instrumental Composition. The Pat Metheny Group won an unprecedented seven consecutive Grammies for seven consecutive albums.
About Larry Carlton
Larry Carlton’s work spans the past three decades with some of his more recent work being the release of two CD’s in 2007 including a live recording with blues guitarist Robben Ford, and The Jazz King album. Carlton worked as a session musician in Los Angeles in the 1970’s and early 1980’s with his work appearing on albums by Steely Dan, Joni Mitchell, Billy Joel, Michael Jackson, and Quincy Jones among others. He launched a solo career in 1977 with Warner Brothers Records and produced six albums; his 1983 LP Friends garnering a Grammy nomination.
About Alex De Grassi
Alex De Grassi’s trademark is an ability to create a highly orchestrated sound in his solo guitar music. His playing weaves together melody, counter-melody, bass, harmony, rhythm, and cross-rhythms creating a canvas of sound unheard of in a solo guitar performance. Fellow guitar players consider De Grassi to be among the most virtuosic living guitarists.
About Scott Tennant
Scott Tennant is a founding member of the Grammy-winning ensemble L.A. Guitar Quartet and is himself considered to be one of the world’s top classical guitarists. He has authored several books and articles on guitar technique, including the best-seller Pumping Nylon, which has attained a “cult” classic status. It has become a standard text in conservatory and university guitar programs around the world.
The Foundation will be supported in planning and managing its events by The National Guitar Workshop. In their twenty-seventh year, The National Guitar Workshop is one of the leading residential guitar education programs in the country.
