Untitled - Brookdale Guitar Show

OUTDOOR PERFORMANCE STAGE
A Brief History of The Brookdale Guitar Show
11am – AMANDA DUNCAN
In 1994, the owner of Raritan Bay Guitar Repair, CJ, thought it would be a
12 pm – SONNY KENN BAND
pretty cool idea if there could be a yearly get-together where musicians could
1 pm – MARC MULLER
2 pm – TOMMY STRAZZA POWER TRIO
3 pm – JOE WHYTE
4 pm – CHRIS BUONO Presents the Jimi Fretless Experience with Eryn
Shewell, Steve Jenkins & Tobias Ralph
FORT HANCOCK ROOM (upper level)
show off their chops, and vendors could showcase their newest inventory. The
first gathering, affectionately known as “The Minstrel’s Toot” was held at Studio
84 in Howell. As word spread about this yearly event throughout the artist
community, the number of attendees and vendors continued to grow.
In 1996, it became apparent that the Minstrel’s Toot had outgrown its Howell
Twp. confines, and needed to be taken to the next level, so CJ joined up with
Brookdale Public Radio, and the event was moved to the main campus of
Brookdale Community College. That first year in Lincroft, 18 vendors set-up
12n-1pm – RARITAN BAY GUITAR REPAIR (How to maintain and
customize your guitar clinic)
tables in the Performing Arts Center, while an array of local musicians performed
3pm-4pm – THINKING ABOUT GOING INTO THE STUDIO?
(panel discussion)
first WBJB-FM Guitar Show was born.
for the attendees. The proceeds raised during this event benefited 90.5, and the
Relocated to a larger space, Brookdale’s Collins Arena, the next five years yielded
continued growth. Free clinics were added, spanning tutorials on various styles
TWIN LIGHTS ROOMS (lower level)
10am-12n – SCHOOL OF ROCK
1pm-2:30pm - TOM RICHARDS presents New Jersey’s Place in Bass
History (Sponsored by Brubaker Brute Series Basses, a division of AP
International of Wall).
3pm-4:30pm - THE HISTORY OF KRAMER GUITARS
MONMOUTH BATTLEGROUND ROOM (lower level)
and techniques to repairing your instrument. Over time, other clinics showcasing
different aspects of the music business were added to the schedule. Live performances from the areas’ premier blues, folk, bluegrass and rock musicians helped
solidify the annual event as the biggest guitar show in New Jersey.
In 2004, the WBJB Guitar Show once again changed its name and location on
the campus, taking over the Warner Student Life Center and rechristening itself
as the Brookdale Guitar Show.
The Brookdale Guitar Show continues to grow, thanks to the support of the event
from vendors throughout the United States, and from the incredibly talented
10am-11am – CHARLIE PEARLMAN (fingerpicking clinic)
musicians who showcase their skills. Now recognized as the premier guitar show
12n-1pm – PETE WAGULA (guitar looping clinic)
on the Jersey shore for guitar and music enthusiasts of all ages, it is also an
2pm-3pm – JERRY TOPINKA (jazz guitar clinic)
extremely successful fundraiser for Brookdale Public Radio.
The success of the Annual Brookdale Guitar Show is the result of the support
MOLLY PITCHER ROOM (lower level)
11am-12n – BRAD HUNT (publishing/licensing/promotions clinic)
1pm-2pm – JOHN BERNYK (cigar box guitar making clinic)
of the attendees, performers, vendors, sponsors and volunteers. On behalf of
everyone involved, we wish to offer our sincere thanks to all those who have
shown your support of Brookdale Public Radio; our continued growth within the
communities we serve is directly attributed to your active involvement.
BIOGRAPHIES
BIOGRAPHIES
Outdoor Performance Stage:
well as being a featured artist at many Jersey Shore music events such as Red Bank’s
11am - AMANDA DUNCAN
“Riverfests”, “Jazz In The Park” series and Asbury Park’s “Guitarbeque”. Marc’s upcoming CD features the wonderful talents of bass great Victor Wooten and drummer
Amandaduncan.com
Rod Morgenstein. As a writer/arranger Marc has worked on many songs for Disney
“Welcome to your musical punch in the face,” says Amanda Duncan from the stage to
Channel’s “Bear In The Big Blue House”, “The Book Of Pooh”, as well as shows for PBS,
the crowd as she flashes a knowing smile. Once she starts to sing, the big question is,
ABC-TV, Showtime and Nickelodeon.
“How does that huge sound come out of that little body? ”Never quite blessed with
height, Amanda was blessed with one roaring set of pipes. And even before the 2009
2 pm - TOMMY STRAZZA
independent release of her “Love I Have For You” EP, Duncan was able to drum up
Tommystrazza.com
considerable success, based solely on some homemade demos, her live show, and her
infectious personality, opening for names such as Eric Hutchinson, Ari Hest,
From the shadows of obscurity, and the swamps of Jersey… Tommy Strazza arrives
Secondhand Serenade, and Melissa Ferrick.
with a passionate vigor and abandon not seen in these parts for quite some time.
12 pm - SONNY KENN BAND
and channel the spirits of all that is righteous from Rock’s, past, while looking for-
Armed with an artillery of songs, a voice full of truth, and soaring guitars that call on
ward towards it’s future. He takes with him only the raw, bare essentials, and leaves
Sonnykennband.com
all eccentricities at the door. Tommy’s credo is a simple one. By any means neces-
Sonny Kenn was awarded the 2007 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT Award at The Asbury
sary… SHINE.
Music Awards. Sonny has been burning up the Shore music scene since opening for
With his new album The Model Citizen L.P., Tommy does just that. Each song
Jerry Lee Lewis in 1965. He has performed with and influenced nearly every musician
emanates an energy that connects from the get go. From the early rock and roll
who’s passed through the scene since.
influenced “You’re Not The Only Show”‘s declaration of independence, to the very
sad-but-true story of the murder of New Orleans musician Dinerral Shavers in “Diner-
1 pm - MARC MULLER
ral’s Song”, to the Middle Eastern influenced “Ultimate Illusion” ‘s cautious warning of
the pitfalls of everyday life, to the muffled cries of somebody desperate to be heard
Marcmuller.com
Marc Muller is a graduate of the Berklee College of music in Boston. He’s a
producer, writer and arranger who is a master of many stringed instruments.
He was the guitarist with Shania Twain for her “Up!” and “C’mon Over” tours
and also supported Tommy Shaw (Styx) with his “Ambition” solo effort. Marc’s
performance/recording projects include the likes of Elton John, Branford
Marsalis, Donald Fagan, Carly Simon and Dr. John. A Monmouth County
multi-instrumentalist, writer/arranger and producer, having toured with
Shania Twain, Van Zant and Tommy Shaw, to name a few. As a producer,
Marc has worked with Steve Forbert on his last 2 releases “Just Like There’s
Nothing To It” and “Strange Names and New Sensations” and Dave Murphy’s release
“Chasing Ghosts” (as well as his soon to be released follow up “Songs From Snake Hill”),
all of which were in regular rotation on 90.5 The NIGHT. Marc’s instrumental original CD
“American Home Cooking” released in 1997 was also heavily played on The NIGHT as
Continued next page
on “So Much More”, to name a few. There is an emotional tone to the lyrics that are
not present on Tommy’s past recordings. He has found his voice… Or shall we say…
voices (read on for further info).
With the simple aforementioned credo in mind, Tommy decided to let go of his apprehension to let loose and showcase his skills as an instrumentalist. “For years I felt
like I’ve been keeping this a secret, on account of the fact that most Singer/Songwriters are not lead guitarists, as well as how they are perceived in the current state of
Rock and Pop music. I wanted to fit in, so I kind of kept my guitar skills semi-quiet.
Only occasionally showing off some signs of them.” “Now it’s quite the opposite. I
feel like I have to use all of the gifts that I’ve been given, and give it all that I’ve got.
What’s the worst that could happen? I might actually stand out?!”
With fire in his eyes, a restless heart, and a desire to play every single day of his life,
Tommy cannot wait to release his new album, showcase his new, amazing band, and
Continued next page
BIOGRAPHIES
BIOGRAPHIES
hit the road as soon as possible. “In this day and age, there is the potential to reach and
Indoors
connect with many more people, in more places than ever before. That is an amazing
FORT HANCOCK ROOM (upper level)
opportunity for an artist or band to have, use and by any means necessary…SHINE!”
The Model Citizen L.P. has been nominated for “Top Local Release”, and Tommy won
12-1pm: RARITAN BAY GUITAR REPAIR -
“Top Guitarist” at the 2010 Asbury Music Awards!!!
How to maintain and customize your guitar.
3pm - JOE WHYTE
3pm-4pm: THINKING ABOUT GOING INTO THE STUDIO? –
Joewhyte.com
Panel Discussion
Combining equal parts country, folk, rock and Americana, singer/song writer JOE
Panel discussion with owners and representatives from area recording studios
WHYTE’s songs have been described as “alt-country pearls that shimmer with simplicity
including Lake House Music, RetroMedia Sound Studios, Brooksound Productions,
and effectiveness” and “beautifully crafted, melancholic Americana.”
AntFARM, KJ Productions, and Jack Daley.
Dubbed, “The King of NYC Americana” by music blog Twangnation, Joe released a new
Brooksound Productions, Tinton Falls NJ, 732-822-6628,
EP, WHEN THE DAY BREAKS, in June 2010. It is a stripped-down, acoustic-based follow-
brooksound.com
up to 2007’s critically-acclaimed full-band album, Devil in the Details. Though primarily
Designed by John Sayers, Brooksound Productions is the first fully solar powered
a solo affair, Joe is joined on a few songs by band members Catherine Popper (Grace
recording studio and music production facility in the Northeast US.
Potter, Ryan Adams) on bass and vocals, and Dan Marcus (Crescent & Frost, Ana Egge)
Clients range from independent artists such as jam-rock sensation Turtle Soup to
on guitar, dobro and mandolin.
corporations such as The School of Rock, Musical Heritage Society
Highlights for Joe over the last two years include 4 performances during the Americana
and more.
Music Conference in Nashville, his inclusion on the “A Taste of Triple A” sampler, playing
Two Floating Rooms, top-notch equipment from Neve, API, Neumann, and eco-
the Bluebird Cafe stage on the Philadelphia stop of the “Country Throwdown” tour, a
friendly features add to the unique vibe and character of this boutique studio.
show on the historic Ryman Auditorium plaza for CMA Fest and opening a sold-out
date in Connecticut with the legendary Rosanne Cash.
Over the years, Joe has performed throughout the US, UK and Ireland with artists such
as Alejandro Escovedo, Jim Lauderdale, Justin Townes Earle, Darrell Scott, Steve Forbert,
Ellis Paul, Chuck Prophet, Cadillac Sky, Rod Picott, Amanda Shires, Slaid Cleaves, Lucy
Kaplansky, Tony Joe White, and Son Volt, to name a few .
Joe is currently endorsed by Elixir strings, and for the past 5 years, has been a recipient
of an ASCAPlus award, a merit-based songwriting grant from ASCAP.
4pm - CHRIS BUONO presents The Jimi Fretless Experience
Chrisbuono.com
Come join Vigier Guitars artist Chris Buono for a perplexing set of Jimi Hendrix tunes as
he rips through choice cuts from Jimi’s classic albums Are You Experienced?, Axis: Bold As Love and
Electric Ladyland, The set will feature Chris’fretless playing on his Vigier Sufreter Excalibur Supra, a
completely scary rhythm section made up of Steve Jenkins (Vernon Reid, solo artist) on bass and
Tobias Ralph (Adrian Belew) on drums and on vocals the sultry Eryn Shewell. Viva la Jimi!!
BIOGRAPHIES
BIOGRAPHIES
TWIN LIGHTS ROOMS (lower level) -
the aluminum necked artistry of Kramer, passing to Vaccaro Guitar Company in the
10am-12n: SCHOOL OF ROCK
beginning of the 21st century and now landing in Wall Township with the Brubaker
Brute Basses, bass guitar, innovation and legendary players have been central to our
schoolofrock.com/monmouth
area.
The School of Rock is the original performance based, interactive music school,
NJ has also been home to other legendary bass manufacturers, including Dan Arm-
founded in 1998.
strong, Ampeg, BC Rich, Guild and Epiphone.
We proceed from the belief that the best way to learn to do almost anything is by do-
The roundtable will take players and fans through the history of bass in NJ, the key
ing it, and we feel that this is particularly true about learning to play music.
innovations that began here. The round table will also teach how to buy, inspect, set
Our goals at the School of Rock are:
up and maintain a bass, how to identify and deal with both vintage and new basses,
1. To help our students realize their potential as artists
and what to look for in a good bass. A portion of time will be spent on discussing bass
2. To put them on stage in front of as many people as possible
amps and how to buy and use them effectively. The round table will end with a bass
3. To help foster a new generation of incredible musicians.
“jam”, including some local professional players and audience participation.
From the moment a student joins one of our schools they are PLAYING music; loudly,
The session is sponsored by Brubaker Brute Series Basses, a division of AP Interna-
on professional equipment with other musicians. Before long, our students are playing
tional of Wall.
live rock concerts at real rock venues in front of real rock audiences.
Each year our students play over 500 concerts to more than 200,000 people nationally.
We are always looking for grander stages to put our students on, and to date our students have played Lollapalooza and other festivals from California to Germany, opened
for national acts coast to coast and performed live on television and radio countless
times. Our local school performs at such legendary venues as The Stone Pony, Starland
Ballroom, Wonderbar, The Blender Theater and BB Kings Blues Club in NYC. Our kids
have opened for George Clinton & The P-Funk All Stars, performed Bowie songs with
Bowie guitarist Earl Slick and Yes songs with John Wetton.
Our instructors are working, touring, recording musicians who have played or performed with such artists as Tom Morello, Anthrax, Les Paul, Perry Farrell, John Legend,
Widespread Panic, Chrissie Hynde, Miley Cyrus, REM, The Legendary Wailers, Southside
Johnny, and more. They bring these experiences to their lessons.
1pm-2:30pm: TOM RICHARDS presents New Jersey’s Place in
Bass History
Bass guitars are the groove, the soul, the movement and color of music.
The electric bass guitar got its first start in Seattle in 1939, and its first real mass market
in 1951. Since then, the world of bass innovation has been led by NJ companies, many
right here in Monmouth County. Beginning with the introduction of the first 6 string
bass by the Danelectro Company of Red Bank/Neptune City in 1956, moving through
Continued next page
BIOGRAPHIES
3pm-4:30pm: THE HISTORY OF KRAMER GUITARS
MONMOUTH BATTLEGROUND ROOM (lower level):
10am-11am: CHARLIE PEARLMAN
Squirrel-Stew.com
This fingerpicking clinic provides a hands-on experience intended to demystify
right-hand (or left-hand, if you’re left handed) fingerpicking techniques. The purpose is to simplify various thumb-finger techniques to get you started (and save the
face of your guitar). In addition, left handed techniques will be discussed, including:
hammer-ons, pull-offs, bends, and slides. If you bring a guitar, you’ll get more out of
it. Come early for a front row seat and bring a guitar.
Charlie has been playing acoustic and electric finger picking styles for most of his life.
His preferred style is delta blues with an emphasis on a heavy thumb. However, he’ll
“acoustify” anything – from southern blues to the Beatles and will play anywhere, any
style, any time, with anyone, and adapts finger-picking to any genre. He breaks down
finger picking to a level where anyone can enjoy playing. He also makes his own
finger-picks to allow him to play in a style that integrates aspects of: finger-picking,
strumming, and flat-picking. He encourages anyone with the slightest interest to start
playing ASAP (if they don’t play already) to relax, relieve stress, and get your ya-yas
out. His main influences include: Mississippi John Hurt, Jorma Kaukonen, Stefan
Grossman, Charlie Parker, the Allman Brothers, and the Stony Brook Friends of Old
Time Music. His latest venture has been into old timey music. Pre- and post-clinic
questions and requests should be sent through the Squirrel Stew contact page.
12n-1pm: PETE WAGULA - Guitar Looping
Petewagula.com
Want to play solo gigs without singing? Looping music with a loop pedal may help
get you there. It’s also great for writing and pre producing tunes and a perfect way to
hone your chops. Check out how it’s done live and learn about the latest loop pedals
on the market.
Bottleneck guitarist Pete Wagula has studied with jazz great Tal Farlow and has been a
contributing writer for Guitar Player Magazine. He teaches guitar clinics and workshops
throughout NY and NJ. For his solo instrumental performances Pete creates live loops to fill
the room with sound and imageries as a backdrop for his bottleneck guitar. His 2009 CD
release “Seventeen” is packed with instrumentals that were created through live looping.
BIOGRAPHIES
BIOGRAPHIES
2pm-3pm: JERRY TOPINKA
1pm-2pm: JOHN BERNYK - Cigar Box Guitar Making
jerrytopinka.com
facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Lazy-B-Cigar-Box-Guitars/140551489299863
Jerry’s playing on the instrumental “Nostalgia,” nominated in 2000 for a Grammy in
Has been playing guitar since 1968 and has collected vintage guitars for the past
the Native American category. Jerry engineered and performed on “Kamban Oru Kan-
10 years. He is a member of the Red Bank Music Community (RBMC) and his passion
nile” by Charan and Devan, a CD that achieved gold-level sales in India. Jerry’s Indian
for the past two years has been making and playing cigar box guitars. The cigar box
friends sought him out to tour with, hire, and manage musicians for the 2000 U.S.
guitar or “CBG” has a rich musical history and has enjoyed a recent spike in interest
and Canadian tour of A.R. Rahman, the acclaimed Indian performer and composer
among local musicians. John has made over fifty of these instruments including
who won a 2009 Golden Globe and three Academy Awards for his music in Slum Dog
acoustic, electric, license plate resonator, and tradition types of CBG’s under the
Millionaire. A. R. Rahman also previously collaborated with Andrew Lloyd Weber
“Lazy B” cigar box guitar name. John’s band “Johnny Stompbox and the Stompers”
and the late Michael Jackson. In October 2008 and March 2010 Jerry performed with
has a forthcoming CD that features an “all cigar box instruments” lineup of original
world class guitarist Martin Taylor. He also opened for David Benoit at the Count
blues songs and also spreads the story of the long musical history of the CBG!
Basie Theatre in July 2007, and recently returned from well-received performances in
St. Martin/St. Maarten at the elegant La Samanna resort and the eclectic beach club
Karacter. Jerry Topinka has just completed his new CD of original compositions called
Summer Nights, released in November 2009. This CD has gotten great reviews.
MOLLY PITCHER ROOM (lower level):
11am-12n: PUBLISHING/LICENSING/PLACEMENTS/PROMOTION
BRAD HUNT (The WNS Group)
A revered promotion and marketing consultant, Hunt is president of the WNS Group,
based in Orangeburg NY. Few in the industry bring as much well-rounded experience
to the table as Hunt. He has worked in many facets of the music business. He took
over management of a chain of record stores in upstate New York. He joined A&M Records’ promotion team in 1975. From there he went to MCA Records. Following a stint
in L.A. as MCA’s vice president of promotion, he left the music business temporarily to
pursue law. In the early 1980s, he was named Sr. Director of Marketing of Cambridge
One Stop, parent company for the Strawberries record chain. He joined Elektra Records from 1983 -1992, working his way up to Sr. Vice President and General Manager
of Elektra. After a year as VP and General Manager of Hollywood Records, he became
the Sr. Vice President of Zoo Records. In 1995, he set up his own company.
He also manages Steve Forbert, Sonny Landreth, Stacey Earle & Mark Stuart, Tim
O’Brien.