>>PREVIEW
KAOS GUITARMANIA VII
Sunday, February 19
Ranchman's
"I stand by my belief that right here in our own backyard of western Canada we’ve got some of the best guitar players in the world, and I challenge anyone to prove me wrong."
So says Maurice Ginzer, the organizer of the seventh annual Guitarmania event presented by Kaos Blues, and those who decide to attend the event certainly won’t dispute his claim.
Starting in 1995, the original Guitarmania celebrated the fine art of blues guitar, showcasing some of the best in both homegrown and international talent. However, it was put on hiatus in 2002 after Kaos moved from its prized location on 17th Avenue S.W. For the seventh incarnation of Guitarmania, Ginzer has assembled a stellar collection of musicians, sensing that the time was right for the event’s return, albeit with a few changes.
"The old event usually used to happen over an entire week," says Ginzer. "Of course, now that we’re not in the club (on 17th Avenue) anymore, this is a one- night only event."
Choosing to hold the event at Ranchman’s on Macleod Trail on Sunday, February 19th,, in order to take advantage of the Family Day holiday the next day, Kaos Guitarmania VII is intended as a benefit for the Calgary Blues Music Association in support of the Blues Festival. However, those expecting a stuffy fundraising atmosphere will be pleasantly surprised. The event includes performances by Guitarmania veterans like Amos Garrett, Dave Hamilton, Lester Quitzau, Jack Semple and Bill Johnson as well as first timers Johnny V and Gary Wolfe.
The festivities begin at 6 p.m. with each artist playing a set. At midnight, the musicians take part in an all-star jam, hosted by Semple, that Ginzer hopes will last long into the night. With the exception of Johnny V, who will be using his own rhythm section, the performers will be using Jack Semple’s rhythm section of keyboardist Andrew Glover, bassist Dave Chobot and drummer Steve Hoy. Although blues centred, the night will cover a large range of styles, with the tone of the performers ranging from funk, jazz and rock, all the while showing their unique guitar virtuosity.
If the musicians at the event aren’t enough, Ginzer has an added incentive to attend.
"We’re going to talk about a certain event in May," Ginzer says, coyly referencing the upcoming Blues Festival. "We’re hoping to announce our major headliner for the festival. Those interested should stop by." |
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