Your future, our focus
POWELL, Wyoming — Guitar and vocal educators, students and other music lovers are invited to learn, share and network at the Northwest Guitar and Vocal Summit Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12, at Northwest College in Powell.
Things kick off with a 7 p.m. free public concert featuring California jazz vocalist Christine Guter and Grammy-nominated guitarist Larry Koonse. Summit participants will enjoy expanded audience privileges that include a question-and-answer session with the guest artists.
The Saturday schedule features multiple sessions for teachers and students, a combined session, plus an informal roundtable discussion for teachers.
With Guter, Koonse and local clinicians leading the workshops, local individuals will have a singular opportunity to learn from professional musicians who are recognized in the industry.
Guter performs in a variety of genres and extensively in studio settings. Her voice has been featured on more than 40 Hollywood soundtracks, including “Dawn of the Planet of the Apes,” “Despicable Me 2,” “Oz the Great and Powerful,” “The Lorax,” “Men in Black 3,” “Ice Age 4,” “Superman Returns,” “Beowulf,” “Horton Hears a Who” and “Spiderman,” to name a few.
She’s also worked with a host of legendary musicians—Joe Williams, Rosemary Clooney, Diane Schuur, Maynard Ferguson, Mercer Ellington, Lionel Hampton, Mel Torme, Bobby McFerrin and Darmon Meader, among them.
Koonse brings a global perspective to share with local musicians. The multiple Grammy- nominated artist has performed in South Africa at the invitation of Nelson Mandela and UNICEF. His talents have taken him to performances at Carnegie Hall, the Sydney Opera House, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and beyond. He’s been a featured soloist with the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philadelphia Orchestra and many others throughout the world.
His guitar stylings are showcased on more than 300 albums, and he’s recorded with stars across the spectrum, from classical and jazz to pop icons like Rod Steward, Linda Ronstadt and Natalie Cole. His solo guitar work is featured throughout the feature film “Crazy” chronicling the life of the great guitarist Hank Garland.
In addition to spending the day with these two consummate musicians, summit participants will also be treated to lunch.
The summit is designed for educators and students middle school age and above, plus community members who are interested in music.
Cost is $25 per person. Registrations are accepted through Friday, Nov. 4, and can be made online by following the “Festivals” link at http://www.northwestmusic.org.