Capturing the imagination and the spirit of live performing is multi-award winning singer-songwriter, Michelle Swan, who’s solo work is impressive and her ability to front “pickup” bands in the Washington, D.C. area, and grab the attention of audiences, immersing them in her songs and on-stage charisma, is always a good lesson for her contemporaries on “how to” entertain a crowd.
Muriel Anderson’s Sailing Dreams, based on Muriel’s sailing adventures with her partner Bryan Allen, they sailed from Long Island to Maine’s Penobscot Bay, documenting their travels in song, video and photography. But wait – there’s also in a board game based on her journey! (board game separate!). Named by Guitar Player magazine as one of the “50 Greatest Guitarists of All Time,” in July 2021 and last month as one of “The Top 10 Female Guitarists of all Time”
Jillian Matundan’s first full-length album bursts forward with an energy and honesty rooted in navigating life’s highs and lows. Singing to the Moon was primarily written during the COVID pandemic, which forced all of us to fully stop for the first time in our lives. Jillian was just returning to writing and performing her own music —after 15 years of putting it on the shelf—and found herself in the same place as everyone else on the planet, with space and time to face herself.
And what’s even more impressive is Brian Tarquin’s altruism, given his support and contributions to veterans’ and other causes, and the music projects he’s driven to completion with his fellow collaborators, who include some of the world’s first flight musicians: Jean Luc Ponty, Eric Johnson, Robben Ford (Miles Davis), Steve Morse (Deep Purple), Dean Brown (David Sanborn), Hal Lindes (Dire Straits), Chris Poland (Megadeth), John Tropea (Billy Cobham), Steve Kindler (Jeff Beck), Carl Verheyen (Supertramp) and Larry McCray (John Mayall), the late Phil Naro, and the Budapest Symphony Orchestra.
Brian Tarquin has won 3 Emmy’s for “Outstanding Achievement in Music Direction and Composition for a Drama Series” and has been nominated for an Emmy 6 times. In 2022 & 2023 the Josie Music Awards nominated Tarquin for “Musician of the Year (Guitar)” and “Music Producer of the Year.”
For many in the Washington, D.C. area, Rebecca Berlin, seems to have appeared on the singer-songwriter scene from out of nowhere. But, her journey has taken a few twists and turns, and a long hiatus along the way. She released a studio album a decade ago, focused on the world of music syncing, and was on the move performing her original songs; all systems “go”. Life had its challenges that needed tending to and her artistic ambitions were held in abeyance until recently.
Recently, Gruene Guitars shipped Guitar International one of its newer dreadnaughts for review, a prototype D-18 model named a “Saratoga”. Upon arrival I let it acclimate to its new surroundings, after its flight from San Antonio, Texas, the headquarters of the guitar company.
The National GUITAR Museum announced that Tommy Emmanuel, one of the most revered guitarists to ever pick up the instrument, will receive its annual “Lifetime Achievement” Award for 2023. Emmanuel is the fourteenth recipient of the award.
“I think it was a great first night. It was heartwarming to see so many people from both the DMV and music communities come out to support our new venue. It was an outstanding first night with many more to come!” – Michael DeMarco
Dave Kline, four strings, plucking and a blistering bow; electrified. These are the ingredients that Kline brings to the stage and into the studio. Pull in some more world-class musicians and they stir a cauldron of some of the best music you’ll ever hear.
