GAS

This is not a reference to fossil fuels or our dependence on them. GAS refers, in this case, to Guitar Acquisition Syndrome. The primary symptom is expressed as a need to obtain more guitars regardless of how many one may already own. The disease especially afflicts acoustic guitarists.
If you have GAS, Santa Rosa California was heaven this past weekend as it hosted the Healdsburg Guitar Festival. This was the third time I've attended this event. If you love acoustic guitars and guitar music, there was no better place on earth to be. The festival featured the work of about about 120 independent luthiers. The quality of the instruments being produced by these people is simply amazing. These are not just guitars, they are functional sculpture: beautiful designs in wonderful wood, that also happen to sound great and produce beautiful music (in the right hands). I played many guitars that were terrific, and although I didn't buy anything at the event, I may end up commissioning a new instrument from one of the builders that impressed me.
The gallery of guitars was the centerpiece of the festival, but there was some great music being produced too. There were feature concerts each night by famous players. In addition, however, there were demonstration concerts going on all day in which fine players would perform on the instruments being shown by the various builders. I really enjoyed these "mini-concerts" because one could hear the instruments from a listener's point of view (as opposed to what one hears as a player), while catching some good music.
Workshops were also offered on a variety of topics for both the luthier and the player.
On Saturday night there was a fun show at the Russian River Brewery. Several people came from the fest to perform. The brewery was pretty loud, but it couldn't squelch the fine music being produced. Great time. Thanks to Bill Hammond from Minnesota for organizing it. Next fest: 2007. See you there!