Penang Guitar Festival

Sungha Jung to Perform in Penang

2012-01-26T10:17:00.005+08:00

Yes, you heard that right! Korean guitar prodigy Sungha Jung will be coming down for a concert in Penang this coming May.

Date: 27th May 2012 (Sunday)
Time: 8:30pm
Venue: Stage 1, Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac), Straits Quay

For more information, visit Manuel Ukulele

Az Samad Solo Recital

2011-11-21T08:59:00.004+08:00

A guitarist-composer and an educator, Az is constantly in demand with his diverse musical skills in Jazz, contemporary acoustic fingerstyle guitar and classical guitar. His music has taken him to festivals and venues in the United States, Austria, United Kingdom, Singapore, and Malaysia so, be sure not to miss this one-night-only intimate recital by Az!

Date: 19 November 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 8:30pm
Venue: Stage 2, Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac), Straits Quay

FREE ADMISSION (Patron must redeem ticket at penangpac in person)

Redeem your ticket now at:

Performing Arts Centre of Penang (penangpac), Straits Quay

Sungha Jung to Perform in Kuala Lumpur

2011-09-06T12:49:00.009+08:00

Yes, you heard that right! Korean guitar prodigy Sungha Jung will be coming down for a concert in Kuala Lumpur this coming December.

Date: 4 December 2011

Time: 5:00pm and 8:00pm

Venue: UCSI Auditorium, UCSI University, KL

For more information, visit The Guitar Store

For those who are going for the Singapore Guitar Show, you can also catch Sungha there!

Date: 3rd December 2011

Time: 8:00pm

Venue: DBS Auditorium, Singapore

For more information, visit Ukelele Movement

DVDs, CDs & Cassettes for Sale

2011-08-10T12:47:00.003+08:00

Check out the new and used DVDs, CDs and cassettes we have for sale. Click the link below

http://penangguitar.blogspot.com/2009/12/dvds-cds-for-sale.html

The Singapore Guitar Show

2011-07-17T19:55:00.010+08:00

The 2011 Singapore Guitar Show is set for December 3-4th! It will again be held at the Suntec Convention Centre but will be bigger and better with a performance area, more guitars to see and with some dedicated performances and live demonstrations. More details to follow.

The following exhibitors have been confirmed so far:

Gerard Gilet
Prim’s guitars
Scott Wise
Jack Spira
Rod Capper
David Worthy
Stanley guitars
Caldersmith guitars
Maestro Guitars
Tomas Music
Awe In One Picks
Goodacoustics

If you would be interested in exhibiting or sponsoring the show, please don’t hesitate to contact me at terence@guitarbench.com or visit the official website here

Classical & Spanish Guitar Concert and Workshop by Arnaud Fillion

2011-05-27T19:21:00.005+08:00

The Penang State Government, Penang Global Tourism, Alliance Française de Penang and Traders Hotel is organising a FREE concert of classical and spanish guitar by talented French jazz performer Arnaud Fillion accompanied by some local Penang guitarists. Arnaud with professional experience in various types of music such as jazz, flamenco, rock, classical and many others. He has performed in over 1000 concerts around the world and has produced 6 albums to date.

Concert
Date: 28 May 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 8:00pm - 11:00pm
Venue: Khoo Kongsi (18, Cannon Square, Georgetown)
Entrance Fee: FREE!!!

Workshops
Date: 28 May 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Soul Music (736, 1st Floor, Jalan Sungai Dua)

Date: 29 May 2011 (Sunday)
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Venue: Excel Music Studio (43B, Lintang Angsana)

Date: 30 May 2011 (Monday)
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Venue: Cornerstone Music Studio (125-U, 2nd Floor Desa Tanjung)

Date: 31 May 2011 (Tuesday)
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Venue: Alliance Francaise de Penang (46, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong)

Date: 1 June 2011 (Wednesday)
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Venue: Excel Music Studio (43B, Lintang Angsana)

Date: 2 June 2011 (Thursday)
Time: 7:00pm to 9:00pm
Venue: Soul Music (736, 1st Floor, Jalan Sungai Dua)

Date: 4 June 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 11:00am to 1:00pm
Venue: Cornerstone Music Studio (125-U, 2nd Floor Desa Tanjung)

Date: 4 June 2011 (Saturday)
Time: 3:00pm to 5:00pm
Venue: Alliance Francaise de Penang (46, Jalan Phuah Hin Leong)

Registration is RM20 per workshop.

Workshops are jointly organized by Soul Music, Excel Music Studio, Cornerstone Music Studio and Alliance Française de Penang.

For more information and registration, please contact the following person(s).

Joey (Soul Music) - 012-4940488 / 6465008

Melvin (Excel Music) - 012-4542650 / 8276020

Nixon (Cornerstone Music) - 012-4731916

Justine (Alliance Française) - 2276008

"Invite your friends too! "

Cooperstand Guitar Stand for Sale

2011-04-20T21:32:00.007+08:00

You’ve never seen a guitar stand like this one. Cooperstand addresses the typical stringed instrument support device in a completely new and non-typical way. It's extremely stable, opens and closes with one hand and fits in the headstock area of most guitar cases.

Cooperstand is a great choice for the performing musician looking for a professional musical accessory that does an unsurpassed job as an acoustic guitar stand, electric guitar stand, bass guitar stand, banjo stand, dobro stand, or mandolin stand.

Cooperstand combines artistic good looks, versatile full size functional strength, with minimal size compatibility, and portability. All of this in one very small package.

You’ve never seen a guitar stand like this one.

Cooperstand addresses the typical stringed instrument support device in a non typical way.

Key Cooperstand Features:

Convenient: can be opened and closed with one hand.
Versatile: accommodates acoustic or electric guitar, bass, banjo, or mandolin.
Portable: weighs less than 16 ounces!
Compact: fits in the headstock area of a guitar case or any 4” x 9” x 1-1/2” area!
Stable: extremely stable 4-footed base, with low center of gravity.
Secure: closed cell neoprene padding protects and holds instrument in place.
Safe: no exposed metal or sharp edges that could damage your instrument.
Durable: light weight and flexible design easily absorbs impact.

This is the BEST Guitar stand ever.

More info here:-
http://www.cooperstand.com/

Please contact brian_gan@yahoo.com for pricing information.

DigiTech Harmony Man for Sale

2011-04-18T09:07:00.007+08:00

Looky what we have here. Brand new and unused.

Features

Cutting–edge pitch detection engine designed specifically for guitar delivers fast accurate shifting!

3–part guitar harmony; Forget about music theory and programming. Just play–it’s that simple!

Intelligent harmony voicings, fixed chromatic voicings, and detune voice settings.

Edit, store and recall 4 memory presets.

Sidechain connection lets you solo while your rhythm guitarist provides the recognition source.

Built-in guitar tuner

Pre-harmony Distortion loop

More info here:- http://www.digitech.com/products/Pedals/HarmonyMan.php

Retails for RM1490. Please contact brian_gan@yahoo.com for pricing information.

Grover Tuner Buttons for Sale

2011-04-18T08:46:00.021+08:00

New stock availability. Below we have a brand new, unused set of 6 ebony tuner buttons. Made to fit Grover Rotomatic machine heads. These look like the original Grover Imperials. Only two (2) sets are available.

Brand new, unused set of 6 Madagascar rosewood tuner buttons. Made to fit Grover Rotomatic machine heads. These look like the original Grover Imperials. Sold out now.

Brand new, unused set of 6 faux ivory tuner buttons. Made to fit Grover Rotomatic machine heads. These look like the original Grover Imperials. Only two (2) sets are available.

Brand new, unused set of 6 faux Mother of Pearl (MOP) tuner buttons. Made to fit Grover Rotomatic machine heads. These look like the original Grover Imperials. Sold out now.

Brand new, unused set of 6 ebony tuner buttons. Made to fit Grover Imperial machine heads. These look like the original Grover Imperials. Sold out now.

Brand new, unused set of 6 flamed olive ash tuner buttons. They look very similar to flamed maple. Will look great on a guitar with flamed maple bindings. Made to fit Grover Rotomatic machine heads. These look like the original Grover Rotomatics. Sold out now.

These are sold in a set of 6, not sold separately. Just the tuner buttons, no screws included. Just look and see. Of the highest quality and very well made.

Maton guitars come standard with Grover tuners. And some of the older Taylor guitars also use Grover tuning machines. Unsure whether they fit other brands of tuners such as Ping, but I strongly believe that they will.

Please contact brian_gan@yahoo.com for pricing information.

Largest Guitar Performance

2010-10-28T10:03:00.008+08:00

The Ministry of Science, Technology & Innovation presents; Largest Guitar Performance by 1000 people to be listed in the Malaysia's Book of Records in conjunction of Festival Malaysia Inovatif 2010 (MI10).

The event will take place at Bukit Jalil on November 25th, 2010 at 8.00 pm.

We are collecting individuals, societies, university/college students, music schools, primary/scondary schools, or just simply anyone to join us. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister, YAB Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Tun Abdul Razak.

This event is organized by Pusat Kebudayaan Jabatan Perkhidmatan Pelajar Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia.

For more info, contact 03-89214739/4740 or pkebudayaan@ukm.my

Interested, e-mail name and contact to amar@ukm.my

For more information, please visit the official website.

Roger Wang to Perform at the 7th Penang Island Jazz Festival

2010-10-28T09:36:00.007+08:00

With seven highly acclaimed albums under his belt, Roger Wang is widely regarded as one of Malaysia's most Musically Talented Solo Acoustic Guitar players.

Roger, who has performed as a soloist and collaborated with many established Malaysian and International musicians in performances throughout Malaysia as well as Singapore, Taiwan, Japan, Netherlands and the United States of America has also been voted and received the Sabah Outstanding Young Person of the Year award under the category of Cultural & Artistic Achievements by JCI Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. The Roger Wang Trio will feature Peter Lau on drums and Simon Lau on bass.

For more information, please visit the official website.

Squier by Fender Electric Jazz J Bass for Sale

2010-05-14T10:22:00.009+08:00

This has been SOLD.

As new and mint condition Squier by Fender electric J Bass with hardcase. View more pictures here.

Please contact brian_gan@yahoo.com for more information and pricing.

Tommy Emmanuel to Perform at the 7th Penang Island Jazz Festival

2010-05-14T10:16:00.004+08:00

Legendary fingerstyle guitarist Tommy Emmanuel c.g.p. is coming to Penang to perform at the 7th installation of the Penang Island Jazz Festival on 5 December 2010. He will also conduct a workshop on fingerstyle guitar playing. Enuf said.

For more information, please visit the official website.

Ibanez Guitar Workshop by Herman Li

2010-05-12T20:00:00.006+08:00

LBS Music World Sdn. Bhd. is proud to present Ibanez artist and endorsee guitar extraordinaire, Herman Li of Dragonforce fame "LIVE" in Penang for the Ibanez guitar workshop. He will be showcasing and highlighting new Ibanez products for fellow music lovers in Penang.

Date: 23 July 2010 (Friday)
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Venue: Theatre 2, Wawasan Open University (WOU)
Entrance Fee: RM20

For more information and to RSVP, please follow the link here.

"Invite your friends too! "

Yamaha Classical Guitar For Sale

2010-05-11T20:55:00.010+08:00

Make & Model: Yamaha CG101A
Year: 2009 (Bought last year, now less than one year old,
seldom played, kept in very good condition, comes with a guitar bag)
Location: Penang
Price: Selling at only RM550 (retail is RM700)

Please contact denise9studio@yahoo.com.sg for more information.

Gary Hoey "LIVE" in Concert

2010-04-28T20:23:00.007+08:00

LBS Music World Sdn. Bhd. is proud to present Fender artist and endorsee guitar extraordinaire, Gary Hoey "LIVE" in Penang. He will be showcasing and highlighting new Fender products for fellow music lovers in Penang.

Date: 22 June 2010 (Tuesday)
Time: 7:00pm - 8:30pm
Venue: Bukit Jambul Complex (Summer Wing Concourse)

Entrance Fee: FREE!

For more information, please view the official site here.

Vietnamese Guitar for Sale

2009-12-09T11:16:00.013+08:00

Looky here... this is a unique piece. Something you don't find popping up pretty often. Handmade by a famous luthier in Vietnam. But don't let "Made in Vietnam" fool you. It's a mighty fine instrument made with the finest of materials that can hold its own against other major brands. Abalone rosette and purfling all over.

Top: AAAA Solid Sitka spruce
Sides and back: Solid Cambodian rosewood
Year: 2009
Location: Malacca

Watch and listen to the guitar here.

Please contact oouwee_ok@yahoo.co.uk for more information and pricing.

Acoustic Guitars in Harmony

2009-12-09T10:46:00.011+08:00

"Acoustic Guitars in Harmony" - that was the name of the guitar workshop recently held at the Tropical Spice Garden in conjuction with the 6th Penang Island Jazz Festival. The workshop on blending the combination of jazz, classical and baroque acoustic guitar techniques in Brazilian rhythmic musical flavours and styles was presented and performed by Paulo Bellinati & Cristina Azuma, both of whom are fantastic guitarists, but of course!

Sigma Classical Guitar for Sale

2009-12-01T20:09:00.009+08:00

Looky what we have here... a used (vintage) Sigma Guitars CS 2 by Martin & Co. classical guitar. 21 years old and hardly been played. So its condition is very good.

Model: CS 2
Serial No: 88010170
Location: Penang

Please contact geoffreywltan@yahoo.com for more information and pricing.

Godin Multiac SA Guitar for Sale

2009-12-01T20:03:00.007+08:00

As new and mint condition Godin Multiac Steel SA guitar with original hardcase. Made in Canada in 2008. Only about 1 year young. Played a little with it for 3 months. I haven't played it for the past 9 months. Also upgraded from the soft gigbag to an original Godin hardcase. Will also include 2 original Godin leather straps, one black and one brown (approximately RM300 for both straps). Sold together as one lot. Don't let this one get away.

For more information on the guitar, please see here...
http://www.godinguitars.com/godinmultsteelsap.htm

Top: Solid spruce
Sides and back: Chambered mahogany
Year: 2008
Location: Penang

Normally retails for RM6690 and the price DOES NOT include the hardcase upgrade. You would most likely need to add RM400 for the hardcase.

Please contact brian_gan@yahoo.com for more information and pricing.

Composite Acoustics (CA) Guitar for Sale

2009-12-01T19:59:00.008+08:00

As new and mint condition Composite Acoustic (CA) GXi guitar with original premium TKL gig bag. Made in USA. In Road Tuff (RT) Charcoal finish which is very scratch resitant. This model is known for it's phenomenal SUPER DUPER deep bass response.

For more information on the guitar, please see here...
http://www.caguitars.com/Files/Product/Acoustic_Guitars_331/GXi_119.asp

Top: Carbon fibre
Sides and back: Carbon fibre
Year: 2009
Location: Penang

Not available in Malaysia. Closest availability is in Singpore.

Normally retails for US$1799 which is RM6300 WITHOUT shiping and tax. To import it yourself, you'll be looking at an estimated RM7500 for it. Save yourself the risk and some money etc.

Please contact geoffreywltan@yahoo.com for more information and pricing.

Taylor Guitar for Sale

2009-12-01T19:41:00.011+08:00

A rare find indeed. This is Taylor's flagship model. Taylor 810-B Legends of the Fall (LOTF) limited edition guitar. Used but not abused. Has fret wear. In very good condition. Well cared for... however, it does have some minor dings on it, nothing big or deep into the wood. Sound wise, it has a very nice deep bass. Comes with its original Fishman passive pickup and original hard case.

Top: Solid Engelmann spruce
Sides and back: Solid Brazilian rosewood
Year: 2000
Location: Penang

Please contact geoffreywltan@yahoo.com for more information and pricing.

DVDs, CDs & Cassettes for Sale

2009-12-01T18:23:00.040+08:00

Here are some new and used DVDs, CDs and cassettes for sale.

DVDs

Emmanuel Labor (DVD) by Tommy Emmanuel (Mint condition) - SOLD

A Guitarscape Planet (Blu-ray) by Muriel Anderson (Mint condition) - SOLD

A Guitarscape Planet (HD DVD) by Muriel Anderson (Mint condition) - SOLD

Deke's 2nd Guitar Geek Festival 2005 (DVD) by Various Artists (Good condition with minor scratches, still plays well) - SOLD

Penang Guitar Festival 2009 (New) - RM25

CDs

Birdseed by Joe Robinson (Very Good condition) - SOLD

Self-Titled Album by Rodrigo y Gabriela CD (New but opened) - RM35

The Landing (with autograph to Daniel) by Charlie Hill (Mint condition) - RM30

Closing Time by Doug Young (New but opened) - RM40

Laurel Mill by Doug Young (New but opened) - RM35

Walks the Strings ...and Even Sings by Eddie Pennington (Very Good condition) - RM40

All I Want for Christmas by Tommy Emmanuel (New and unopened) - SOLD

Ear Candy by Todd Hallawell & Robin Kessinger (New but opened) - SOLD

Perfect Blue by Sungha Jung (New but opened) - SOLD

I Remember Michael by Adam Rafferty (New and unopened) - SOLD

The Heart Has Reasons by Michael Fix (New but opened) - SOLD

Milestones (Limited Edition with commemorative guitar pick) (2 CDs) by Roger Wang (New and unopened) - SOLD

Little by Little (2 CDs) by Tommy Emmanuel (New but opened) - SOLD

Faces by Tim Thompson (New but opened) - SOLD

A Christmas Guitar Collection by Adam Rafferty (New and unopened) - RM45

Wrapped in White "Visions of Christmas Past" by John Doan (New and unopened) - SOLD

Thinkin' of Chet by Richard Hudson (New but opened) - SOLD

Sounds of Wood & Steel by Various Artists (Good condition) - SOLD

Acoustic Guitar Highlights, Vol. 1 by Various Artists (Good condition) - SOLD

20 Best of Ireland by Noel McLoughlin (Good condition) - RM25

Music & Ballads from Ireland (2 CDs) by Noel McLouglin (Good condition) - RM40

Shady Grove (2 CDs) by Various Artists (Very Good condition) - SOLD

The Flying Fish 20th Anniversary Sampler by Various Artists (Good condition) - SOLD

Far from Enough by Viktor Krauss (Good condition) - RM20

The Lonesome Touch by Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill (Good condition) - RM20

Road Runner by Albert Lee (Good condition) - SOLD

Sounds of Wood & Steel by Various Artists (Good condition) - SOLD

The Best of Big Country (Good condition) - RM20

Dart to the Heart by Bruce Cockburn (Good condition) - RM20

Cassettes

Beyond the Sky by Alex De Grassi (New and unopened) - RM8

Guitar for Mortals by Adrian Legg (New and unopened) - RM5

The Players by The Players (Note: This is not an instrumental guitar album) (New and unopened) - RM5

Prices exclude shipping. Please add RM3 for registered shipping. If interested, please e-mail us at penangguitar@gmail.com

If you have any DVDs, CDs or other guitar related items for sale, you can advertise them here for free. Just send the description and image(s) along with your contact info to penangguitar@gmail.com

Note: We shall not be held liable for any losses caused by reliance on the accuracy, reliability or timeliness of such information. The items advertised are available through direct contact with the seller and is not administered by or through us.

The Concert DVD

2009-10-10T20:29:00.016+08:00

For those who missed the concert or would like to have a copy of the performances, we are pleased to make available the concert DVD. These are not the same as the videos on YouTube.

The DVDs are priced at RM25 / SGD$10 / US$7.50 each. Order now and get FREE shipping worldwide. That's right. Whether it's 1 DVD or 100 DVDs, shipping is FREE.

Payment methods:

PayPal to brian_gan@yahoo.com
Pay to CIMB Bank A/C No: 07140191594524
(Brian Gan Luen-Ming)

Remember to contact us once payment has been made to provide your address information. For sales enquiries, please contact Brian Gan (brian_gan@yahoo.com)

Note: Girly & Geoffrey's last song performance for the night, "Menghitung Hari" is not available on the DVD. However, you can watch it on YouTube.

Donations to the Various Homes

2009-09-09T18:10:00.023+08:00

After the dust settled, we did not forget our purpose for this guitar festival i.e. as a charity event to the many underprivileged homes in Penang and Kedah. The profits from the ticket sales were donated to the 10 homes as below. For those who supported us by purchasing the concert tickets or with your kind donations, just remember that you played a part in making this happen! We would not have been able to do this without all your generous contributions and support. Terima kasih!

    Children's Protection Society              Penang Cheshire Home

Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak    Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak
      Cacat Yee Ran Jing Sheh               Shan (Shan Children's Home)

          Persatuan Kebajikan                        Pertubuhan Rumah
                Sinar Ceria                             Kebajikan Seri Cahaya

          Relau Rumah Charis                        Rumah Amal Kulim

           Sunshine Cottage Center                 True Light Vision Centre

The Workshops and Concert Photos

2009-09-08T21:24:00.023+08:00

The Workshops

Read an article about the workshop coverage here.

             William Kok (fingerstyle)                   Lam Chin Koi (classical)

           Daniel Choong (bass)                    CY Chee & Adrian Jones
                                                                   (playing as a duo)

The Concert

                   Uglymen                               CY Chee & Adrian Jones

                William Kok                          Lam Chin Koi (Guitar Maestro)

             Din & Project Band                            Yong Wee Chan

               Daniel Choong                           Geoffrey Tan & Brian Gan

      Girly Cheah & Geoffrey Tan

The Concert Videos

2009-09-02T07:46:00.024+08:00

Please find all the concert performances here. They are listed in the order of performance that evening. Please subscribe to our YouTube channel.

Uglymen

Chee Chin Yaik & Adrian Jones

William Kok

Lam Chin Koi

Gran Jota
(Note: This piece from Mr. Lam was slightly over 10 minutes. The beginning portion of the video has been truncated because YouTube can only accept videos of a maximum of 10 minutes. The DVD will contain the whole performance.)
Usher Waltz

Din & Project Band
(Note: Crosstown was originally invited and slated to perform at the event but there was an unforeseen change which resulted in the formation of this "project band" that was assembled specially for this concert.)

Yong Wee Chan

Daniel Choong

Geoffrey Tan & Brian Gan

Girly Cheah & Geoffrey Tan
(Note: This was a surprise performance by special invited guest, Girly Cheah.)

How Do I Live
Menghitung Hari (not available on the DVD)

A higher quality DVD is now available. The footage is different from these YouTube videos. In the meantime, enjoy the videos on YouTube.

The Penang Guitar Festival

2009-08-30T20:21:00.013+08:00

Well... after months of planning, the event is now over. We hoped that you have enjoyed the workshops and the concert. We are grateful to everyone who participated and supported the event by attending the workshops and for buying the tickets for the concert. This is not the end, the journey has just begun. Stay tuned as we will be updating this site soon with the event photos and the performances on YouTube.

We will also use this site to promote other upcoming guitar events.

If you have any suggestions for improvement, areas of interest or what you wish to see in future events, please write to us. We'd like to hear from you. However, please keep all comments decent. Unwarranted and demeaning remarks may be removed by the webmaster.

Thank you.

It's Here!

2009-08-17T21:37:00.012+08:00

After all the anticipation and waiting. It ends here, today. The Penang Guitar Festival is TODAY! Got your concert tickets yet? If not, what are you waiting for? Where else can you get to experience such an array of guitarists playing their hearts out? Need a reason? Here's 20.

It's all for a good cause... it's for charity
Support the local music scene
Be part of history... first time ever in Penang
Perform a good deed, buy them for your friends, neighbours, relatives, colleagues etc.
A great way to kick off your Merdeka weekend
See lots of guitars
Hear lots of guitars
It will inspire and motivate you to practice and play better
You have not attended this concert before
Parking is free
The ticket feels lonely
You look good in the crowd
The bank will not repossess your house that fast
Time off from your spouse
That outfit you like matches the ticket colour
You can always buy food *next* week
Enjoy the air con
If we don't sell this concert out, we may not have it again next year
You really don't need to fix the car that badly
The house pet can go without food for DAYS!!!

However, tickets are also available for purchase at the concert venue.

History of the Guitar

2009-06-26T15:08:00.007+08:00

It is believed that the history of the guitar began in the ancient Near East (Babylonia). In Egypt and Rome, instruments had features that could be the predecessor of the guitar. The Guitarra Morisca was brought by the Moors in their conquest of Spain. However, the Guitarra Latina is thought to be the type that undoubtedly developped into the modern guitar. In the Middle Ages, the co-existence of three, four and five string guitars was noted. By the fifteenth century, the four-double strings instrument excelled in popularity. In the sixteenth century, it in turn was gradually replaced by the five double string guitar. Sixteenth century guitars are described as vihuela from the time of Luis Milan, Rizzio guitar from France, chitarra battente from Italia, some are still in existence. Composers for these instruments wrote mostly in tablature notation. Italy was the capital of the guitar world of 17th century. In France, the guitar became the instrument of the nobility but the Spanish school of guitar making did not begin to flourish until the end of the eighteenth century. Italians composers wrote a substantial number of works and, like the guitarists and even guitar makers, traveled widely. The most important factor in the development of the guitar was the addition of the sixth string during the middle of the eighteenth century. During the 19th century, changes in social conditions and improved means of transportation contributed to a growing knowledge of the guitar and enabled performers to travel widely. Guitar music flourished in nineteenth century Spain. A. Torres gave the basic form of the guitar in which it is now known. During 20th century, the revolutionary technological progress and the development of mass media communications and faster, more efficient modes of transportation are responsible for the tremendous popularity of the guitar.

Source: http://www.classicalguitarmidi.com/history/

Profile of the Performers

2009-06-24T23:16:00.039+08:00

Uglymen

UGLYMEN is a Chinese Hard Rock band from Alor Setar, Kedah, north of Malaysia. The group has been gigging together since December 1993. They performed in various underground circuits, band competitions and charity events with styles ranging from pop, punk, rock, alternative and metal. UGLYMEN met each other while studying music at a local music school during that fateful year. They started off playing cover songs and eventually wrote their first song in 1995. Throughout the years, they gained a lot of exposure in performing and steadily growing a dedicated fan-based with their unique style called – UGLY Rock.

UGLYMEN consist of working class individuals with each founding members having their own respective careers in – IT Support. The kind of job where no one really understands and frustration no one imagines. The build-up of such stressed and tensed work life had a GREAT effect on Sow Say Hooi (bass/vocal), Michael Lee (guitar/vocal) and Ong Tai Suan (drums/vocal). It is only at night time, UGLYMEN members reveal their alter ego in their music.

The band has won several awards, notably 2nd runner-up in the National Guinness Canto Rock Band Competition 1996, 1st runner-up in the National Carlsberg Hot Trax CenterStage Competition 2003, Champion of B’ Beyond Band Competition in 2003 and Champion of the National Yamaha Asian Beat Band Competition in 2003 defeating 120 bands nationwide. The band went to represent Malaysia in the Yamaha Asian Beat Band Competition 2004 – Asia Grand Final in Taipei, Taiwan and they won Best Bass Player award. They appeared in interviews, charity events and featured in local 8TV program called “Homegrown”. They just released their debut album titled â€œUGLYâ€.

Their music style is UGLY Rock where the fun of music meets the lowdown of careers. Such unique partnership produces back-stabbing vocals, political solos, Tai-Chi harmony and double-standard arrangement.

Crosstown

Crosstown is no new band in Penang having it's presence felt in the local rock scene for at least the last 15 years. Having played in various venues and events such as Pesta Pulau Pinang and Starwalk, these veterans will surely bring a smile to your faces as they belt out some of their hit songs and standard rock covers. Most guitarists in Penang will know and may even have had their axes tweaked, modified, serviced and set-up by their lead guitarist extraordinaire, Deen, who incidentally also works as a guitar tech and luthier in Artune. Check them out!

Lam Chin Koi (Guitar Maestro)

Guitar maestro, Mr. Lam Chin Koi is Malaysia's renowned classical guitarist. He is a very highly respected figure in the guitar music scene here in Penang both as an instructor and performer. He started his teaching career in Yamaha Music School in 1976. During his 15 years with Yamaha he had the chance to learn from the chief guitar instructor, Mr. Tadashi Koizumi from Japan. In 1979, he was invited to be a judge in the South-East Asia Guitar Festival Grand Finals held in Hong Kong. In the Finals, he was the only other foreign judge besides Mr. Tadashi Koizumi. In 1984, he was sent to Japan to attend the South-East Asia Chief Guitar Instructor Seminar. Later that year, he went over to London to take lessons from world-renowned guitarist Simon Munting and John Mills. Throughout his 40 years of guitar playing, he attended numerous master classes held by world-famous guitarists such as Paco Pena (Spain), Jean Pierre Jumez (France) and Siegfred Behrend (Germany). Mr. Lam also went to Spain to learn flamenco guitar in the year 2003 from a famous flamenco guitar expert. He has also performed with the Penang State Symphony and Orchestra & Chorus (PESSOC) as a soloist on several occasions including a trip to Adelaide. Nothing short of having acquired perfect mastery of the classical guitar, he is arguably Malaysia's best classical guitarist. His songs selection for the concert will attest to his prowess and skill on this instrument whom he has embraced all his life. His virtuosity and articulation will mesmerize every listener. He plays an Antonio Marin Montero (Bouchet model) concert classical guitar.

Daniel Choong

In his normal life, Daniel is an engineer working for a multi-national company in the Bayan Lepas Free Industrial Zone. On weekends, he plays the bass for a church band. He has been playing the guitar and bass for more than 15 years. The bass is no stranger to Daniel. From an early age, he decided to swap playing the usual 6 string guitar for the low growling sound of a 4 or occasional 5 string bass. In his younger days, he took up bass lessons under renowned bassist Jack Mohd (bassist for the Penang-based group, the Jazzocrats). He is adept at both the fretted and fretless basses. Nowadays, he plays the bass almost exclusively, either on his Fender Precision bass, his Ibanez fretless electric bass or on his Washburn fretless acoustic bass. His musical influences include Abraham Laboriel, John Patitucci, Avishai Cohen, Marcus Miller, David Benoit, Danilo Perez and Bill Evans.

William Kok

Accomplished guitarist, William Kok is gifted with the ability to play a complete musical arrangement all on one guitar. He has an ability to juggle the bass, melody, rhythm, harmony and other guitar techniques to create an illusion that there is more than one guitarist playing. William's musical journey started when he served as a voluntary teacher in the House of Joy for underprivileged children. In year 2004, he released his debut guitar solo album The Music Maker. In the same year, he won an award in the Malaysian Christian Music Festival for his unique guitar solo with the winning song Amazing Grace. In year 2005, he released his second guitar solo album Every Time I Pray. His calling and vision is to produce praise and worship songs with guitar solos and train others to discover the musical expressions of a guitar. William serves as a guitarist in his home church Aglow Assembly for the last 12 years and frequently conducts guitar workshops as well as performs publicly with his guitar.

Geoffrey Tan

Geoffrey Tan is a classical and steel string acoustic guitar player. He started with formal classical guitar lessons, but later focused on playing the steel string guitar after being influenced by the likes of Tommy Emmanuel, Billy McLaughlin, Ed Gerhard, Muriel Anderson and many other guitar fingerstylist. He still plays the classical guitar, but uses it now more for new age and sentimental tunes. He is a full time mechanical engineer and a part time musician and composer. He plays a Taylor 810B (LOTF) and a custom-made Freeman guitar by local luthier, Edward Hiew.

Brian Gan

Brian started his musical journey by learning and playing the piano at the age of 7. However, the piano just wasn't his instrument of choice - it must have been those countless hours of practicing classical exam pieces. He gave up on the piano at age 15. We all would have thought that his musical journey had ended there and then. However, a year later, just by chance and out of curiosity he picked up his father's Kapok guitar and tried his hand (or fingers for that matter) by strumming his first tune, "Amazing Grace". That was the start of a new musical journey. He has never looked back since. A mostly self-taught guitarist, he quickly picked-up playing the guitar on his own. Later on, he attended some guitar lessons at Acoustic Guitar House and later at Mahogany the House of Guitars. Among his influences on the guitar are Tommy Emmanuel, Chet Atkins, Pete Huttlinger, Richard Smith, Steven King (guitarist, not the author) and local fingerstyle maestro Roger Wang. He plays his highly customized Maton EBG808 Artist guitar.

Yong Wee Chan

Yong Wee Chan began to guitar playing only at the age of 17. Like every other youngster, he began with chord strumming pop songs. Later, he got more seriously into guitar playing. Yong studied classical guitar under Prof. Ronnie I. Theseira until the present.

In 2003, Yong was deeply impressed by percussive-fingerstyle (New Age guitar music) after watching video performances by the famous Japanese fingerstyle guitarist, Isato Nakagawa. He is also influenced by Chet Atkins, Tommy Emmanuel, Michael Hedges, Don Ross and Peter Finger. the above guitarists are also important influences to his music compositions in the later part of his playing.

In December 2007, Yong founded the “ACPickers”, an online guitar community which gathers acoustic guitar players from all over Malaysia. Members include some of the top acoustic guitarists in the country, namely Roger Wang, Az Samad, Farid Ali, William Kok and Edward Hiew (who is a guitar luthier in Malaysia).

Yong is now also a guitar instructor, music centre owner, instruments distributor & retailer and fencing coach in one of the local universities.

Performances:
Nov 2008 - Malacca Guitar Charity Night
Dec 2007 - Yamaha Guitar Camp guest performer
Oct 2005 - Historical City Toastmasters Club appointed performer

Achievements:
Dec 2007 - Finalist of 1st Malaysia International Guitar Festival (MIGFEST)
Aug 2006 - Grand Prix Winner at Open Solo category of Yamaha Guitar Festival
Dec 2003 - 2nd Runner-Up at Open Solo category of Yamaha Guitar

Compositions:
Feb 2007 - Composed Freeman Guitars official website’s theme song “Debut”

For more information, please visit Yong Wee Chan’s websites at http://ywcguitarstudio.blogspot.com/ & http://musicelement.blogspot.com/.

Chee Chin Yaik and Adrian Jones

Chee Chin Yaik and Adrian Jones both like to play jazz standards and have played together at several venues. Chee plays the guitar while Adrian Jones plays the double bass. Both regard music as an essential part of personal expression and enjoy bringing smiles when they can to people anywhere they are playing.

The Workshops

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We have the following workshops all lined up for guitar enthusiast. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's always something new to learn. Come with an open mind!

When? Where? Again, mark your calendars!
10:00am to 4:00pm, 29 August 2009 (Saturday) at PSDC

Please find the time slots for each workshop as below:-

10:00am-11:00am
Fingerstyle guitar workshop
- Fingerstyle arrangement
- How to arrange a song with major chords
- Playing by ear
- Tuning the 5th string down to G
Note: Please bring along your guitar (optional)
By William Kok
11:00am-12:00nn
Classical guitar workshop
Note: Please bring along your guitar (optional)
By Lam Chin Koi (Guitar Maestro)
2:00pm-3:00pm
Bass guitar workshop (beginner to intermediate)
Note: You do not need to bring your bass
By Daniel Choong
3:00pm-4:00pm
Workshop on playing guitar and bass in a duo / trio setting
- How a guitar and bass can play together
- How a guitar can be used to substitute a piano in a trio setting
Note: You do not need to bring your guitar / bass
By Chee Chin Yaik (guitar) & Adrian Jones (double bass)

And the best of all... all workshops are Free of Charge (FOC)! No registration required. Come early to grab a nice seat!

The Concert

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We're putting together a unique guitar concert for all you fans out there! So far, we have the following artistes and bands who have volunteered and confirmed their participation to perform during the concert for charity - bless their kind souls. They will cover various genres of guitar music from instrumental pop, classical, jazz and country, blues and rock. We even have a performance on the bass as a solo instrument!

When? Where? Again, mark your calendars!
7:45pm, 29 August 2009 (Saturday) at PSDC

Uglymen from Kedah
Crosstown

Daniel Choong

Lam Chin Koi (Guitar Maestro)

Geoffrey Tan

Brian Gan

William Kok from Kuala Lumpur

Yong Wee Chan from Malacca

Chee Chin Yaik

Adrian Jones

...and probably a few more to come

Concert tickets are priced at RM20 (free seating). Make sure you come early to grab the best seats in the house. Get your tickets now, available at the following music schools or outlets:-

LBS Music World (Bukit Jambul)

Yamaha Musical (Queensbay Mall)

Evolution Music House (Gurney Plaza)

Art Tune (Jalan Kajang)

Groove Music (Bangunan Lip Sin)

Areca Centre of Performing Arts (Peel Avenue)

Spectrum Musik (Peirce Road)

The C.A.T. (Creating Artistic Talents) (Pinhorn Road)

Praise Music Studio (Farlim)

Praise Music Studio (Seberang Perai)

From Outstation? No Sweat!

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If you are from outstation and need a place to lodge for the night, below are a few hotels nearby. They are all approximately within a 5km radius of the workshop and concert venue.

Tip: It should be cheaper if bookings were made directly through the hotel website.

B-Suite
Rate: From RM135
Source: http://www.penang-hotels.com/b-suite/rates.htm

Hotel Seri Malaysia
Rate: From RM140
Source: http://www.journeymalaysia.com/islandpenangsrimalaysia.htm

The Krystal Suites
Rate: From RM150
Source: http://www.penang-hotels.com/krystalsuites/rates.htm

Vistana Hotel Penang
Rate: From RM225
Source: http://www.penang-hotels.com/vistana/rates.htm

Equatorial Hotel
Rate: From RM270
Source: http://www.penang-hotels.com/equatorial/rates.htm

Directions to PSDC

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All the workshop sessions and the concert will be held at the Penang Skills Development Centre (PSDC). Here is a map with directions to PSDC. And yes, parking is FREE!

Source: http://www.psdc.com.my/page.cfm?name=MaptoPSDC

Penang Guitar Festival

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First time ever in Penang!

A guitar festival? Yes! The guitar festival is made up of two parts:-

a series of guitar workshops and
a concert to top it all off

Instrumental pop, classical, jazz and country, blues and rock guitar. The purpose of the guitar festival is to promote an appreciation for guitar music, guitar playing and performance. For guitar enthusiast by guitar enthusiast! An event not to be missed for all guitar music lovers in Penang!

When? Where? Mark your calendars!
29 August 2009 (Saturday) at PSDC

Concert tickets are priced at RM20 (free seating).

Workshops are Free of Charge (FOC)!

A charity event to the many underprivileged homes in Penang and Kedah. All profits of the event will be channeled the following organizations:-

Children's Protection Society

Penang Cheshire Home

Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Cacat Yee Ran Jing Sheh

Persatuan Kebajikan Kanak-Kanak Shan (Shan Children's Home)

Persatuan Kebajikan Sinar Ceria

Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya

Relau Rumah Charis

Rumah Amal Kulim

Sunshine Cottage Center

True Light Vision Centre

Things to do:-

Meet the performers

Buy merchandise

Get them autographed by your favourite artiste(s)

Meet new friends (and old ones as well)

Exchange contact information

Look, see and learn

Sit back, relax and enjoy the music!

Have a blast of a time!!!

A special word of thanks to our sponsor,

Not from Penang? No sweat! You're all invited to join in the fun, too.