The Melbourne Guitar Show, presented by Australian Musician, rocked back into action today after a long hiatus and punters, exhibitors and artists alike were thrilled that it did. The crowd began lining up before the gates had opened and the steady stream of attendees into the Caulfield Racecourse grandstand seemed to be endless. Rohan Stevenson had the pleasure of christening the PA system as he opened on the AON Forecourt main stage, playing tracks from his project I Built The Sky. Upstairs on the Acoustic Stage Ben Kelly was winning the audience over with his feel-good rhythms and amiable smile. Inside exhibitors were swept off their feet with buyers keen to grab one the numerous Show specials which are available this weekend. Our good friend Peter Hodgson from http://iheartguitarblog.com showed that he’s more than just a pretty pen, as he and his trio shredded the life out of the main stage with tasteful licks and chunky riffs. The Acoustic stage was beaming with guitar treasures today as newcomer Jamie Pye endeared himself the audience and virtuoso guitarist Matthew Fagan demonstrated why he’s such a respected player both here and overseas.
Back on the main stage it was the Shannon Bourne trio’s time to shine with their Shannon Bourne Plays Hendrix show. While Karl Willebrandt on bass and Dean Matters on drums dazzled with their level of musicianship, Shannon proceeded to melt faces with his Hendrix-like guitar tricks. Project 3 featuring Simon Patterson on guitar, Craig Newman on bass and Gerry Pantazis on drums were simply sublime with their slick brand of funked up fusion. Nick Charles showed why he is regarded as one of the finest pickers in the country, while in the workshop room #2 a panel hosted by Australian Musician, featuring Jimi Hocking, Peter Hodgson, Phil Ceberano, James Ryan, Simon Hosford and Shannon Bourne offered the audience an insight into the world of the pro player.
As the pro player Q&A was wrapping up, you could hear the massive sound of King of the North down below on the main stage as Higgsy ran his guitar through his innovative 3 from1 pedal. In the workshop rooms, Lloyd Spiegel for Cole Clark and Andy Allen for Maton custom shop gave the crowd an education into the construction of their fine locally made guitars.
Meanwhile down on the trade floor it was great to see local builders such as Fican, Cilia, Dyskin, Mark Nicol’s Jailbird, and Vinmen mixing it with the big boys such as Fender, Gibson and Ibanez. The Melbourne Guitar Show is not just a bout guitars however. If it’s got strings on it, then you’re bound to find it at the show this weekend. Spotted on stands were numerous ukes, banjoes, mandolins and some stringed instruments I would dare to categorise.
Back at home base Nat Allison was totally in the moment, owning the Aon Forecourt stage. It’s no wonder Suzi Quatro snapped her up to join her band. Those visiting the cafe at the west wing of the hall would have spied the professor bass and professor guitar booths where talented players like Troy Male, Marcel Yammouni, Simon Patterson, Robbie Little and Joe Fernand kept punters captivated with their free lessons and advice.
We had an inkling that the Melbourne Guitar Show might be a success but I don’t think anyone anticipated the level of satisfaction and fun that the day provided. The best part is, we’re only half way through. You MUST come down the show at Caulfield Racecourse tomorrow to experience this event and join in the communal spirit of the Melbourne guitar fraternity.
