Toby Walker kicks off our Sunday double-header with a showing of Chasin’ the Blues at 2:00 p.m., a video and commentary documenting Walker’s journey down South to meet and study blues with some of the original, old time musicians – how they played and how Toby interprets their styles today.
Toby is an internationally-acclaimed and award-winning fingerstyle guitar virtuoso and songwriter whose blend of blues, ragtime, country, bluegrass, old-time jazz and rock results in a terrific, high-energy show that always leaves audiences astounded and on their feet with an uproar of applause and acclamation. He’s received numerous awards, including being the first place recipient of the International Blues Challenge Award in Memphis and the NY Music Award for best instrumental CD. Walker has also been inducted into the NY Blues Hall of Fame.
Toby is a nationally recognized guitar instructor, and he’ll be leading workshops at the Spring Getaway. He’s also taught at Jorma Kaukonen’s Fur Peace Ranch, Woody Mann’s Guitar Seminars, The Swanannoa Gathering, and the National Guitar Workshop. Walker also has eight instructional DVD’s on Happy Traum’s Homespun Music Instruction, and has produced hundreds of instructional videos on his own. His passion for blues, rags, folk, and other traditional American music drove him tracked down some of the more obscure – but immensely talented – music makers of an earlier era, include “Son” Thomas and Etta Baker.
Jorma Kaukonen of Hot Tuna and Jefferson Airplane said, “Flat out… you have to hear this great musician… I’m blown away.” It is a joy and honor to learn from this supreme guitar master.
Join us for this in-depth examination of roots, blues, and discovery.