Rick Ruskin - Walnut Creek, CA - 4/23/05

[Fran Guidry]

Rick Ruskin (www.liondogmusic.com/ (http://www.liondogmusic.com/)) is one of the founders of modern American fingerstyle guitar. He was a live-in student of Reverend Gary Davis, and has been recording since the early 70s. His playing is an inspiring combination of funky rhythm and smooth melody. He plays a broad spectrum of pop, folk, blues, and originals and has plenty of entertaining stories between tunes.

We're excited to be hosting this show, on Saturday, 4/23, with the music starting at 8 PM and doors open at 7. I'll be serving both sweet and savory treats. We usually have at least a little guitar fondling before and after the show if you're a fan of figured walnut and/or Madagascar rosewood <grin>. A $20 donation is requested.

Web page with full info (http://www.fxguidry.com/ruskin2005)

Email fguidry@yahoo.com

Thanks,
Fran

[Fran Guidry]

Rick and I have come up with the idea of adding a workshop to this house concert, since most of the folks who show up are usually pickers. In years past Rick has been very generous in showing me some arranging and playing ideas, so I can tell you that he's a good teacher. If you'd like to bring along a guitar and hang around after the concert for a workshop and some jamming, please do.

Fran

[koaguitarman]

Fran,
Wish I didn't have a gig on that night, I would enjoy coming to see Rick. I remember seeing Rick @ McCabe's Guitar Shop around 1970. Ask him is he remembers the Buffalo Nickel Jug Band, I was a member and we performed @ McCabe's around the same time (1970).
Please keep me posted on any other events you have coming in the future.
koaguitarman@comcast.net
or
vaddicks@aol.com
Thanks,
Russ

[Fran Guidry]

Hey Russ, I passed along your howdy to Rick, and I also set him up with links to this forum. He still has chops to burn and terrific musical taste, we really enjoyed the show. A handful of pickers made it and Rick discussed technical aspects of his tunes and answered questions, then we did some very pleasant guitar fondling after the show.

Fran

[Sugarlander]

Rick is a great fingerstye guitarist. Wish I could have been there. Thanks for the post.

[david_m]

DARN!! I wish I had known a little earlier. I'm in San Ramon, and I would have LOVED to have come. Fran, please post info about your next gathering.

David

[kanikapila]

Fran,

Much Mahalos to you and Lynn for opening up your home to host the concert/workshop.

Rick was superb and you're a great opener! Loved the tone and sustain
ringing from Rick's brazilian McAlister and the nahenahe slack key from
your Martin Golden age OM. Oh yes, thank you for the delicious
pastries, ganache and caramalized onions!

Had a great time meeting new folks and the guitar fondling was cool- there
was some nice tone wood-a-plenty!

David,

Sorry you missed this one but maybe next time we can carpool to Frans- Im
in San Ramon too- (off Bollinger Cyn Rd)

enrico

[Fran Guidry]

Enrico, thanks so much for coming and bringing Bryan. I'm really glad you enjoyed the show.

I have sworn a few times that I would not buy more guitars but your Goodall could make me change my mind. Please think of me if you ever decide to move it.

Ya know, we don't have to have a concert to get together and fondle guitars. I'm here every day and always up for some picking. We can try cutting some tracks if anyone is interested in that. I'm also up for visiting other pickers.

The kanikapila (great screen name, dude) at the Englander in San Leandro turned out pretty darned good. It looked like the player list was going to be thin, so Patrick Landeza gave everybody 4 numbers, then folks started showing up, so we wound up staying until about 10 PM. The Camacho family did some great stuff, a gentleman whose name I missed played a few on my guitar, we had some terrific hula dancers for a few numbers, then the Brown family from Maui closed the show with a set of their fabulous music.

Fran