Dweezil Zappa joins guitar

The Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation recently announced that Grammy-award winner Dweezil Zappa, son of the late Frank Zappa, will be joining the lineup of artists in residence for the 2014 Crown Guitar Workshop and Festival. 

The weeklong workshop offers classes in seven guitar genres: jazz, rock, blues, classical, singer/songwriter, acoustic and beginner and will be held August 24-31, 2014 at the lakeshore resort of Flathead Lake Lodge in Bigfork.

Zappa’s inclusion firmly anchors the workshop’s rock guitar genre. Having released 12 albums since 1986, his predominantly rock guitar style is, like his dad’s, eclectic, with a mix of blues, jazz, fusion and metal. His Grammy was awarded in 2009 for best rock instrumental performance of Frank Zappa’s “Peaches en Regalia” from Frank’s first solo jazz/fusion album “Hot Rats,” a piece he had dedicated to his newborn son in 1969.

Zappa will join a platinum group of master guitarists each of whom will each of whom will teach master classes and be featured in evening public performances at the Crown Guitar Festival during the week. 

They include: singer/songwriter John Oates of the Grammy award nominated Rock and Roll Hall of Fame duo, Hall and Oates; jazz guitar legend Lee Ritenour, also a multi-Grammy nominee and award winner; jazz and fusion guitarist Mike Stern who in 2007 was honored with the Miles Davis Award created to recognize internationally acclaimed jazz artists; Shelby Lynne, an Americana music singer and songwriter who holds a 1999 Grammy award for best new artist; blues guitarist singer/songwriter, Ana Popovic; and classical guitar virtuoso David Leisner, an electrifying performing artist, distinguished composer and master teacher.           

A stellar professional teaching staff offering daily instruction in seven guitar genres will complement these legendary artists. Courses and instructors this year include: Bret Boyer, singer/songwriter; Mark Dziuba and Jody Fisher teaching intermediate and advanced jazz; James Hogan, rock/fusion; Tobias Hurwitz, rock/blues; Andrew Leonard, classical; Susan Mazer, beginning skills; Dennis McCumber, jam class; Jeff McErlain intermediate rock/blues; Doug Smith, acoustic fingerstyle; and Matt Smith, teaching how to be a versatile guitarist.

Workshop information and registration can be viewed on the website www.cocguitarfoundation.org or call 406-471-1165 for more details.

Tickets for the six nights of concerts that make up the Crown Guitar Festival are now on sale on the foundation’s ticketing website www.cocguitarfoundation.tix.com. The festival will feature the seven artists in residence in public stage performances on the Crown Festival Stage at Flathead Lake Lodge. The passes offer a $20 savings over single priced tickets and include special VIP parking. They are transferable. There are a limited quantity of passes available and they will only be offered for a limited time.

Sunday, Aug. 24, 7 p.m. — An evening with Dweezil Zappa. Grammy-winner Dweezil Zappa, the son of the legendary Frank Zappa, is the self-described “torchbearer” of his dad’s music. With 12 albums since 1986, his style is eclectic with a mix of blues, jazz, fusion and metal.  Constantly evolving his music and guitar artistry, Dweezil is the modern face of Zappa music, both Frank’s and his own, bringing it fully formed into the future. Scheila Gonzalez, Ryan Brown and Kurt Morgan will join Dweezil in an evening full of amazing music.

Monday, Aug. 25, 7:30 p.m. — Set 1: Mike Stern, Set 2: Ana Popovic. Mike Stern’s three-decade career includes six Grammy nominations, establishing him as one of the premier jazz and jazz-fusion guitarists and composers of his generation.  Named “Best Jazz Guitarist” by Guitar Player Magazine, Mike played with Miles Davis and was part of Blood, Sweat & Tears.

Ana Popovic was recently nominated “Contemporary Blues Female Artist of the Year”, her fifth Blues Music Award nomination.   She is currently part of the Experience Hendrix Tour ’14.   “Fiery guitar playing…one of the brightest young blues stars on the horizon” – Blues Blast Magazine.

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 7:30 p.m. — Set 1: Emily Elbert, Set 2: Shelby Lynne

Emily Elbert, singer-songwriter and a Berklee College of Music Distinguished Graduate, is back after a crowd-pleasing show last year. 

Americana and “indie” singer-songwriter Shelby Lynne won the Best New Artist Grammy in 2000.  She has started her own independent record label, showcasing her distinctive voice on three albums.  Her latest five-song EP “Thanks,” released in December 2013 has garnered rave reviews.

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 7:30 p.m. –An evening with Lee Ritenour and Friends. This jazz guitar legend and Grammy winner has been a perennial favorite at the Crown festival for several years. A Grammy winner with 17 more nominations, more than 40 albums, and 35 chart songs, Lee will be joined by crowd favorites Abraham Laboriel on bass and Earth, Wind & Fire’s Sonny Emory on drums. 

Thursday, Aug. 28, 7:30 p.m. – Set 1: David Leisner, Set 2: John Oates

Classical guitarist David Leisner is an extraordinary versatile musician, electrifying performance artist, distinguished composer, and a master teacher. Members of the Glacier Symphony String Quartet will join Leisner for part of the performance.

Rock and Roll Hall of Fame singer-songwriter John Oates has played the guitar since the age of 5. When he first met Daryl Hall, it was their mutual love of urban rhythm and blues blended with rural roots that created the unique sound of Hall & Oates.  They recorded 21 albums, sold over 80 million records and had more than 20 hits in the Top 40. Oates brings his acclaimed artistry to the Crown Stage fresh with a critically acclaimed new album “Good Road To Follow.”

Saturday, Aug. 30, 4:30 p.m., food and entertainment, 7 p.m. Crown Guitar All-Star Extravaganza 

Come enjoy an unforgettable “one-of-a-kind” afternoon and evening at Flathead Lake Lodge as the Crown Festival assembles more than 12 outstanding guitar artists, teachers and mentors in a jam-packed evening of non-stop, all-star guitar entertainment where all genres and styles will be featured along with the infamous grand finale featuring over a dozen guitarists on stage.

Crown Pass tickets can only be picked up at Will Call Booth.