Other: The G4 Experience
August 11 - 15, 2014 At Cambria Pines Lodge In California's Scenic Central Coast Area
From August 11-15, 2014, musicians of all ages and levels will converge in California’s scenic Central Coast for the G4 Experience with guitar virtuosos Joe Satriani, Paul Gilbert, Andy Timmons, and Mike Keneally. This unique music camp that combines entertainment, education and a vacation experience will be held at the picturesque Cambria Pines Lodge in Cambria, California, halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Produced by Dreamcatcher Events, the G4 Experience is an extension of the G3 tour, a concert tour Satriani organizes that features him alongside two other well-known guitarists. "In 1996 I wanted to find a way to work with the guitar players I respected and we launched the first G3 tour," explains Satriani. "Since then I have enjoyed countless hours playing and 'experiencing' the amazing talents of my peers. The G4 Experience is my chance to expand on the G3 idea. I've invited my friends Paul Gilbert, Mike Keneally and Andy Timmons. I know these guys can play amazing guitar and I want them to share that knowledge with the campers and with me!"
The event will kick off Monday, August 11 with a meet and greet with Joe, Paul, Andy, Mike and G4 Experience guests, which will be followed by a live performance from Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert that evening. Both Joe and Paul will offer daily master classes on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, while there will be breakout sessions with Andy and Mike. Evenings will feature live performances and once-in-a-lifetime jam sessions where instructors and guests can collaborate. Paul Gilbert calls the experience "fuel for the musical soul" and Joe Satriani feels the event offers guests "a chance to improve their skills, meet like minded players and be inspired." "I hope to explore new facets of the instrument, meet some cool new players and make some great guitar music,” he continues.
The intimate G4 Experience is available for a maximum of 175 attendees. The event size is limited so every guest will have the opportunity to spend time with each of the featured artists. "There are star performers at the camp, but this is much more than a handshake and a photo," says Gilbert. "We have enough time to relax and hang out. And you’ll get plenty of concrete guitar ideas, and inspiring memories to take home."
Tickets for the G4 Experience are on sale now at g4experience.com. Admission includes lodging, meals, master classes, breakout sessions, live performances and jam sessions. Every attendee will also receive a welcome kit with items including Joe Satriani and Paul Gilbert guitar picks, an Ibanez guitar strap, and a commemorative G4 Experience poster.
As an added bonus, the first 100 people to register for the event will receive an Ibanez RG electric guitar courtesy of Hoshino. Each guitar will be signed by Satriani, Gilbert, Timmons and Keneally.
[Note - this news item was announced Dec 9 -ed.]
Featured musician/instructor Paul Gilbert elaborates on one of his favorite parts of hosting a camp like this: "I set up a massive jam session where I can play with every single person at the camp. I have everyone form a line, and have a guitar tech ready to help each person get plugged in, so when it’s their turn, they can start rocking with no distractions. When everyone is ready, I start a groove going, and give each person a few chances to trade solos with me. And don’t worry, it’s not a competitive event. Everyone soon gets into the groove, and as the 'bandleader,' I steer the jam to make it friendly, and as musical as possible. At the same time, I know that everyone leaves with a serious shot of adrenaline."
For the G4 Experience, guests will choose from a variety of room options at Cambria Pines Lodge in scenic Cambria, CA on California’s Central Coast. Located on 25 acres of Monterey pines and landscaped gardens, Cambria Pines Lodge (www.cambriapineslodge.com) is within minutes of the Pacific Ocean and Hearst Castle, and is close to hundreds of wineries. Cambria is easily accessible by air via the San Luis Obispo airport and by car via the Los Angeles and San Francisco areas.
[Source: Ashton-Magnuson Media]