SLEEPWALK GUITAR FESTIVAL OFFERS EMERGING ARTIST SCHOLARSHIP TO YOUNG GUITARISTS

Toronto’s inaugural Sleepwalk Guitar Festival is extending an open invitation to the next generation of players. A $1,000.00 scholarship will be awarded to a young guitarist — 19 and under — for an original composition (or an interpretation of an existing work).

The winner will also receive a Traynor Quarterhorse amplifier — and will be invited to perform at the three-day festival, which will take place at Toronto’s Great Hall (1087 Queen St. W) November 4-6.

Entries will be judged for innovation, artistry and technique;  videos of submissions must be uploaded to YouTube, and the link then sent to the festival’s Facebook page:

www.facebook.com/sleepwalkguitar

The Sleepwalk Guitar festival is presented by the Toronto independent record label, Six Shooter, and curated by guitarist Luke Doucet, who has just released Whitehorse, a collaboration with his wife Melissa McLelland.

The event, which features workshops, clinics and concerts, features some 20 leading guitarists from a variety of different idioms — rock, country, folk, and blues included.  Artists appearing include Amos Garrett, Brent Mason, Colin James, Duke Robillard, J. Mascis, Danny Michel, The Sadies, Redd Volkaert and, of course, Doucet and McLelland

BACKGROUND DETAILS

WHAT: Toronto’s first major festival to celebrate the guitar

WHO: More than 20 of the finest guitar players on the planet

WHEN: Friday through Sunday, November 4-6, 2011

WHERE:The Great Hall, 1087 Queen St. W at Dovercourt, Toronto

WHY: Because there are thousands of guitar players who need to see and hear their heroes close-up

HOW MUCH: $75.00 (weekend pass) to $25.00 (individual sessions)

available on-line at <www.sixshooterrecords.com>