(Sports Plus Convention Center in Lake Grove, Long Island, May 6 and 7, 2006)

Cultures are often reflected in the free time activities of its populace. For the last fifty years, the guitar has been a strong part of the lifestyles and attitudes of our society. The Martin guitar, the Les Paul and the Fender Strat have become important symbols, representing our fascination with popular and artistic music.

On Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7, 2006, the 13th annual Classic American Guitar Show took place in Lake Grove, Long Island. Produced by 20th Century Guitar Magazine and always a much anticipated event, this year's convention brought together thousands of guitar players, collectors, builders and dealers for a friendly exchange of ideas (and cash) and showcased some very fine vintage, new and rare instruments. The event has proven to be a highlight in the New York area, especially in the community that is turned on by fretted string instruments. Although most of the patrons were fairly local, I did meet one collector who had flown in from Stockholm, Sweden to buy some of the unique instruments that were on display. The weekend was billed as "The Guitar Event of the Year".

On hand were many of the area's finer retail dealers as well as out-of-town exhibitors such as Sonntag Guitars from Ausburg, Germany. Many guitar builders were highly visible at the show; Mirabella Guitars, Sadowsky Guitars and Soloway Guitars were just a few that caught my eye (and ear). Beautiful instruments that played and sounded just fabulous, begged to be strummed and taken home for a fair buck (or two). Amplifier companies staged a good presence as well, including Acoustic Image and Jazz Cat. Nice amps! Also making it's Long Island Guitar Show debut was Roland USA. Peter Swiadon proved to be an expert clinician, demonstrating an array of Roland products from, amps and guitar processors to synths and recording modules.

There were video and book dealers onboard. JK Lutherie brought a ton of instructional and performance videos as well as books on all styles of guitar playing and player bios. And of course Mel Bay Publications displayed their guitar method and repertoire books, an ample selection of DVD's, and their recent line of jazz guitar CDs. The report back was that the two-day event brought lots of clients to the music vendor booths.

A major highlight of the Classic American Guitar Show each year is the inclusion of the "Jazz Bar." In a separate listening room, two dozen jazzers alternated half-hour sets throughout the festivities. This year's roster of performers included: Howard Alden, Jimmy Bruno, Gene Bertoncini, Ken Hatfield, Chieli Minucci and yours truly, Steve Adelson. Actually, I was the only non-guitarist, performing alternatively on the Chapman Stick. A great time was had by all.

Since you're reading this page on the Mel Bay website, you're obviously a guitar fan. Next year, why don't you join us at the fourteenth annual Classic American Guitar Show? You'll get to know a bit of guitar heaven and maybe find the guitar of your dreams.

See you there!
Steve Adelson
www.tcguitar.com
www.steveadelson.com

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