Gulf Coast Banjo Society's

3RD ANNUAL PUNTA GORDA BANJO BASH

TICKETS WILL BE ON SALE DECEMBER 1, 2010

TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED BY CALLING THE CHARLOTTE COUNTY EVENT CENTER AT

941-639-5833 THEN DIAL "0"

PREFERRED SEATING $12.00 (ROWS 1-6), GENERAL ADMISSION $10.00, CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE

MATINEE TICKETS: PREFERRED SEATING $12.00 (ROWS 1-6), GENERAL ADMISSION $10.00, CHILDREN UNDER 12 FREE

Tickets must be purchased separately for each show

All Proceeds from these events will benefit the Fretted Instrument Of American Foundation, The American Banjo Museum, as well as childrens bands across the UNITED STATES.

Shows will be at the New Charlotte County Event Center

SHOWS:

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17TH 6:30 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH MATINEE 1:30 PM

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH 6:30 PM

***DUE TO POPULAR DEMAND***

RETURNING

HEADLINERS

"Buddy Wachter could bring an audience back from the dead"......................... Marvin Hamlish

Rarely has the banjo world experienced such a unique individual and presence as Buddy Wachter. When Buddy's name is brought up in banjo conversation, terms like 'brilliant', 'complex', 'gifted' and 'passionate' are often used. To anyone who has experienced this masterful artist, on or off stage, these descriptions certainly require no explanation.

If you are not familiar with the man or his work, be aware that Buddy Wachter is, with little doubt, the single most influential four-string banjoist of this generation. His knowledge and respect for banjoists and traditions of the past, coupled with a love for anything genuine and musical have resulted in a most extraordinary individual who is focused on propelling the banjo into new and exciting venues in the music world. As with many artists at his level, Buddy's approach to music, performance and education is sometimes controversial and often misinterpreted by those who have not had the opportunity to get to know him. Here, in a candid interview, Buddy shares some life experiences and musical influences which provide us with a clearer portrait of his development as a musician and a person.

Baier started playing the banjo at the age of 15 in 1971, and began his professional career in Oshkosh, Wisconsin just two weeks after he picked up the banjo for the first time. As an entertainer, Johnny developed a quick sense of what audiences would respond to, and from that time on, made the entertainment of his audience, the primary goal of his performances. Baier relates, "You could be the best musician in the world, but if the audience falls asleep during your show, you have not done your job as an entertainer .A highlight in Johnny Baier's musical career came in 1983 when he crossed the Canadian border, and was crowned the Canadian National Champion Banjoist against some of the finest tenor, plectrum and five-string banjo players in North America.He was then asked to represent a division of the Sara Lee Corporation as a musical goodwill ambassador. This gave him the opportunity to perform at trade shows, fairs, parades and special events all over the USA. After three years and 150,000 miles he decided to “settle down” in Orlando, Florida. In 1988 he began performing at the world-famous Rosie O’Grady’s at Church Street Station. Since that time Johnny has performed over 15,000 solo shows on cruise ships, at community and corporate events, and as a featured guest artist at music festivals and concert venues around the world.

It is clear that his love for the banjo and the music it is capable of creating has allowed Johnny to evolve into exactly what he wanted to become.....THE BANJO MAN.

Standard Double

Outdoor Heated Pool

View from the Hotel

CHARLOTTE HARBOR CONFERFENCE AND EVENT CENTER

The 43,500-square-foot Charlotte Harbor Event and Conference Center offers state-of-the-art facilities consisting of beautiful decor, professional and flexible multi-purpose spaces, top food service management, waterfront vistas, and warm hospitality. The center's largest meeting space measures nearly 20,000 sq. ft

As Southwest Florida's premier year-round eco-tourism destination, Charlotte Harbor offers world-class boating, fishing, sailing, abundant nature explorations, pristine beaches, challenging golf, unique shopping and dining experiences, and a thriving arts community.

Easily accessible via I-75, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is a short drive from five airports including Tampa (TPA), St. Petersburg/Clearwater (PIE), Sarasota-Bradenton (SRQ) and Fort Myers (RSW); and Charlotte County Airport (PGD) is located right here in Punta Gorda offering commercial, private and charter air service.

Shuttle services to and from the airports, as well as rental-car agencies, are readily available. Once in Punta Gorda, trolley service can be arranged for around-town transportation.

Direct Air offers nonstop flights direct to Punta Gorda from Kalamazoo/Battle Creek, MI; Niagara Falls, NY; Myrtle Beach, SC; Worcester, MA; Toledo, OH; Allentown, PA; Plattsburg, NY; and Chicago/Rockford, IL on large comfortable Airbus A320/A319 aircraft operated by Direct Air.

We now also have Allegian Airlines flying into Punta Gorda from...Grand Rapids Michigan, Greensboro, NC, Greenvile/Spartanburg, SC Knoxville, TN and Lexington,KY. You can access their website by clicking HERE !!!

You may also want to consider the Auto Train run by AmTrack. You can access their website by clicking HERE !!