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AN ACOUSTIC GUITAR SUMMIT FOR BRUNCH, FEATURING 3 STRONG GUITARISTS FROM THE MIDWEST, HOSTED BY ELGIN FOSTER.

SAM BRECKENRIDGE:

Sam Breckenridge is an accomplished Minneapolis-based finger-style acoustic guitarist and composer. Sam quickly established his presence in the Minneapolis music scene in 1999 as the principal songwriter of the acoustic duo “Afterall”, along with singer / lyricist Tim Griesgraber. Sam’s expressive acoustic guitar playing and his natural ability to create striking original compositions allowed Afterall to enjoy over 10 years of regular performances in Minneapolis / St. Paul’s finest venues.

In 2010, a watershed moment occurred in Sam’s musical journey when he discovered guitarists such as Michael Hedges, Andy Mckee, and Erik Mongrain. For many years, Sam had composed his music in alternate, non-standard guitar tunings, much like these artists. However, Sam was immediately drawn to the genre’s lightning fast harmonics, classical right-hand movements, and percussive beats on the body of the guitar, and knew immediately that he had found the style that would define him as a musician.

At that point, Sam decided to dedicate himself to studying the instrument like never before. His playing rapidly translated to fingerstyle composing, which immediately led to a wonderful period of writing and performing. Sam is currently playing solo acoustic shows in the midwest, introducing audiences to the skillful, innovative, and soulful playing of his original music.

Sam has had a feature in the “Minnesota Guitarist” magazine, has been featured on The Minnesota Guitar Society’s website, has been invited to play at Minnestoa’s Guitar Concert Series at Sundin Music Hall, and has over 12 years of live stage experience as a Twin Cities musician. In September 2013, Sam’s original composition “Much Obliged” was included in City Pages “Top 10 Must See MN Music Videos.” Additionally, two of Sam’s original solo instrumental pieces are featured on Tim Reede Custom Guitar’s Compilation Album to promote his instruments in all of the major North American guitar shows in 2013-2016.  Sam has instrument endorsements with Tim Reede Custom Guitars, and K&K Pickups.

ELGIN FOSTER:

Over the years, Elgin has performed in local coffee houses; restaurants; Mall of America, Minneapolis - Saint Paul Airport, wine tastings; Bed and Breakfasts; weddings; house concerts; church services and open-mic nights with the Minnesota Guitar Society. Elgin also was awarded a certificate of special congressional recognition from congressman John Kline for his service to the community through benefit concerts to help the homeless, cancer victims and programs for single moms. Elgin has shared the stage with some of the artists who continue to inspire him including: Dean Magraw, Dan Schwartz, Ben Woolman, Dylan Mckinstry, Dan Neale, Tim Sparks, Greg Herriges, Steve Lehto and John Wright.

Greg Herriges:

Guitarist, bouzoukist, vocalist, multi-instrumentalist, and composer Greg Herriges creates an eclectic mix of original and traditional "whirled music," with a unique approach honed by his studies of Asian and other international styles. A virtuoso performer and award-winning composer, his music and writing have found international recognition. Greg Herriges is: a recipient of composer/performing artist fellowships and grants from the Bush and McKnight Foundations and the Metro Regional Arts Council; a soundtrack artist and music director for film and theater; and author of seven (and counting) internationally published music books. Performing is his lifeblood; he gets equal fulfillment playing with cross-cultural ensembles or letting one guitar play him.

As a music director and accompanist, Herriges creates soundtrack music, sound design, and live accompaniment for theater and visual media. Recent film and TV projects include the Archibald Bush Foundation's Enduring Visions Fellows Documentary, Teresa Konechne's film Woven from the Land, Twin Cities Public Television's Incommons Introduction, Capture MN, and many independent / non-profit documentary films. His music is used regularly on TPT's MN Original program. He provides live Indian music for Children's Stories from India by actor/director/storyteller Zaraawar Mistry of Dreamland Arts.  He composed, arranged, and recorded original and traditional (Russian) soundtrack music for Anton Chekhov's The Cherry Orchard.  He created live and recorded music for In the Heart of the Beast Theatre's Beneath the Surface and Are You Thirsty?, electronics for N/A and Shota and the Star Quilt, and traditional Middle Eastern themes as part of the music team for The Hebrew Lesson. He was music director and primary composer for the 2010-2013 Minneapolis Mayday Ceremonies, leading a brass/string/percussion ensemble to accompany this yearly renewal event that draws nearly 50,000 people. 

A full range of Greg's atmospheric and action music can be heard at his MNartists.org gallery.

Also an author/arranger of music instructional books and multimedia, Greg 's book/CDs, World Guitar and Guitar Explorer(published by Hal Leonard), explore the stringed traditions of the world with inventive approaches on the guitar. His authoring credits also include many books in the Guitar Songs for Dummies series and contributions to Guitar Edgemagazine. He has had his fingers in countless other Hal Leonard books and DVDs as an editor and producer. (See thepublications page for details.)