Fourth Concert in "First Friday Concert Series" on July 18, 2014 Featuring Chris Yeaton and Adam Werner at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Benicia

Benicia, CA, July 14, 2014 (Newswire.com) - Gordon Rowland, founder of the "First Fridays Concert Series", is the creating force behind this exciting series featuring classical guitar music.  He has lined up many excellent soloists and ensembles to perform at the historic St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 120 East J Street in Benicia, California.  This fourth concert in the series will feature Chris Yeaton and Adam Werner and happens on Friday, July 18th at 7 PM.

"Benicia needs a consistent musical presence, one that draws on local and semi-local talent," says Gordon, "as well as a venue that can draw on great masters passing through the area.  In this case, Chris and Adam have included Benicia in their tour of the Mainland, having ventured over from the Hawaiian Islands to do so."

"There's assurance and invention in (Chris Yeaton's) strumming; he's learned well and carries the tradition with dignity. Yeaton's got a Hawaiian soul and is one to watch. In time, he should be right up there with his mentors."

Wayne Harada, Honolulu Advertiser

Hawaii born, Chris Yeaton, draws from a lineage of great Hawaiian slack key tradition.  His musical inspiration and journey begins with one of Hawaii's most celebrated musicians, master Slack Key guitarist Keola Beamer, and would continue with Big Island Slack Key master John Keawe.  Yeaton credits his good friend and guitar guru, Gordon Rowland, for providing his first opportunity to perform on stage in front of a live audience.  Since then, he has become more and more interested in performing and sharing his music as well as sharing the venues with other musicians like him through Woodsong Acoustics.  Along with traditional slack key pieces, he now incorporates a blend of contemporary Finger-style into his playing, drawing from other renowned artists such as William Ackerman, Alex de Grassi, and Peppino D’Agostino.  Yeaton brings a unique style of beautiful and progressive Slack Key.  His second album − “Ho’o Pa’a, The Stand”− was released in January of 2006.  In February of 2005, he completed his first national tour with guitar masters Keola Beamer and John Keawe. 

Adam Werner is a solo acoustic guitarist with an interest in unconventional techniques, styles and applications to Finger-style guitar playing, with an impressive musical background of experience and education.  Adam continues to move forward and grow as an accomplished musician and artist.  Indigenous to California, Adam grew up with rock guitar legends, such as: Randy Rhoads, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani, among many others.

Adam started his first rock band, IMAGINE, in the early 1990's and gained much respect as an innovative and progressive musician who incorporated odd meters, unorthodox key changes and intricate instrumentation with compositions that pushed the boundaries of rock music.  He soon found the desire to explore the acoustic guitar when introduced to Windham Hill and its artists, such as William Ackerman and Michael Hedges.  Soon after, Adam decided this was the direction he was destined to go.

Adam Werner’s debut label release, "Signatures," a 2008 Grammy Awards contender for Best New Age album, has become a new addition to solo acoustic guitar.  This album is a culmination of emotionally intense compositions with technically exceptional playing and profound musical energy.  Merging the traditions of finger-style techniques with provocative percussive elements adds extra flavor to this music.  A touch of electric bass, masterfully created by Kentaro Otsuka, is featured on this album. 

St. Paul's Episcopal Church offers the perfect venue for the intimacy of classical music.  The redwood paneling offers a special warmth and acoustically helps the music resonate.  The vaulted ceiling resembles an overturned boat, adding to the quaint atmosphere.  Located off Main Street, there are plenty of excellent restaurants near to St. Paul's, so one may make a special night out first with fine food and then end the evening with fine music.

Tickets are available at the door.  For questions about this or future concerts in the series, contact Gordon Rowland at 415-297-3542 or gordon@guitarwork.com or visit his website.

Tickets are also available at Good Stuff Music Store, 511 Main Street, Martinez, CA and St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 120 East J Street, Benicia (Tuesday through Friday, 9 AM-3 PM).

Some comments regarding past and current artists:

"Motoshi (Kosako) must Not be missed!  And Teddy (Randazzo) is a magical genius!  Don't let these guys get by you."

"What a wonderful evening.  Both Daniel and Francesca were a hit with everyone.  Some of the comments received were: 'The evening went too fast. I was mesmerized by the music,' 'This is what we moved here for.' The music along with the education was brilliant."