LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
Hand-crafted stringed instruments will fill the Errington Hall Oct 19, as the Island Luthiers Guild comes back for an exhibition.
Around 20 luthiers from this Island and the Gulf Islands will showcase instruments like guitars, banjos, bass guitars, ouds, harps and hammer dulcimers as well as the latest technology used for their construction.
Last year was the first year the event, called Guitars by Hand, came to the hall and organizer Bob Herbison said it was a success.
“It was a terrific turnout,” he said. “I was taken aback.”
This year local musicians John Hamil, Dean Williams and Donna Konsorado and some of the luthiers will play selected instruments in a showcase at 4 p.m.
The Summit School of Guitar will return with instruments crafted by both students and instructors, and wood will again be for sale at the event.
The finale of the showcase will happen during an evening dance by swingin’ gypsy jazz band, Van Django from Vancouver. The music played by the acoustic string ensemble is inspired by music of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli.
The group formed in 1988 and have toured Canada extensively and have also played in the United States and Europe.
A review from the director of Djangofest in the United States, Nick Lehr, praised the bands clever contemporary standards, classical pieces, and originals. He added: “Attending a Van Django concert is the most fun you can have sitting down with your clothes on.”
Guitars by Hand is free and runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Oct 19.
Van Django will perform at 8 p.m. that evening. Tickets for the show are $20 available at Cranky Dog Music in Parksville at the Errington Hall and at Heaven on Earth in Qualicum Beach. For more on Van Django visit www.vandjango.com.