The theater opens its doors at 5:30 p.m. and the free evening of music starts at 7 pm. The road show will include demos by the Taylor factory staff and guitar-makers from El Cajon, California. Rare and one-of-a-kind Taylor guitars will be on display, with many available for sale. The evening's highlight will be the concert by jazz and acoustic guitarist Johnson (www.waynejohnsononline.com) , who has performed with the Manhattan Transfer, Rickie Lee Jones and Bette Midler's Las Vegas show.
Since the late '70s, Johnson has been touring and recording with the acclaimed jazz-pop-cabaret vocal group, Manhattan Transfer (www.manhattantransfer.net), all while engaging in an eclectic mix of side projects. Wayne has led his own envelope-pushing fusion-power-pop trio; worked with John Tesh, Rickie Lee Jones, and singer/harmonica player Lee Oskar (War); and recorded and performed as a solo acoustic artist. Johnson earned a 2004 Grammy Award for his contribution to the Solid Air Records release, Henry Mancini - Pink Guitar.
As a clinician for Taylor, Johnson conducts workshops that include improvisation concepts, tips, and shortcuts for players from beginner through advanced levels (applicable to jazz, blues, rock, and other genres); two-hand percussive techniques; three- and four-part right-hand independence for killer Latin grooves; unique right-hand techniques from flamenco to bluegrass; and tips on accompanying singers. Wayne features both the Taylor Nylon Series guitars (he plays an NS74ce), and the brand new T5 Thinline Fiveway electric (he owns a custom Koa model) in his workshops, in addition to playing some of the Taylor steel-string acoustics that the dealers have in stock.
Best known for their acoustic guitars, Taylor is the "Lexus of the guitar world," declares an enthusiastic Paul Tobias, owner of Tobias Music and a Taylor dealer for 27 years. This is the third consecutive year Tobias Music has hosted the Taylor Road Show. After two years of standing-room-only shows, they moved to a larger venue at the Tivoli this year, Tobias adds.
For more information, visit the Tobias Music web site at (www.tobiasmusic.com) or call 630-960-2455.
Classic Cinemas, based in Downers Grove, Illinois, is a family-owned company operated by Willis, Shirley and Chris Johnson. Established in 1978, Classic Cinemas operates 13 theatres with 97 screens in 12 communities in the northern Illinois area. For more information on Classic Cinemas, please visit www.classiccinemas.com. .
