Sounds
of Fury
GuitarBQ
created for musicians,
to collaborate, eat potluck meals
Local
and regional musicians
are attracted to new club
By
Laura Goodwin
Contributing Writer
(May 2011) Scott Bate is not a practicing
musician but rather a promoter of musicians and their passions. He is
also a music enthusiast. It was this enthusiasm for music that prompted
him to create a group that he dubbed GuitarBQ. While it was started
in March, its inception goes back much further.
|
GuitarBQ is a group that meets every second Sunday of
the month, where musicians can get together and collaborate with their
music, as well as eat a potluck meal. There are no requirements, only
the love of music.
Bates love of music stems from his extensive career in radio broadcasting,
acting as a deejay and on-air personality. His experience encompasses
20 years or more. After reporting on motor sports for many years, he
decided to refocus his career on a phenomenon that he experienced in
Nashville, Tenn., several years prior: the passion that musicians have
for their music.
I got to see unknowns waiting for their chance at their shot at
the music industry. Its an amazing process, said Bate, who
lives in Hanover, Ind.
A music promoter named Doak Turner started what was called Third
Sunday, where musicians gathered monthly to play, mingle and collaborate.
Bate used to travel several times a year to participate. He kicked around
the idea about starting a similar group for more than three years. The
only trouble was that he was a music enthusiast, not a practicing guitar
player. Not yet, he said with a grin. Bate credits Turner
with the idea and the name.
This participation, coupled with a past position that he held as an
assistant to the Indianapolis coordinator of a chapter of the National
Songwriters Association International, gave him the initiative to start
talking about the idea, as well as beginning to find a place to contain
a large gathering. Friends, Stan and Peggy Attenberger suggested their
two homes as a venue. They own adjoining properties and agreed to host
the event.
The group currently meets at 507-509 Jefferson St., from 1 p.m. to 5
pm. Attendees are encouraged to bring their guitar, their passion and
a covered dish. JoeyGs Restaurant and Nightclub and Boneyard Grill
restaurants in Madison have agreed to alternate providing the entrée
for the gatherings.
Marchs gathering boasted 30 participants, most of which were not
local. They came from Carrollton, Louisville, Spencer, Indianapolis
and many other places. Aprils gathering boasted almost double
that number.
Dave Dwyer, a Madison guitarist, raved about the last gathering, I
havent had the chance to hear everyone there, but already theres
a few that I just want to hear anything new theyve got. It is
a good time. Im sure this will only get bigger.
Dwyer and Bate collaborated on a song titled, I dont really
want another job, I want a passion. Bate provided the lyrics,
while Dwyer provided the music and vocals.
When asked about the groups importance to music and the Madison
music scene, Dwyer added, It has to help. Theres a lot of
musicians that come from a long way away just to sit in and theyre
gonna go back home and tell their friends what weve got here.
For more information, visit www.GuitarBQ.com.
Back to May 2011 Articles.