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Guitar legends teach in Wetaskiwin

Something special is awaiting guitarists within reach of Ponoka.

Something special is awaiting guitarists within reach of Ponoka.

Lifegate Community Church in Wetaskiwin is hosting a world class guitar camp Aug. 16 to 19. This year, the lineup of celebrity instructors is sure to please beginners to the most advanced players. One of the most notable adds this year is Caleb Quaye. A founding member of the original Elton John band, Quaye has played with the likes of Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones. Eric Clapton once proclaimed Caleb Quaye as the best guitarist in the world. Caleb now tours the world teaching as a musicianary.

Joining Quaye will be Doug Doppler (Guitar Hero), Ben Kasica (Skillet) and Daniel Martin (Connect the Frets).

“If people in the area have ever considered taking up the guitar or to simply sharpen ones skills this is a time to start,” says Tom Cameron, program director. “Rarely do musicians of this calibre ever come to this area. These men are some of the best guitar players in the world, right here to teach us at our doorstep.”

“Camp is one of those formative experiences that kids take with them through life,” says Doppler. “It’s simply awesome to see dozens of players come together around something they all love.”

Doppler is renowned in his own right, as a session player and clinician from southern California. Doug’s wife, Melissa, an Australian-born singer, will also share with the campers her experience as a member of the famous Hillsong Worship team.

Ben Kasica, 27, from Kenosha, Wisc., is no stranger to fame either. Kasica was an overnight success at the age of 16. That is when he went from playing at his home church to performing in front of huge audiences as lead guitarist for the band Skillet. Over the course of 10 years, Kasica has toured the world many times and has played before over 3 million people.

Daniel Martin from Connect the Frets is a performer and music educator from Calgary. A producer and recording engineer, Martin continues to work with high profile artists such as famed Canadian actor Tom Jackson. Martin has been a professional guitarist for over 20 years and is a highly sought after speaker for guitar clubs, churches and motivational groups in Canada as well as the USA.

Guitar Camp runs over the course of four days with nearly 40 hours of training, concerts and seminars for kids, youth and adults, ages 12 and up. As a service to the community, Lifegate Community Church is subsidizing the expense of this project keeping the registration fee at a modest $175.

To learn more or register for Guitar Camp, visit www.guitarchurch.com.