Guitar fest rocks Hudson Valley
Hudson Valley’s first guitar fest brought live performances and workshops to campus on Friday and Saturday. Nearly 200 people participated and highlights included a performance by Mirk in the campus center, an open mic in Maureen Stapleton Theatre and a concert by the Finger Lakes Guitar Quartet.
“We had the idea that we wanted it to be very hands on,” said Maria Zemantauski, Hudson Valley’s cultural affairs director and professional guitarist.
The idea for guitar fest was hatched about a year ago and Zemantauski, along with Mary Ann Gulyas and Mark Peterson, started putting plans together.
Workshops took place throughout both days that allowed participants to develop skills with guitar. There were genre based workshops, such as bluegrass, metal and contemporary rock that were taught by local professional musicians and general workshops such as guitar maintenance.
“People are really leaving the workshops with something to go home and practice,” said Zemantauski.
“I’ve learned some cool things. It’s been pretty cool,” said Eric Pierson, sophomore at Hudson Valley.
“I think it’s great that they’re finally doing something like this,” said Alissa Clark, freshman student who performed at the open mic session in the Maureen Stapleton on Friday.
16 performers took the stage during the three hour long open mic, including a handful of students from Hudson Valley.
“It’s a good outcome. Nice sound system, good musicians. It was fun,” said Dan Kuperberg, a student who played and sang two songs on acoustic guitar.
Zemantauski said they hope to put on another guitar fest at some point in the future, but it is not likely that it will be next year.