10/20/2005: "Carl Verheyen Band in Concert and Workshops"

ig_VERHEYEN-1 (22k image) (Carl Verheyen photo)
Headed by Supertramp's lead guitarist, the Carl Verheyen Band will appear in concert Saturday, October 22, at San Juan Community Theatre in Friday Harbor. Curtain time is 7:30 p.m.

The Carl Verheyen Band includes Cliff Hugo on bass and Bernie Dresel on drums. The level of musicianship of the trio transcends any stylistic pigeonholes, with blues, jazz and rock fans enjoying the performances equally. Although his greatest notoriety comes from the stadium rock concerts, Verheyen still works in a variety of styles and enjoys smaller venues like SJCT.

"We play a lot of rock venues in Europe and America," he said, "and in those places you're expected to hit the stage with a huge amount of energy and never let up. Unfortunately, although the guitar is capable of high energy and power, there is a subtle side of the instrument that never gets heard in those places. The guitar is an unlimited instrument, and the nuances and shadings available to a musician shouldn't be restricted by the expectations of the venue. So here at the Theatre, we can be mellow or we can really cut loose; we get to do it all!"

In addition to a busy career of touring and studio work, Verheyen also is passionate about teaching, so the trio is offering local blues-rock musicians a workshop on Sunday, October 23, at 10 a.m. for just $30, with separate group sessions for guitarists, bass players and drummers. Bring your guitars, paper and pencils.

The October 22 performance is co-sponsored by MH Construction and Design Inc. Tickets are $17 for adults and $8 for students, with $5 Student RUSH available one hour before the concert. A private donor has made provision for free tickets to anyone needing financial assistance to attend a Theatre event. The SJCT Box Office is open Tuesday-Friday, 11-4, Saturdays 11-2, and one hour before any show. Call 360-378-3210. For information on more SJCT events, go to www.SanJuanCommunityTheatre.org.