Press release
Guitarmania at Classic Wineseller on Thanksgiving weekend
The Classic Wineseller, 20 Church Street in Waynesville presents two talented singer-songwriter guitarists on Thanksgiving weekend: Ben Wilson on Friday, November 29 at 7pm, and Jacob Johnson on Saturday, November 30 at 7pm. Beginning at 5:30pm each weekend evening, the Wineseller’s kitchen prepares fresh tapas and small plate fare. There is a $10 per person minimum which includes food, drink, and retail purchases. Reservations are accepted between 6 and 7pm by calling 828-452-6000 or emailing info@classicwineseller.com.
Voted one of Florida’s Top Five Songwriters in 2009 and 2010, Ben Wilson has toured for the last 15 years singing, and playing guitar and harmonica. His repertoire is extensive and includes originals, Americana, and acoustic classics, with emphasis on music from the 60s and 70s. His style has been compared to Elvis Costello, Bob Dylan, John Prine, and Todd Snider. Ten albums, two charted songs, and 2,000 live shows later, Wilson now makes Asheville his home where he teaches songwriting to students as part of the school system’s artist residency program.
Guitar sensation, Jacob Johnson is a young, energetic performer who has shared the stage with songwriting masters from Edwin McCain to David Wilcox, and who hangs out with guitar heroes like Tommy Emmanuel and Tim Reynolds (right-hand man to Dave Matthews). While it is his flashy guitar pyrotechnics that might grab your attention, his songwriting, personality, and performance style are what set him apart from the rest of the young guitar-slinging pack. In short, to quote Tommy Emmanuel, “Jacob rocks!”
His debut CD offering, Est. 1986, ranges from Dylan-esque folk tunes to quirky ballads, such as the love song to his guitar, “Treat Her Right.” Johnson shows that great music doesn’t always have to be serious. Johnson likes to call his style of playing “Neo-acoustic folk/funk”.
In live performances, his off-the-cuff sense of humor and tongue-in-cheek sensibility disarm the audience and leave them unprepared for his multilayered guitar mastery. Johnson thumps, taps and slaps his guitar into submission, weaving a musical tapestry that usually climbs to sonic frenzy while never losing its balance or control. He delivers thoughtful and realistic lyrics with a wry sort of charisma. He has been compared to John Mayer, James Taylor, Jack Johnson and Keller Williams.
The Classic Wineseller, Waynesville’s premier retail wine and craft beer shop, small plate restaurant, and intimate live music venue, presents local, regional, or national talent each Friday and Saturday night at 7pm. For more information visit www.classicwineseller.com or call 828-452-6000.
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