2007-03-01 - Building a Community: Open Mics and Recitals

The First Open Mics

Playing for each other at home turned into VCGS organized open mic’s at such venues as The Wired Monk, Our Town Cafe and Cafe Deux Soleil. The society organized semi-annual public concerts where VCGS members were invited to perform. There was also a guitar ensemble that met regularly and performed at the concerts.

The First Recitals

The early recitals featured professional guitarists from Vancouver, Victoria, Seattle, Kelowna, and Toronto who performed for very small fees in venues like Hycroft Manor and various small churches. The very first recital was performed by a newly graduated Michael Kolk, a local guitar prodigy, award winner and student of Robert Jordan. Michael Kolk is now considered one of the very best guitarists in Canada and regularly performs on the VCGS concert stage and in our festivals. Michael is also the director of our VCGS Guitar Ensemble.