Tickets for this event are SOLD OUT. The NCCA-Artsplace West Michigan Luthier Concert is the ultimate combination of music and visual arts. On Saturday, February 11, at 7:30 p.m. in the Dogwood Center’s Black Box, this concert will combine the beautiful artistry of local luthiers, stringed instrument makers, from throughout West Michigan with the talents of gifted musicians.

This great evening will begin with TW Felty, Don Bremmer and Fred Kacos of Great Lakes Academy of Guitar Building. Felty and Bremmer have decades of experience building custom guitars and are now passing on their years of experience to their students. Luthier Keith Caldwell, accompanied by Gene Calkins, Ian Tronsen and Jerry Roberts, will be performing with Caldwell’s handmade instruments. Mark Swanson, of Swanson Stringed Instruments, will round out the first half of the concert. Following Mark will be Don Benson accompanied by the vocals of Megan Wirts and Benson’s 11 year old granddaughter, Cyanne, who will be playing a ukulele that she built herself. Chester Winowiecki and the “Bearded Ladies Men” (Adrian Schuster, Carl and Lisa Ziemelis) will entertain the audience while playing Chester’s homemade instruments including cigar box guitars and a washtub bass.  Ending the set will be Katie Springer and popular past performer, fiddle player Isaac Smith, both who will be performing on violins made by Elon Howe.

The live performance will also include a chance to meet the artists. The meet and greet reception will be from 6:30 to 7:15 p.m. in the lobby of the Dogwood Center. This is your opportunity to learn about the instrument building process and view the instruments. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m., with Black Box doors opening at 7:00 p.m. for seating.

To complement the concert, an exhibit of photographs of handmade instruments made by these local luthiers is on display in the Dogwood Lobby Gallery now through February 28. The photographs include ukuleles, mandolins, violins, and acoustic guitars.

Come out and enjoy this popular concert by regional musicians performing on hand-made instruments from West Michigan luthiers. Tickets are SOLD OUT. Black Box. 7:30 p.m. Doors for exhibit and reception open at 6:30 p.m.

Dogwood Box Office hours are Tuesday – Friday 10:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. and two hours prior to an event. For information, phone 231.924.8885.

NCCA-Artsplace hours are Monday – Friday 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Thursdays 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., and Saturdays 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. For information, phone 231.924.4022.