Today (Monday, April 29) I had the pleasure of being the accompanist for singer Kelly Smith at the Manx Music Festival – known as The Guild.

Kelly sang the Eva Cassidy version of Fields of Gold in the Popular Standard Song 1980 to Present class and I fingerpicked the song on an acoustic guitar.

I am thrilled to say Kelly came a well deserved joint second, with a superb mark of 88.

I am sure this is just the first of our musical adventures together.

Kelly came third in the Folk Song class today as well so it has been a very successful day for her.

The Manx Music Festival is in its 121st year – it was founded in 1892!

Happy guitar playing,

John

Here is a picture of me with one of my students, Adam.

Adam is a very keen acoustic guitar player and this activity will go towards his Duke of Edinburgh silver award.

He is a dedicated and talented player and I wish him success with the Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme and his continued development on the guitar,

Happy guitar playing,

John

Have a look at this mean machine.

Well, specifically the livery. If you see me out and about give me a wave.

Happy guitar playing,

John