Guitar tutor John Gregory brought one of the world’s greatest slide guitar players to the Isle of Man last weekend (May 9,10 and 11 2014).

The amazing Michael Messer – and his collaborator of 30 years, the superb rhythm guitarist Ed Genis – performed a sold out concert at the Institute in Laxey on Saturday night.

The concert was supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council and was part of the 2014 Island of Culture celebrations.

John’s blues duo, Blue John and Papa Cass, featuring John on guitar and Tim Cass on harmonica and vocals, was the support act.

Michael invited John and Tim on stage for the finale at the concert.

On Sunday Michael hosted a slide guitar workshop at the Northern Lights Community Centre in Bowring Road, Ramsey, while Ed hosted a blues rhythm guitar workshop.

John said: “It was an incredible weekend and one I will never forget. The concert was absolutely fantastic and to join Michael and Ed on the stage was a real honour. I would like to thank the sound guys at the Institute, Ken and Joe, and the Isle of Man Arts Council for its support.

“The workshops were extremely well attended and definitely inspiring. I would like to say a big thank you to Sam Jenkins at Northern Lights and everyone who attended the concert and workshops. Most of all I would like to thank Michael and Ed for a superb weekend of music.”