I would like to say a big thank you to Manx Tails for the wonderful coverage below of Unplugged: A Celebration of the Acoustic Guitar and other Instruments in its February 2014 edition.

The concert takes place on Saturday, February 22 2014 at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, Isle of Man and at the time of writing (February 11) there are just a few tickets left. They can be bought via www.etickets.im/jg

Thank you to everyone who has a bought a ticket – I am very much looking forward to it.

Happy guitar playing,

John

Here is an article that was published on December 18 in the Manx Advertiser about a new guitar tuition group I am starting up in the new year in the Isle of Man for people with mental health problems.

The group, which will be known as GuitarWorks, will take place every Tuesday, from 4pm to just before 5pm, at the meeting room in the Archibald Knox pub in Onchan, starting on January 14 2014.

It is open to anyone who has – or who has had – mental health problems. There will be a suggested donation per person of £2 per session. Guitarists should bring an acoustic guitar and players of all abilities – including complete beginners – are welcome.

Anyone who would like any further information can contact me on bluejohnmedia@hotmail.co.uk or call me on 204320.

Thank you to Paul Speller at the Manx Advertiser for the article.

If anyone is looking for a great stocking filler for their guitar-loving partner, friend or family member read on!

I can offer gift vouchers for both private* and group guitar lessons.

I also have printed tickets for sale to two brilliant guitar gigs I have organised for next year in the Isle of Man.

The first is called Unplugged: A Celebration of the Acoustic Guitar and Other Instruments at the Erin Arts Centre, Port Erin, on Saturday, February 22 2014.

The second is Michael Messer (one of the greatest slide guitar players in the world) and Ed Genis at the Institute, Laxey on Saturday, May 10 2014.

The latter gig is supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council and is part of the Island of Culture celebrations.

You can contact me on 204320 or email bluejohnmedia@hotmail.co.uk for further details. *subject to availability

Happy guitar playing,

John

I am thrilled to announce Michael Messer and Ed Genis will be coming to the Isle of Man as part of next year’s Island of Culture celebrations.

Michael is one of the world’s greatest slide guitar players and Ed, who will be playing rhythm guitar, is also fantastic.

This will be a not-to-be-missed event for blues lovers. I am delighted to say this gig is being supported by the Isle of Man Arts Council.

Tickets are just £15 and are available now from www.etickets.im/jg or from myself by ringing 07624 204320 or emailing me at bluejohnmedia@hotmail.co.uk

Michael and Ed will also be hosting guitar workshops the day after the gig too at The Northern Lights Community Centre in Ramsey. Contact me for details about those. It’s going to be a fantastic weekend of music from two world class musicians.

Happy guitar playing,

John

‘SOME of the Island’s top guitarists and songwriters will be aiming to raise money for two Manx mental health causes early in the new year.

Unplugged: A Celebration of the Acoustic Guitar and Other Instruments is the name of a concert which will take place at the Erin Arts Centre, Victoria Square, Port Erin, Isle of Man, on Saturday, February 22 2014 starting at 7.30pm.

It will feature the talents of singer/songwriters and guitarists Matt Creer and Chris Gray as well as roots musician Pete Woodman and guitar tutor – and concert organiser – John Gregory.

There will also be special guests including harmonica player Tim Cass.

Tickets are £10 and money raised will go towards a guitar tuition group John will be running for people who have mental health problems plus Manx mental health charity the Service Users’ Network.

Music fans can expect a mixture of music styles while Chris and Matt will be performing sets containing their own songs.

John said: “This will be a very special concert in a wonderful venue. It follows on from two previous concerts which I held at the Centenary Centre in Peel in 2009 and 2011 called RADIUS, Raising Awareness of Depressive Illness and Uniting Against Stigma. I am glad Chris, Matt, Pete and Tim – among others – have agreed to perform as they are all excellent at what they do.

”Tickets to the concert would make a wonderful Christmas present for guitar players and music lovers.”

Tickets are available by ringing John on 204320 or by emailing him at bluejohnmedia@hotmail.co.uk  They are also available to book online at www.etickets.im/jg

The guitar tuition group the concert will raise funds for will take place at the Archibald Knox pub meeting room, Onchan, every Tuesday, from 4pm to 5pm, starting on Tuesday, January 14. There will be a suggested donation of £2 for people attending. Anyone who wants further information can contact John on the above phone number and email address.

The Service Users’ Network was set up in 2001 and is run by and for users of the Mental Health Service. It was registered as a Manx charity in 2002. For more details about the charity visit www.manxsun.im

Singer and guitar player Matt Creer will be hosting a songwriting workshop at the Northern Lights Community Centre in Ramsey, Isle of Man, tonight (Thursday, November 14).

It has been organised by guitar tutor John Gregory.

Here is a poster with all the relevant details. It should be a very enjoyable night,

A social night for all John’s guitar students will take place at the Northern Lights Community Centre in Ramsey, Isle of Man, tomorrow (November 2).

Here is a poster with all the details….

I am delighted to announce I have become a member of the Registry of Guitar Tutors.

RGT is the world’s largest organisation of guitar teachers.

It’s honorary patrons include Sir Paul McCartney, David Gilmour, Hank Marvin and Gordon Giltrap.
This morning I found out my application – which included a detailed summary of my work and experience as a musician and two references – had been successful.

I would like to thank all my students, those that attend my three tuition groups, Victoria House Nursery in Douglas for employing me as their ‘music man’ and most importantly my wife Angela and daughter Alice for their love and support.

I am a full time guitar tutor and while I work some long hours it would be wrong to describe it as a job – music is my absolute passion and it is my aim to pass that onto my students everyday. I feel very privileged to do what I do and make a living as a musician.

Happy guitar playing,

John

I was very sorry to hear earlier today (Sunday, October 27 2013) that Lou Reed has died.

I saw Lou Reed perform three times, once in Manchester in 1996 and twice in the Isle of Man in 2006.

He is responsible for some of my favourite songs and guitar riffs.

I love both The Velvet Underground and a lot of his solo work and I even met him very briefly after one of the Isle of Man gigs when he signed a setlist for me.

Here is a picture I took of him at the Villa Marina, Douglas, on June 9 2006.

Lou had a big impact on the world of rock music and his music legacy will continue to live on.

John

Well, Wednesday, October 9 2013 is a date I will always remember.

This is because I went to see the great Stefan Grossman in concert. He was playing at a venue called The Works in Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire, England.

Stefan is one of my very favourite guitarists. He was taught directly by the Rev Gary Davis and knew Mississippi John Hurt, Son House, Skip James etc.

Not only is he a great performer and recording artist – with a music career dating back to the 1960s – his brilliant tuition books/CDs/videos/DVDs have inspired thousands of guitar players worldwide.

He is a true acoustic guitar legend and it was a pleasure to have the opportunity to meet him and see him play,

Happy guitar playing,

John