Crown of the Continent fundraiser is Dec. 4 in Whitefish
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Self-proclaimed “Wild Child” Brett Dennen, who plays the mandolin, will be one of many featured artists.
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Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation presents a fundraising concert in Whitefish on Dec. 4. “Our mission to assist and be a catalyst for many young aspiring musicians remains clear and vibrant,” said Steve Anderson.
On Dec. 4, the self-proclaimed “Wild Child” guitarist and singer-songwriter, Brett Dennen, will join with Montana-based composer and pianist, Philip Aaberg, in a special fundraising concert to support the scholarship program of the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop. The show will start at 7 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center and offers a pre-show party at Abruzzo restaurant and a post-show party at the Firebrand Hotel. These include an opportunity to meet and greet the artists, bid on auction items and enjoy more music. This will be both artists’ second appearance at a Crown Guitar event.
Dennen played to a full house at the 2015 Crown Guitar Festival in Bigfork bringing the crowd to its feet with his infectious one-of-a-kind voice, barefoot dancing and let’s-get-happy attitude. The folk/pop singer says his early inspiration came from Paul Simon and his songwriting style has been compared to Bob Dylan, Tracy Chapman, Jack Johnson, James Taylor, and Wynonna Judd. His song “Comeback Kid (That’s My Dog),” was the theme for the TV show, “About a Boy” and he has six full studio albums and five live discs and EPs.
Pianist Philip Aaberg is well known to Montana audiences for his compositions that evoke the spaciousness and beauty of the Western landscape. Now based in his hometown of Chester, Aaberg is classically trained holding a music degree from Harvard and was the recipient of a Leonard Bernstein Scholarship. His musical career is as diverse and expansive as the Montana landscape he calls home. After graduation, Aaberg moved to California to make pop and rock records eventually joining the Elvin Bishop Group in 1973, and touring for four years. He later joined with Peter Gabriel and recorded with the Doobie Brothers, Kenny Rogers and Vince Gill. Aaberg began composing his own music, signed with Windham Hill and released a solo album “High Plains,” bringing elements of blues, bluegrass, rock, and new music to his meditative compositions.
“This event will be a great kick off for our focused funding program that’s all about local scholarships and bringing the best musicians and teachers into the Valley. Our mission at the Crown is to boost every participant’s performance, composition, collaboration and skill level up a notch or more through mentorship. Both Brett and Phil are considered two of the best today in the music world. Please join us for this magical evening,” urges Steve Anderson, Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation Executive Director.
Tickets for the fundraising event are $100 for the VIP ticket that includes a meet and greet with wine and food at Abruzzo and VIP seating that can include seats on the stage. Preferred seating is $75 with excellent seating and includes a drink ticket for the after party at the Firebrand. General Admission seats are $50. Student tickets are $10 with a student ID. Purchase tickets online at: www. crownguitarfest.org. Tickets purchased on the day of the show are all $10 more.
With this COCGF Fundraising concert and event, 70% of all donations will go towards the scholarship fund. This fund provides local musicians and students with the opportunity to attend, learn, and perform at the Crown of the Continent Guitar Workshop and Festival each year. There will also be a few amazing items to purchase via a silent auction each evening. The items are available to view on the Crown website from Nov. 20 to 9 p.m. on Dec. 4. For more information about the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation visit: www.crownguitarfest.org or call 855-855-5900.
About the Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation: Founded in 2009, the nonprofit Crown of the Continent Guitar Foundation celebrates the love of the guitar and the magical splendor of Montana. The Foundation provides scholarships and collaborates with other non-profit organizations in the Flathead Valley. The workshop is a perfect opportunity for drawing inspiration, perfecting technique and deepening one’s passion for the guitar and music. Visit www.crownguitarfest.org.
