Classical Guitarathon Ends the 2011-2012 Season

Saturday, May 26th, 8:00 pm

This year's Classical Guitarathon features Ben Abrahamson, Chris Becknell, Ben Kunkel, Chris Olson, Maja Radovanlija, and Jeff Thygeson performing music of Bach, Dyens, Towner, and more in an eclectic and exciting program of solo and flamenco guitar virtuosity.

Classical Guitarathon Prequel, May 19th, 7:30 pm (note earlier than Sundin time)

Yellow Tree Theatre, 320 Fifth Ave. SE, Osseo, MN
Box Office: 763-493-8733 / $20 general admission,
$17 for MGS members, students, and seniors
Visit their website for info: <www.yellowtreetheatre.com>.

We Need Your Help

The Minnesota Guitar Society thrives through the support of our members and friends. Member support and ticket sales, along with grant funding, has helped us expand our programming to more places than ever before. Shifts in the funding landscape this year, however, have placed us in a position where MGS needs to secure additional funding, or significantly reduce our programming next season.

At its last meeting, the MGS board decided that rather cutting programs in the absence of membership input, we would reach out to Society members and ask for your help. The board is committed to continuing to bring world-class guitar performances to Minnesota and to promote the tremendous community of local talent right here in Minnesota. Therefore, individual board members have established a matching grant fund of $4,500. Every dollar donated by members and friends to the Matching Gift Campaign between mow and August 31st will be matched dollar-for-dollar by board contributions. That means you have the opportunity to help us raise as much as $9,000 before our next season begins!!

Many of us have been adversely affected by the economic downturn and are not in a position to be as generous as we might desire. But even a donation of $5 helps show your support—and right now, your $5 is worth $10 to the Society. For those who aren't in a position to make an additional financial contribution at this time, please know that support comes in many forms:

WHAT YOU CAN DO

1. Make sure your membership is up-to-date. Paid memberships help us demonstrate to funding agencies the strength and breadth of the Minnesota Guitar Society audience.

2. Bring friends to MGS concerts. Ticket sales offset a significant portion of our concert expenses, and full houses make our artists feel valued.

3. Volunteer your time. Volunteers help us promote and sustain programs like Open-Stage and the Youth Guitarathon.

4. MOST IMPORTANT! Consider making an additional tax-deductible contribution above your regular membership! To see what specific levels of support would mean for us, see the Gifts sidebar.

This challenge is an unprecedented opportunity for us all to work together to support music, and an organization, that we love. On behalf of the entire Board, thank you. —Mark Bussey, President.