Amazing Weekend In The Rockies!

ByBob Bakert, Editor September 15, 2022September 15, 2022

Jazz Guitar Today’s Bob Bakert visits the second Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival in Arvada, Colorado.

What an amazing weekend in the Rockies. The RMAF delivered beyond my very high expectations. Peter Henriksen of Henriksen Amplifiers organized a phenomenal event and that is not just my opinion, it’s unanimous with everyone I spoke to who was there.

SO…, SET THE DATE SEPT 8,9,10 2023, and come to Arvada Colorado for the next Rocky Mountain Archtop Festival… If you’re reading JGT, you are into it, and I promise you will not be disappointed…! Old town Arvada in itself is a fantastic backdrop for this show. Several of the bars and businesses open up and turn into venues for performances… there is live jazz guitar all day somewhere… I haven’t even mentioned the talks, seminars, and workshops… there is too much… This is like trying to describe the taste of steak to someone who has never had it… you just have to do it! Try it, you’ll like it…!

Put this in your head…!

It’s hard to describe what the feeling is like putting one of Jimmy D’aquisto’s creations in your hands. Playing guitars from the World’s greatest builders and talking with them to explore your dream Ax. Hearing world-class players like Frank Vignola, Jimmy Bruno, Ted Ludwig, Bruce Forman, Fareed Haque, Davy Mooney, Howard Alden, Howard Paul, Douglas Martin, who came in from Beijing, 7 string master Taylor Roberts known as a solo player tearing it up on serious Bebop…and so many more. So many great surprises, all good!

Check out these pictures…more to come!

*A warm-up for the festival – Howard Paul, Jimmy Bruno, Frank Vignola, and* *bassist Gary Mazzaroppi*

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Bob Bakert, Editor

Bob Bakert’s love of all things guitar started when he was twelve years old. While starting with folk tunes and top 40 music of the day, his interest developed over the years to R&B, rock and of course, jazz. Bob has studied many styles of guitar but improvisation has always been at the heart of his style. He has studied with many prestigious teachers including NY studio legend Andy Roemer and GSU’s Dave Frackenpohl.

In addition to co-founding the Frank Hamilton School of Folk music in Atlanta, Bob has mentored several venues and concert series. He is currently on the board of directors for one of Billboard Magazines “Best Jazz Clubs”, The Velvet Note in Alpharetta, GA.

More recently, Bob was the “Rudder” at Eastman Stringed Instruments – providing guidance on a variety of sales, product development and artist relations projects. As with many in the Jazz Guitar Today audience, Bob has an insatiable appetite for guitar and a desire to share his love of the instrument.