Internationally acclaimed guitarist in concert tonight

Internationally acclaimed guitarist Michael Kelsey was in concert Monday at Goshen Elementary School and will present concerts at Banks School and Pike County Elementary School today.

Kelsey’s public performance will be at 7 p.m. today at the Claudia Crosby Theater.

“The Troy Arts Council is hosting Michael Kelsey to present free concerts in local elementary schools in the Pike County School system,” said John Jinright, TAC presented chair. “His school shows are always so exciting and he teaches the children some basic musical concepts in a very engaging way. The TAC partnered with Troy University to produce a public concert so that students have the opportunity to hear him perform.”

And, hear him the Goshen students did.

They listened intently and responded to his music whether it was happy, angry or scary. They listened thoughtfully when Kelsey played music the way a sad dove sounds.

“The music of Michael Kelsey was fun and it was inspiring,” said Wanda Corley, GES principal. “We just started sixth grade band this year and the students will be inspired to know more about music.”

Corley said the Troy Arts Council brings an outstanding array of performing artists to the local schools throughout the year.

“The arts council makes it possible for our students to be exposed to the arts in a way that many of them never would be otherwise,” she said. “We appreciate all they do for our students. Mr. Kelsey is an incredible guitarist. We thank Mr. Jinright and the TAC for making this performance possible.”

Jinright said Kelsey left his career as a successful recording engineer and studio owner to pursue his dream of performing in front of an audience every night.

“There are few living guitarists that stretch the boundaries of technique and performance like Michael Kelsey,” Jinright said. “His improvisational styles and his songwriting abilities are legendary.”

Kelsey is one of the world’s top guitar players and has received accolades from the music industry for his progressive/aggressive style

“He won Guitar Center’s ‘Guitarmaggedon’ contest out of 3000 entrants using only a basic acoustic guitar and he has toured nationally with the bands Blind Melon and Dishwalla,” Jinright said. “He’s an amazing showman and uses delays and samplers to layer his own sounds together to make it seem like there’s a large band onstage with him. He’s one of the most creative improvisers I’ve ever seen.”

Jinright said Kelsey is simply an amazing performer and truly entertaining.

“He’s a technically astounding guitarist and a great vocalist and songwriter. He spontaneously composes songs about lucky audience members. This is a family-friendly show and we encourage everyone to attend.

“I wish I could say it was a free concert, but the Troy Arts Council’s season patrons subsidize the costs of bringing such artists to town, so when we do have to charge admission, our ticket prices are really low.”

Student tickets are $5 with ID and general admission tickets are $20. Tickets will be available at the door.