The Red Guitar/John Sheldon: A Film Screening and Fundraiser

The Red Guitar struck a perfect chord with audiences in Scotland over two August tours with many a sold-out night. With his apple red Fender Stratocaster in hand and his extraordinary talent, John Sheldon caught the attention of audiences and reviewers alike at the Edinburgh Fringe. From the first appearance of the Stratocaster in the hands of Buddy Merrell (Lawrence Welk Show) and Buddy Holly in the mid-50s paralleling the birth of the hydrogen bomb, John takes his audience on a memory stirring flight with his discoveries and musical advancements through encounters with folk music, blues, cowboy themes, and eventually rock. Crossing paths with the likes of James Taylor (neighbor and collaborator), Van Morrison (joined Van’s band at 17) and Jimi Hendrix (called John ‘a great player’), John has revealing stories to tell in this original and totally unique personal life tale. And don’t make any mistake about John’s musical prowess. He is a master of his guitar craft. He creates a whole world of sound with unbelievable technical skill, a quick inventive musical mind, and some impressive live looping as hands and feet assemble an entire sound score that can stir the musical heart of the most hardened soul. John's ironclad belief in the power of sound pervades the whole performance, the conviction that music is not just entertainment, but a soul saving enterprise, worthy of the lifelong commitment he has made to it. His technical skill never overwhelms the story- the poignant, the humorous, the moments of connection, of illumination. The journey continues, setting a course to the center of who we truly are: vibration.

Artistic Director, Sheryl Stoodley:

"I have collaborated with John on many Serious Play productions over the past 17 years. He does not merely play music, he is music. It is this rare sense of connection and assurance that drives his creative gift."

THE RED GUITAR

Toured twice to much acclaim with 5-star reviews to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Filmed live in performance by Robbie Leppzer

Written and Performed by John Sheldon

Directed by Sheryl Stoodley

Produced by Serious Play & Robin W. Doty

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 11

WORKROOM@33HawleySt.

Northampton Community Arts Trust Building

Doors: 7:30pm

Film: 8pm

Additional information: [email protected] or

phone Sheryl Stoodley at 413-588-7439

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