Fender University''s Agenda leaks... mass envy ensues.
Corona, CA (March 6, 2009) -- As a select group of players are enjoying the experience of their lifetime at Fender University, we were able to get our hands on the agenda of the program to see exactly what we were missing. Here are some of the highlights:
For more information on Fender University, visit fender.com/university.
Wednesday, March 4For the whole PDF agenda, click here . PG contributor Oscar Jordan will be on the scene on Sunday, so watch for his report next week.
8PM-9PM Musical Performance by Dick Dale. The self-styled “King of Surf Guitar,” Dale will be forever remembered as the man behind the epic instrumental “Miserlou”; a pioneer whose staccato machine-gun picking style, Middle Eastern melodic sense and reverbdrenched sound launched an entire genre. He is a longtime Fender friend and family member who was often consulted by Leo Fender himself on design matters during the company’s original ’50s-era golden age.
Thursday, March 5
9:30AM – 11:30AM Corona Factory Tour: Tour the state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Corona. The 177,000 square-foot facility was built on a nineteen acre site. The entire line of American-made Fender guitars are built at the Corona factory. The tour includes a glimpse into the world-renowned Fender Custom Shop.
Friday, March 6
11AM – 12PM Fender Presents: Phil Collen
Lead guitarist for one of the biggest-selling rock bands to ever grace this planet–the hugely influential, U.K. hit factory known as Def Leppard. Phil Collen has deftly wrung so many classic riffs, solos, parts and progressions from our guitars that it’s impossible to imagine the ’80s and ’90s rock charts without him.
1PM – 2:30PM Fender Presents: John 5
Featured Lesson in Fender Center Lounge His work is both extensive and eclectic. His range sees him fit into many different genres which makes him hard to label. He has however become one of the best shred guitarists of recent years and has won the admiration of artists such as Paul Gilbert, Bumblefoot, Yngwie Malmsteen, Steve Vai and Joe Satriani – to list but a few.
Saturday, March 7
11:45AM – 12:30PM Fender Presents: James Burton
Best known as Elvis’ guitarist in the later years, James Burton created a blistering Telecaster rockabilly style in the early days of rock ‘n’ roll playing with teen idol Ricky Nelson. 12:30PM – 1:15PM Lunch at Fender Center.
1:30PM – 3PM Fender Presents: A Lecture/Seminar with Producer/Engineer Eddie Kramer
Unquestionably, one of the most renowned and well-respected producers/engineers in all of rock history is Eddie Kramer. The amount of legendary rock artists he has worked with over his long and illustrious career is staggering -- the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, and Kiss lead his long list of credits, as well as the original Woodstock soundtrack.
Sunday, March 8
1PM – 2:30PM Fender Presents: G.E. Smith with James Burton
One of the most in-demand blues/rock guitarists in the world is a mysterious character who goes by the name of G.E. Smith. Millions of TV viewers know his face -- and the shock of unruly blond ponytail that was always falling across it -- from his 10 years (1985-1995) of fronting the Saturday Night Live band.
3:30PM – 4:30PM Open Jam Session at Fender Center
Time to put all that practicing to good use! You’ll have the chance to take center stage along side your classmates and professors. If you would rather get a little more instruction, there will be some professors available to you.
For more information on Fender University, visit fender.com/university.
