News & Events

News & Events ~

Announcing Matt's new Band The Blu Skies!!!

The Blue Skies are a four piece, original Alt Folk band.

Featuring:

Matt McGibany-guitar, vocals, piano, other

Lance Griggs-guitar, vocals, other

Johnny Massinelli-bass, vocals, other

Jeff Walker-drums, percussion, other

Formed in Alton ,Illinois, in 2011, The Blu Skies are a four piece group that concentrate on original material that is both creative and refreshing while remaining accessable and emotionally genuine. The sincerity and honesty is heavily saturated with classic rock, folk, and singer-songwriter influences while leaning on songwriting and musicianship as the backbone.

Although the band stays sparse on commonplace and catchy hooks there is something familiar in every ride. Acoustic guitars, electric guitars, keys, and upright bass paint a sweet ,yet, sometimes,edgy backdrop to heart-felt, open lyrics. This is layered with unique harmonies and a very tight and refreshing rythm section. If you want a taste of original writing and arranging coupled with excellent musicianship The Blu Skies are it!

THE BLU SKIES...

Upcoming Shows & Other Events ~

DATE / TIME ARTIST VENUE

- Sep. 9th, 2011 The Blu Skies Jacoby Arts Center

- Sep 11th, 2011 The Blu Skies Grafton Art Festival

Here are just a few of Matt's past bands!!!

LAZY JOE plays high energy traditional & progressive bluegrass music
- Matt McGibany, Kris Shewmake, Kevin Liley, Zane Prosser, and John Nell

The MATT TAUL TRIO is a three piece version of Folkhead
- Matt Taul, Adam Peipert, and Matt McGibany

For booking information and availability for any of these bands, please call 618-208-3458 or send an email to: booking@altonacousticarts.com

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Do you want to be involved in the Community?
Contact Sara McGibany the Executive Director of Alton Marketplace:

...a not-for-profit organization committed to the Revovation, Economic Growth,
and Business Recruitment & Retention of the Alton area.
She will be planning special events such as the Farmers & Artisan's Market, the annual
Challenge of the Bluffs Run, Birthdays on Broadway Street Festivals as well as hosting a
weekly segment Wednesday mornings on WBGZ Radio.

Call 618-463-1016 or email ...a not-for-profit organization committed to the Revovation, Economic Growth, and Business Recruitment & Retention of the Alton area.She will be planning special events such as the Farmers & Artisan's Market, the annual Challenge of the Bluffs Run, Birthdays on Broadway Street Festivals as well as hosting a weekly segment Wednesday mornings on WBGZ Radio.Call 618-463-1016 or email acoustic.arts@hotmail.com (new email address coming soon!)
for more information about joining the organization or volunteering at an event!
More info at: http://www.altonmarketplace.com
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Matt attended the Bobby Hicks Weekend Fiddle Camp in Asheville, North Carolina from May 19th-21st.

The camp was limited to 15 fiddle students who were personally invited to attend by Mr. Hicks.

~ Congratulations, Matt! ~

The recording for Matt's self-titled solo album is underway, starting with a February recording session at Buddy Spicher's ledgendary "Fiddle House" in Nashville, Tennessee.

Special Thanks to all of the contributors to the album: Buddy Spicher, David Spicher, Casey Dreissen, Jack Pearson, Kris Shewmake, Matt Taul, and Adam Peipert.

     Matt & Buddy Spicher

     Matt & Casey Dreissen