The ACOUSTIC MUSICIANS GUILD:
12 years of Music Promotion in New Jersey Written by our own "AMG guilder": Denise Miller
Local musicians who wanted to create an outlet for local acoustic talent to perform for the public formed the Acoustic Musicians Guild, a/k/a "AMG" in 1996. It is a 501C registered non-profit organization that promotes acoustic music of all genres.
The Guild has grown to be a respected organization and has been showcased on cable television, newspapers and magazines. Through the Guild, many members have enjoyed increased exposure of their music by performing in showcases, meetings and benefits that the Guild arranges. The Guild distributes a quarterly newsletter promoting the members performances in the state. It is also a networking organization for musicians, music oriented business and the public. Through the AMG website, newsletter and email news alerts, the members enjoy an increased fan base.
The AMG holds an annual "Harvest Harmony Festival" on the grounds of the Silverton Farms Organic Produce Farm in Toms River, N.J. This showcases many of the members and regional Bluegrass Bands. The event has been held for 11 years and is popular with the locals.
The guild holds several benefit shows a year, the annual "Gospel Fest", is a show held at the Osborn Ville Protestant Church in Mantoloking, N.J. and features several local musicians who donate their talent to raise money for the church and it’s projects.
May 17, 2008 the AMG will hold a benefit concert and auction for the "Valerie Fund Center for Children with Cancer and Blood Disorders". At the Atonement Lutheran Church in Asbury Park, N.J. Several well known professional musicians will perform.
Finger style guitarist Patrick Karwan, www.karwinpatrix.com, Pianist/guitarist Mary Lutton, www.marykothlutton.com, blues singer Jo Wymer, www.jowymer.com, Folk singer Denise Miller (of "Denise Miller and Son"), www.denisemillermusic.com, contemporary singers,’ Mike Baine and the Woodzmen’, whose Christian hit song "Hallelujah" is very popular www.myspace.com/thewoodzmen.
The members of the AMG range from professional musicians to hobbyists. All are welcome to network, perform and learn from workshops on guitar or songwriting and musicianship. The members of the AMG with recordings have been promoted through many college and community radio as well as local cable TV and newspapers through the guilds’ efforts.
The Acoustic Musicians Guild is a welcome retreat from the "Jersey Shore Bar Scene" of loud rock bands. They meet in coffeehouses around New Jersey and through the performances, give area musicians a place to play and the public a chance to hear quality live music. For more information please visit: www.amg.org