Musicians from Airdrie and area were treated to some world class instruction from a premier rock guitarist Saturday, June 4th.

At a guitar and songwriting clinic hosted by SLAM (Support Local Area Musicians), guitarists took the role of students as Ron ‘Bumblefoot’ Thal shared advice and lessons from his career.

“He’s a wealth of knowledge, and for these guys to have access to some one like that, especially some of the younger bands.” said Steve Gilliss, Membership Director with SLAM. 

The event also offered a songwriting clinic from Calgary singer songwriter Ralph Boyd Johnson. 

SLAM offered event tickets to members of the Guitars for Vets program, in an effort to show the power of healing through musical expression.  

“I have PTSD and I have written a whole series of poems which help me survive and identify the process I am going through,” said Airdrie veteran Wayne Federation. “I was hoping to set my poems to music, but I just have to learn music myself.” 

Thal has had a storied career in music, but still finds it important to teach. 

“There is a very strong connection between making music and teaching music, and to me those two always go together.” said Thal. 

The full 8-hour day was capped off with a post event reception held at Toad and Turtle.