Almost all the attention generated by TV and YouTube sensations Sleepy Man Banjo Boys has been focused on Jonny, the youngest, banjo picking of the three Mizzone brothers. Of course, it is all well-deserved, but with the Tony Rice Ultimate Guitar Strummit coming up this Fall in Roanoke, guitar playing elder brother Tommy is getting some attention as well.
The event will offer two full days of group instruction in the Tony Rice acoustic guitar style, with classes taught by Josh Williams, Wyatt Rice, and “the man” himself, Tony Rice. Serving as moderator will be John Miller, another notable disciple of the Rice approach to lead and rhythm flatpick guitar.
When event producer Mike Conner noticed the name Tommy Mizzone as among the registrants, he immediately wondered whether this could be the same Master Mizzone he had seen recently on the Letterman show. A quick phone call to New Jersey established that it was, and as the entire family was planning on making the drive to Virginia for the weekend workshop, Conner was able to book the boys to perform on the Strummit concert on November 6.
Tommy is counting the days until he can study with Rice, et al.
“I am really looking forward to the Ultimate Guitar Strummit this fall. I consider Tony Rice the greatest flat-picker of all time and as a young guitarist I’m thrilled to have the opportunity to learn from him. I am hoping that the workshop will help me improve my skills and technique in both flat-picking and bluegrass backup guitar.
I believe anyone could greatly benefit from lessons with this unbelievable lineup of instructors. I’m also hoping to have my guitar signed by Tony Rice!”
The Ultimate Guitar Strummit runs November 5-6, and will be held on the campus of Hollins University in Roanoke. The registration fee of $633 covers two days of instruction, accommodations for both days, and the big concert on the 6th featuring the Tony Rice Unit, Conner & Miller, and Sleepy Man Banjo Boys.
One night and no accommodation registrations are available, and tickets for the concert only can also be purchased online.
Registration for the workshops closes on September 30.
