in Artists, Concerts 870 Words

The Advocate — Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society Supports Local and Global Musicians Through Spring Concert Series

kyran-daniel
Kyran Daniel headlines several upcoming live shows in partnership with the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society.

As longtime musicians, Ron Stavale and Yeman Al-Rawi strongly advocate for fingerstyle guitarists in Michigan and beyond.

The Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society (MFGS) members celebrate the skill and artistry of contemporary acoustic guitarists by showcasing their talent and technique through live shows and workshops.

“When you see an artist, it’s not gimmicky like somebody with a drum and a bell on their head doing all these things,” said Stavale, who’s played fingerstyle guitar since his 20s.

“They’re orchestrating compositions on a guitar by filling in all the things that maybe Yeman and I or another person would try and do. They do it in such a way that really draws me in.”

Stavale and Al-Rawi hope to draw fingerstyle guitar enthusiasts to several upcoming MFGS live shows and workshops that feature Australian headliner Kyran Daniel along with Michigan openers David Day and Nicholas Martin over five days:

“I think Kyran brings a new flavor to the genre—he’s targeting a cinematic-like experience. It’s different, and it feels like a breath of fresh air … and we’re excited to have him,” said Al-Rawi, who’s been a fingerstyle guitarist since childhood.

“There are two types of shows that Kyran will be putting on depending on the venue. There’s a fully produced show with backing tracks for an immersive experience … and then there’s the pure solo show, which will be limited to the smaller venues like The Mariner and the workshop.”

The March 26 show also includes a workshop with Daniel discussing the technical, creative, and inspirational aspects of his songwriting with attendees.

“It’s an open forum, and some artists will come in and say, ‘OK everybody, play a little lick, let me see where you’re at, and tell me your background,’” said Stavale, who resides in Pleasant Ridge. “It’s really involved for the attendees for an hour and a half to get to know each artist, and the artist gets to know them.”

These live shows and workshops aren’t the first ones Stavale and Al-Rawi have hosted on behalf of MFGS. Both members have been actively involved in the organization since 2005 and 2022, respectively.

“The genre is so niche, and it’s a small following, but it’s enough to know these world-class musicians travel the world, and they make a living out of this. It’s nice to bring them locally,” said Al-Rawi, who hails from Baghdad, Iraq, but relocated to Metro Detroit in 2007.

“It’s also part of [MFGS’s] mission moving into this year and onwards, and it’s similar with what happened to me … [we] bring up local talent and have them open alongside the global acts.”

MFGS’s support and promotion of local and global fingerstyle guitarists started in 2001. At the time, co-founding members JB Davies and Mark Hawks formed the organization to promote their appreciation of fingerstyle guitarists through concerts, workshops, and goodwill. They also worked closely with Stavale, Jeb McIntyre, Dave Pierson, Rick Haden, and other members.

“Behind the scenes, Yeman and I speak to them on occasion. They still have a strong interest, and they still come to the shows,” Stavale said. “I’m looking at some of these newer artists and still getting reinvigorated … and Yeman’s introduced me some.”

Since its formation, MFGS has hosted 150-plus shows in Michigan, Wisconsin, and Ontario and booked over 110 notable fingerstyle guitarists, including Antoine Dufour, Don Ross, Andy McKee, Pino Forastiere, Pat Donohue, and more.

“Between Ron and me, we try to book three to four artists per season, so it’s a spring series and a fall series,” Al-Rawi said.

Stavale and Al-Rawi continue to partner with Trinity House and 20 Front Street to host MFGS’s seasonal shows. They recently added UrbanBeat and The Mariner to their list of intimate Michigan venues.

“Part of the vision we have to keep the Michigan Fingerstyle Guitar Society alive is to have different home bases,” Al-Rawi said. “We reached out to UrbanBeat, and it’s a new connection that we’re making. Ron has had previous experience with The Mariner, and thankfully we were able to book it for Kyran [Daniel] now, too.”

Looking ahead, MFGS plans to reestablish its presence after slowing down during the pandemic. Part of that plan includes booking artists for fall shows and performances into 2025 and increasing its promotional efforts.

“When you host these world-class acts, and you’ve been a fan of them for so long, and they become friends, there is nothing that can replace that,” Al-Rawi said. “It’s a great feeling … rubbing shoulders with some of [our] heroes, and they’re the nicest people, too.”

To learn more, contact MFGS or subscribe to the email newsletter. For tickets, visit MFGS’s Linktree.

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