Voyage-Air goes to War

United States soldier, Charles Nordby, is proudly serving our country in Afghanistan. Before Charlie left for war, his fiancé Ashley and some friends organized a “fund raiser” – they all chipped in to send him off with a Voyage- Air Guitar.

His instrument of choice? The Voyage-Air VAOM-02, thanks to its rugged, compact shape and great tone. He was truly touched and moved by the gift. He called the guitar “the best gift I’ve ever received, other than my fiancé Ashley.”

Charlie is an amazing musician: gifted with a great singing voice, as well as great guitar chops. He reports that he hasn’t had a day off in four months, has had to endure below-zero weather, in addition to the stress of having to be on constant alert. And in these extreme conditions, the Voyage-Air guitar is by his side, and is holding up great!

Every day, Charlie looks to his Voyage-Air Guitar to allow him a few minutes of musical pleasure… and the feeling of being “normal.” In addition to informal performances in off moments, Charlie is also giving guitar lessons to fellow soldiers. Charlie’s really special: using his Voyage-Air guitar to spread the gift of music under wartime conditions. We thank Charlie. You should too.

Voyage-Air on Charlie Crowe TV

A winner in the Guitar Player Live guitar competition this year, Charlie Crowe became intrigued with the Voyage-Air Guitar. He asked if he could feature it on one of the episodes in his popular Nashville-based TV show. You can see the episode below.

For 12 years, Charlie toured the nation as a guitar player for the country-rock super duo Brooks & Dunn. He has appeared on awards shows, music videos, Letterman, Leno, the Olympics and two presidential inaugurations. All of this may explain why Charlie’s so comfortable in front of the camera.

In addition to being a hit songwriter, Charlie is also the newest blogger for Guitar Player Magazine: he’ll talk about everything from guitars to gear of all kinds. Keep an eye out for him in the magazine and on-line… you never know what he’ll talk about next!

Click here to read his blog about participating in the Guitar Player Live Guitar Competition.

Don Jones: The Voyage-Air Blues

You never know what kind of connections you can make with a Voyage-Air guitar. Recently, we were on a camping trip in the Crestline, CA area, and met a group of locals who were throwing a big Camping Party. Among them was Don Jones, who plays with the band Radiator BBQ.

Having played guitar all his life, Don was blown away by the Voyage-Air folding guitar. "There's no way THIS can work," and Don continued: "But it DOES work, and this is what I've always been after, wow... it's full-size and will fit in the trunk of my car, with all my other stuff!"

Don was so inspired that he made up "The Voyage-Air Blues" that's in the video below. You can also see the Voyage-Air Mascot wannabe: 'Roscoe' in the background, perking his ears as he digs the tunes.

Thanks Don. The proof is in the guitar: one strum on a Voyage-Air guitar, and Don 'got it.' One strum, and you will too!

Ravi, the Raviator: San Diego and India!

One of our most active and enthusiastic endorsers, Ravi shows off his Voyage-Air Guitar at Airport Fest in Long Beach, CA after his performance. Click to check out this video!

Also included in this video is Ravi’s demonstration at the Indian Music Conference in Goa, India, where he gave a presentation on Entrepreneurship for Artists. While in India he took his Voyage-Air Guitar to a dinner meeting with the largest instrument distributor in India. They’re interested in bringing the Voyage-Air Guitars to India! Hey, thanks Ravi!

While in India, Ravi participated with a charitable organization called Passions Unite, which benefits underprivileged children. Check out the link below to read more about this incredible artist, and to see Ravi performing for the children at Shanti Bhavan: a school for the poor. Scroll to the bottom of the front page to see his performance. www.passionsunite.org

Voyage-Air Guitar is proud to be associated with a musician that cares so deeply for others and his guitar!

Voyage-Air Guitar Artist Relations Director, Virginia Cannon reports from the road:

Wednesday, November 24, 2010 - "Another busy day meeting with Voyage-Air artists, and I finally checked in at the Oakland, CA, airport. While I was in line, a family in front of me spotted the Voyage-Air guitar over my shoulder, and wanted to know all about it. Mara, Eric and the rest couldn't believe it was a full-size guitar in such a small and easy to carry case.

"A few minutes later we were all boarding the plane and finding our seats - Eric rushed to help. As usual, my Voyage-Air guitar easily fit in the overhead bin.

"Is this news? Not really, but just an example of how folks are finding out about Voyage-Air guitars, and how easy it is to travel with them as a carry-on item. I take my Voyage-Air guitar with me everywhere. Once you play one, you will too!"

Newest Voyage-Air Endorser KEVIN WELCH Songwriting Workshops

Kevin Welch and Ray Wylie Hubbard are co-hosting 3 songwriting workshops at a lovely site nestled in the Texas Hill Country, February 24-26, March 24-26, and April 21-23.

These are focused workshops with small groups; each workshop is limited to only 6 participants. You'll arrive on Thursday evening and have a meet and greet and dinner followed by a Welch/Hubbard song swap.

Friday and Saturday is devoted to vital lyric devices, melody, delivery, lyric structure and rhythm - both in small group discussions, and in one-on-one time with both Kevin and Ray. Sunday you'll depart by noon.

Breakfast, dinner and lodging is included. Friday and Saturday have a 90-minute lunch break, so you can enjoy one of the Texas Hill Country's local restaurants.

The November and January workshops are sold out so you’ll want to reserve your spot now for upcoming slots. The price for these focused, small-group workshops is $2000 per person. For more info on these joint workshops or to book your spot, see www.kevinwelch.com.

As our newest endorser, Kevin Welch plays only the Voyage-Air Guitar. He’s put his old fashioned guitars out to pasture!

Voyage-Air Guitarists - Big Winners at the CMA Awards

Brad Paisley is an endorser and a big fan of Voyage-Air guitars. This year, he not only hosted this year’s Country Music Awards (CMA), he ended up taking “Entertainer of the Year.” Whoa!

The Zac Brown Band was nominated for two awards, and Zac was nominated in the songwriting category. Zac’s another smash-hit pro that takes his Voyage-Air guitar everywhere. Although it seems that they’ve been on the music scene forever, the Zac Brown Band took the award as “Best New Artist.”

Another Voyage-Air Guitar player, Alan Jackson, was nominated for “Musical Event of the Year.”

Although not YET a Voyage-Air Player, Mac McAnally took “Musician of the Year.” He plays often with Jimmy Buffet. Jimmy Buffet’s ‘Coral Reefer Band’ – well, two guitar players in the band carry a Voyage-Air. Guess we’ll be heading to another Buffet concert soon!

The CMA Watching Party, hosted by Ole’ was held in downtown Nashville on 2^nd Avenue. Voyage-Air Guitar endorser Chris Wallin and his wife were there to enjoy the festivities. Other celebrities wandered in and out, like Editor in Chief of Nashville Lifestyles Magazine, Stacy Standifer. Big fans of Voyage-Air Guitar, Ole’s top executives, Gilles Goddard and Michael McCarty, talked it up to many of the guests.

Mulch Brothers: "Everybody Loves Summertime" Contest Winner

Labor Day may mark the unofficial end of Summer for most of us, but Michael Booth of Pensacola, Florida has plenty of reason to keep celebrating: he just won the national contest with an original music video for the Mulch Brothers popular tune "Everybody Loves Summertime."

"What struck me about Booth's entry was that he so captured the spirit of "Everybody Loves Summertime," said Mark Mulch.

"Everything about this video was just plain fun," adds Nick Mulch. "He really got the message of the song... good times with friends and family... all summer long."

Placing second in the contest was Andres Izturriaga of Franklin, Tenn. and third was Theresa Musser of Nashville.

Officials at the Mulch Brother's label, Savannah Records, and its publishing company, Savannah Music Group, were pleased with the turnout. The song was downloaded from as far away as Australia and Great Britain. In the United States, entries came from 33 states, from Maryland to California, Michigan to Texas.

"We are happy that the Mulch Brothers have such a loyal fan base," says Laurie Spoon, vice president and general manager of Savannah Records. "Their tour, Everybody Loves Summertime Tour 2010, was highly successful, and radio stations asking them back to participate in station events, yet another indication that they are growing their fan base each day."

Click here for more about the Mulch Brothers, official endorsers of Voyage-Air Guitar.

Click below to see the WINNING VIDEO:

Voyage-Air Artists at the Top Songwriter Seminar of 2010

Savannah Records’ Dave Gibson and Daisy Dern are teaming up to produce Smokin Hit Songwriters - a special two-day seminar geared to aspiring songwriters. Dave Gibson should know his craft: with six number one hits under his belt, and songs recorded by country music greats such as Alabama, Confederate Railroad and Tanya Tucker.

Former Mercury recording artist, and songstress, Daisy Dern will be among the Voyage-Air Guitar players teaching songwriting tips and sharing stories, insights, wisdom, experiences and practical advice about songwriting. In addition, hit songwriter (and an early Voyage-Air endorser) Chris Wallin will be on hand to share his view about how to make a song a hit. With a catalogue of hundreds of chart topping hits, he’ll tell how it feels to write a song like “Don’t Blink” recorded by Kenny Chesney.

A panel will judge a special open mic night session for the first 30 participants to sign up for the seminar, and the winner will receive a one hour writing session with Dave.

Sign up soon: this songwriting retreat will be held November 5-7 in the beautiful mountains of Tennessee in Monteagle. It’s sure to be a Voyage-Air Guitar weekend, as well as a great excuse to take your guitar to the mountains!

Click here for more information.

Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band go Voyage-Air!

Voyage-Air Guitar created quite a stir at a recent Jimmy Buffet show at Shoreline Amphitheater near San Francisco. Already a well traveled Voyage-Air Guitar player, Jim Mayer (the Buffet bassist), turned his band-mates on to a demonstration of the new TelAir electric guitar.

Jim Mayer’s brother, Peter, (lead guitar player for the Coral Reefer band) has now been added to our roster of endorsers. The legendary Sonny Landreth was even impressed with the Voyage-Air, sticking around to test it out and take pictures with Voyage-Air V.P. Michael Ferrucci and Artist Relations Director, Virginia Cannon.

Since Sonny Landreth has played with guitar icons like Eric Clapton, Mark Knofpler and Eric Johnson, a guitar has to be exceptional to catch his attention... and the Voyage-Air guitar did just that!


Jim Mayer took his Voyage-Air Guitar on a recent trip to Paris with Jimmy Buffet and the Coral Reefer Band, which sparked the interest of the entire band. The result? Jimmy Buffet is now a proud owner of a Voyage-Air Guitar!

Ravi takes to the Air, and to the Classroom with Voyage-Air

Ravi gained worldwide fame as the guitarist for the '90's band Hanson. Hanson's triple Grammy nominated chart-topping song "MmmBop" catapulted the band into the music stratosphere, taking Ravi to stages at the White House, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Rosie O'Donnell, and Madison Square Garden.

Now an accomplished solo artist, Ravi has played to a packed house at venues such as the Louisiana Superdome. Also an enthusiastic private pilot, Ravi's music has become a fixture at the Oshkosh Air Show and aviation events all around the country.

The Voyage-Air guitar has been a breakthrough for Ravi and his music - space is tight in his plane, and he can finally take a full-size acoustic VAOM-2C guitar with him wherever he flies.

In the video clip below, Ravi makes a presentation at the Berklee College of Music, and talks about how the Voyage-Air guitar has changed the way he makes music when traveling:

Brian Ray Album Release Party: Voyage-Air Guitar Winner!

Brian Ray’s party at the Roxy in Hollywood was undoubtedly one of the most energized shows we've seen. The house was packed to the gills, and Brian played songs from his newly released cd “This Way Up.” He was supported in the audience by his fellow Paul McCartney band mate, Rusty Anderson. Many other superstars filled the audience to see what Brian’s been doing in his time off the road from the McCartney tour.

In keeping with Brian’s charitable nature, he raffled off a number of musical instruments and equipment for the MusiCares charity, including the Voyage-Air Guitar. First up on stage, Voyage-Air CEO Jeff Cohen demonstrated the instrument while Brian pulled the winning name from the hat.

The lucky winner was Gerald Greene, who plays the drums, he sings, plays trombone, harmonica and now the Voyage-Air Guitar! He traveled extensively with his brother, Dennis Greene, a founding member of the group “Sha Na Na”. Gerald released his first solo cd in 1998 entitled “Yesterday Love” and is presently working on a new project called “It’s Time!” In addition to performing, Gerald also writes songs and has had success in acting, with parts in “Law & Order” and “Sex and the City.” He has also worked in the theater in a piece entitled “The Forgotten” written by his brother, Dennis.

It seems that there is no stopping this multi-talented man, there’s no telling where he might show up next with the Voyage-Air Guitar!

See the clip below that revealed his shining moment at Brian Ray’s Album Release Party:

Brian Ray and Voyage-Air Partner to Benefit MusiCares

Brian Ray’s Album Release Party will be held this Friday, October 8th in West Hollywood at The Roxy. After his performance to promote his new record “This Way Up”, Brian and Voyage-Air Guitar CEO Jeff Cohen will present a Voyage-Air Guitar that will be raffled off to a lucky audience member. All proceeds will benefit MusiCares.

MusiCares provides a 'safety net' of critical assistance for music people in times of need. MusiCares’ services and resources cover a wide range of financial, medical and personal emergencies. Affiliated with the GRAMMY Awards, Barbra Streisand was named 2011 MusiCares Person of the Year.

Click here for more information about Brian’s prestigious career.

Click here for tickets and more information about Brian Ray’s Album Release Party.

Tickets are $12 each (Deal!), and are available at Ticketmaster or the Roxy Box office: (310) 278-9457

MATISYAHU and VOYAGE-AIR GUITAR, together in concert!

Internationally acclaimed Chassidic Reggae sensation Matisyahu, delivered a 90 minute performance that included a question and answer session. Josh Cohen opened the show, playing his Voyage-Air acoustic guitar. This was a rare appearance for Matisyahu at the Bankhead Theatre in Livermore, California, and he was gentle and thoughtful in his delivery. His songs were executed with precision timing, backed with only the Voyage-Air Guitar and a microphone. Matisyahu’s guitar player, D.P. Holmes (Dub Trio) used the guitar exclusively throughout the entire show.

The Q & A session was amazing with bursts of laughter at his playful banter. To ask a question, Matisyahu demanded that the questioner first tell their name, age and what type of animal they are most like. This created a very light hearted atmosphere in light of the serious questions being asked regarding his background, Jewish faith and musical influences.

At the end, he graciously signed a Voyage-Air Guitar that was raffled off for charity to benefit the Chabad of the Tri Valley. 13 year old Ben Frieman of Danville, California was the happy winner. Since he learned to play on his Dad’s guitar, this Voyage-Air is the first guitar that Ben has owned.

GUITAR PLAYER LIVE! Final Competition Chooses Acoustic-Guitar Maestro.

Don Alder is the 2010 winner of the competition, beating out nine other guitar finalists. Selected from thousands of entries, Don was the only contestant to play an acoustic guitar in the finals, and also the only contestant to receive a standing ovation.

Don's style of guitar playing ("percussive acoustic") made him an unusual entry in this otherwise electric, solo-noodle-driven contest. His unique style incorporates fingerpicking with simultaneous percussion on the soundboard to create a wall of sound. In the recent past, Don was the winner of the 2007 International Fingerstyle Champion competition in Winfield, Kansas. Don also has a long list of other awards under his belt. Here's his website: www.donalder.com

After the competition, Don met with us to check out the Voyage-Air Guitar, and he was clearly impressed with the guitar’s playability and tone. It's a short clip, but you can see his playing style and hear some brief comments in this video:

Mike Bub: Guitar Winner at Americana

It took pure talent to land Mike Bub where he is today: bass player for the last 13 years with Del McCroury, and now part of the super group 18 South. Several Grammy awards, Bass Player of the Year 5 times over, 9 Entertainer of the Year awards, and countless other awards couldn’t have prepared him for the surprise win of a Voyage-Air Guitar!

As his name was announced at the Cannery Ballroom, he was shocked when his friends said, "They are calling your name, Mike!" He didn’t even hear it... and certainly wasn’t expecting to win out of the countless entries to chose from. Coming up on stage to accept his win, Mike unfolded the guitar, gave it a few strums and announced to the cheering crowd “it’s even in tune!”

Click this link to check out Mike in action from Merle Fest, performing with the legendary Peter Rowan.

Guitar Player LIVE! this weekend in Livermore, CA

Guitar Player LIVE! is rolling into downtown Livermore this Friday night, September 17th with legendary guitarists Ronnie Montrose & Gary Hoey at the Bankhead Theater.

Opening the show is Steve Senes, who won "Player of the Year" award for 2009, and is a big enthusiast of Voyage-Air Guitar. And there's an after-party at the Sapphire Lounge. Or stay up late, and catch the crazy rockumentary "This is Spinal Tap," screening at the Vine Cinema.

Saturday will be filled with virtuoso guitarists on multiple stages. Blacksmith Square hosts James Nash from the Waybacks, Katy & Dell with acoustic from Bach to Rock, James Robinson with a mix of Latin/Funk/Middle Eastern/Jazz, where you can relax at the acoustic stage and enjoy a glass of local wine from Ocassio Winery, John Christopher Cellars or Thomas Coyne Winery. Rockin' the outdoor stage at the Bankhead are Doug Johns - super funky bass player, Danny Jones and Eric Barnett - past Guitar Superstar finalists, Steve Senes - 2009 Guitar Superstar Winner, Luvplanet and more.

This will be a super-fun, all music music music weekend in Livermore. Kick off your shoes, and kick back at the outdoor amphitheater. All the music at the outdoor stages are free FREE.

Click here for more info.

AMERICANA - Wrap Up!

More reporting from Voyage-Air Guitar Artist Relations Director, Virginia Cannon:

Saturday, September 11, 2010 - "Another busy day at the Americana Music Conference yesterday, among the talented artists visiting our booth were Dave Gibson, John Oates, Jim Lauderdale, Mark Dreyer, Tori Sparks, John Brannen and Webb Wilder. Here's a pic of Dave Gibson and John Oates at the Voyage-Air booth. Yeah!

"Wrapping things up, we tore down the booth and went to grab a quick bite to eat before heading down to The Cannery for another night of music.

"The secret surprise guest was Nashville megastar, Dierks Bentley. Sharing the stage with Jon Randall and Sam Bush amongst others, we watched from side stage. In a chance meeting, I got to tell Robert Plant how much I’d enjoyed his show the night before. He was gracious but seemed weary of hearing that, as I’m sure he had the whole night.

"The night concluded during a chat with Mike Ferris, who happily agreed to call the winner of our guitar raffle tonight after his performance at The Cannery. Tune in soon for news about the winner!"

AMERICANA - Day 2!

Continuing the report from the Americana Music Festival is Voyage-Air Guitar Artist Relations Director, Virginia Cannon:

"Friday, September 10, 2010 - Working in the Artist Relations position definitely has its ups and downs but yesterday was most certainly an UP! In our booth at the Americana Music Festival were The Mulch Brothers, playing guitar, meeting and greeting the registrants from the AMA. Think about infusing charisma to an otherwise mundane setting of working the booth... these guys created an air of stardom! They were engaging and kind to everyone who came to the booth. The true sign of gracious entertainers.

"I went from there to the world famous Ryman Auditorium for the Americana Music Awards where we sat in the 8th row on the floor to witness amazing talent like Roseanne Cash, Wanda Jackson, Sam Bush, Avett Brothers, Carolina Chocolate Drops and Emmylou Harris. Presenters included Jack White, John Oates and Robert Plant.

"We went from there to the Station Inn, to see John Oates perform. I thought that I liked John before, but now I am completely head over heels. John is an amazing musician and vocalist. He commanded the stage in a way that was both demanding and kind to his fellow musicians. He was surrounded by the best of the best, Jon Randall, Guthrie Trapp, Sam Bush and singing background by his side was the amazing Jessi Alexander. The vibe was nothing I ever expected, and completely sealed my faith in his ability to carry on well after Hall & Oates. His vocals were clear and strong and his sense of himself, the other musicians and the way he carried it off, speaks to his true talen. He pleased the crowd with a few Hall & Oates tunes such as “You Make My Dreams Come True” and “She’s Gone.”

"Today will be another big day at the AMA Conference, with John Oates doing a "Meet and Greet" in the Voyage-Air Guitar Booth at 2pm. His appearance will certainly be a highlight of the conference. He’ll be signing autographs and posing for pictures, as is typical of this humble superstar.

"Listen to what John has to say about Voyage-Air Guitar in the video link below:

Click here for the video interview with John Oates.

"Appearing at 3pm today is the unstoppable Dave Gibson. Best known for his days with the Gibson/Miller Band, Dave has penned hits for Steve Wariner, Joe Diffie, Confederate Railroad, Tanya Tucker, Alabama, Pam Tillis, and Montgomery Gentry. Dave Gibson earned six number ones, and Alabama's "Juke Box in My Mind" stayed at number one for an impressive four weeks. An Academy of Country Music award winner, Dave is sure to draw a crowd. Hear Dave Gibson’s new single recently released as a music video.

Click here for the Dave Gibson video: "King Me."

"Well, that's it for now, I'm off to the AMA Conference! Check back in tomorrow for all the latest developments!"

Voyage-Air goes Americana!

This just in from Voyage-Air Guitar Artist Relations Director, Virginia Cannon:

"Thursday, September 9, 2010 – What an amazing week! Yesterday started early and with a bang! I picked up the legendary John Oates, of Hall and Oates at his hotel to take him to be interviewed for a program called Music Business Radio (MBR), at WRLT, Lightning 100, in Nashville. WRLT is one the oldest independently owned stations in the country. With its inception in 2005, MBR has hosted notable music industry giants such as Kris Kristofferson, Alanis Morrisette, Rodney Crowell, Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters) Brent Mayer (Elvis Presley's producer), and most recently Rusty Anderson, who also plays a Voyage-Air Guitar on stage with Paul McCartney. Check out Music Business Radio at www.musicbusinessradio.com and also on youtube.

"John Oates will be performing in Nashville tonight as part of the Americana Music Festival, at The Station Inn. The show is at midnight, a coveted spot in the AMA line up, and he will be hosting an all star cast of AAA players including Jon Randall, Guthrie Trapp and Jessi Alexander; certainly a show not to be missed but sadly only for AMA registrants, and not open to the public.

"I ended up my day with Jim Mayer, the bass player for Jimmy Buffett’s Coral Reefer Band, who also has a side project of writing, singing and producing cd’s for kids. Check out: www.unclejimrocks.com. He is our most recent Voyage-Air Guitar endorser, and he LOVES our guitar. Stay tuned for more information on Jim, coming up.

"Looking forward to a busy day at the Americana Music Conference where The Mulch Brothers will make a special appearance in our booth today to meet and greet the fans and sign some cds. www.mulchbrothers.com

"Check back in tomorrow for the latest news from the Americana Music Festival. See ya then!"

John Oates, Dave Gibson, Mulch Bros IN PERSON Sept 9-10

Whoa! Quick: mark you calender if you're near Nashville! The 11th Annual Americana Music Festival is coming to town: a four-day event with music music and more music featuring some of the brightest stars in the biz.

Making special appearances at the Voyage-Air booth will be The Mulch Brothers on Thursday, Sept 9, from 3-4pm. Meet these guys in person, and get a taste of their new style of music.

John Oates, of Hall & Oates, appears at the Voyage-Air booth on Friday, Sept 10, from 2-3pm.

And finally Dave Gibson (who has a new hit: "King Me") will be at the booth on Friday, Sept 10 from 3-4pm.

If you're in Nashville and you love music, this is a must-attend event. See you there!

Like Father, Like Son: Greg Kihn / Ry Kihn

Veteran Rocker Greg Kihn recently passed along this note: "My son Ry grew up listening to the Greg Kihn Band and when he stepped into the lead guitarist role it was no sweat. He had some pretty big shoes to fill (Joe Satriani, Jimmy Lyon, Gregg Douglass, Dave Carpenter) but he never blinked. The boy can flat out play! I can't tell you how proud I was of him out there, on stage at the recent Kihncert."

The second generation of Kihns are making their mark in the Bay Area music scene. Ry Kihn, whose father is Greg Kihn of the Greg Kihn Band, is an accomplished professional guitar player. Playing guitar since he was 12 years old, he's now lead guitar for the Greg Kihn Band, and also the front man for Big Fun USA, a local San Francisco Bay area band.

A classically-trained Jazz guitarist, Ry has over 20 years of performing and teaching experience on the guitar. While still in high school, Ry studied privately with Joe Satriani, and went on to attend Berklee College of Music in Boston, eventually graduating from California Institute of the Arts with a BFA in Jazz Guitar Studies. He has grown to adopt a wide range of styles including rock, blues, jazz, classical, country, and metal.

Ry has performed with major artists including Eddie Money, Joe Satriani, Billy Idol, Greg Kihn, Mike Reno, Jimi Jameson, and Bobby Kimball. He is also a regular guest on his dad’s KFOX morning radio show, where he often jams with other musical guests.

When not playing and touring, Ry is a staff guitar instructor at Showcase Music Institute in San Jose, CA. Click to check out the photos on Facebook of Ry and Greg Kihn playing together with the Greg Kihn Band at the 2010 Kihncert at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, CA.

Kihncert 2010 - Voyage-Air TelAir ON STAGE

The Greg Kihn Band rocked out last night at the Kihncert 2010, held at the Shoreline Amphiteater in Mountain View, CA.

Voyage-Air staff was there. Why? Greg Kihn played the new Voyage-Air TelAir folding electric guitar ON STAGE for the concert.

The band kicked off their set with their cover of the Dave Clark 5's "Glad All Over" - and man, this set the tone for the evening. The Voyage-Air TelAir Guitar was front and center as Greg put it through its paces... for almost every single song! Greg and his band powered through their most famous hits like Jeopardy and The Break-Up Song: "They don't write em like that anymore." The crowd went crazy as the hits kept coming. The Greg Kihn Band kicked off a star-studded rock-and-roll evening that included Blue Oyster Cult and Lynyrd Skynyrd.

After the show, we asked Greg about the playability and the great sound and tone produced by the Voyage-Air TelAir folding electric guitar, and he said: "This is truly a great electric guitar. You would never think that something that sounds so great could fold-in-half, much like the Voyage-Air acoustic guitars. I was able to crank up the volume and get the sound I was looking for! This is one cool sweet sounding electric guitar!"

Note: The Voyage-Air TelAir and Belair electric guitars are not yet shipping to dealers... yeah, Greg Kihn has connections. If you have pre-ordered a Belair, keep in touch with your dealer: they'll probably be available in a month or so.

Voyage-Air, Motorcycling to the Beach

"I teach evening guitar classes at the Solano Community College, in California...both at the Fairfield and Vallejo campuses (yes, after my day job). I always bring my Voyage-Air guitar. I love to ask the question of how "this" guitar fits in "this" backpack. In other words, Voyage Air gets a lot of exposure. I have around 20-25 students each semester. This guitar gets a lot of attention everywhere I bring it!



"I also bring it with me when I ride on the back
of my husband's motorcycle. Now we don't need to choose between the bike and the guitar. We both get the best of both our worlds. And last summer we took my parents to Carmel for the weekend. We told them part of the deal was hanging out on the beach with some good food, wine, and guitar. They loved it (ok...so my dad is my biggest fan). We had a great time. As a matter of fact, tomorrow we're going to the Napa Valley with some friends and they said to bring a guitar...guess which one I'll bring....


"You are selling a great product. If you ever need a spokesperson you know how to get in touch with me....!"

Thanks again and take care,
Cheryl Warren

Ruth and Voyage-Air Conquer Belgium and France

Sometimes we get letters from customers that... well, really deliver the Voyage-Air message. This is one of them:

"My name is Ruth Bloomquist. In April I bought a Voyage-Air Songwriter VAOM-06. I had been playing dreadnought size guitars, I have a Martin D-35 and a Guild D-25, for many years. I recently decided that I wanted something smaller. Plus we were going to Europe to play music and I wanted something easier to travel with this time. Though I never had any trouble from the airlines when traveling with my D-35. The idea to look into Voyage-Air was planted when I saw Deb Cowan perform with hers last October.

"In May my band, The Ruth & Max Bloomquist Band set off for gigs in Belgium and France. The VAOM-06 fit in overheads like a dream. On one plane where my partner John was asked to side check his guitar, mine fit under the seat. It was easy to carry on and off trains as well.

"However, the sound is what really knocks me out. Most of out gigs were sans P.A. but that didn't seem to be a problem with my Voyage Air! I really love this guitar.

"...Anybody want to buy a nice 1979 Martin D-35?"

Many Thanks,
Ruth Bloomquist
www.ruthbloomquist.com

Sarah Lenore at the Listening Room

Sarah Lenore (America’s Got Talent) will be showcasing her new songs and her Voyage-Air Guitar this Wednesday night, August 18th at the Listening Room in Nashville. 7pm Sharp! 30 minute set.

THE LISTENING ROOM
209 10th Avenue South
Suite 200
Nashville, TN 37203
(615) 259-3600

Don’t miss it... and Don’t be late!

Voyage-Air Supports Military Families

Don't miss: August 14th, 2010, LIVE ON THE LAWN 2010, a summer concert to benefit The Special Operations Warrior Foundation. The concert will be held at Beachaven Vineyard in Clarksville, TN, and will feature live music, food, wine, vendors and raffles. Admission is FREE!

And... Voyage-Air Guitar is donating a VAD-06 Songwriter guitar for a "Silent Auction" - with the proceeds going to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation. Recording artists James Corbin and Forced Entry will be performing at the event!

Joshua Romaker founded Champion Records, which sponsors the event. Joshua has a heart for music and a head for business. His soul is with the military, so he is combining all of his passions into a live concert benefit with proceeds going toward a group that helps families of soldiers killed in service.

Romaker started Champion Records as a way to showcase military recordings to the rest of the world. "With deployments, I kind of found that a lot of guys take the guitars out to relieve them of stress. There's some really, really talented musicians."

But, he said, the mainstream record labels "won't touch them," many times because of contractual obligations with military. "I kind of took the bull by the horns, got back home and started one up." Soldiers and citizens can go to the Champion Records Web site and upload music or download their own.

"It just kind of snowballed from there. I want to get the word out about the military musicians and how talented they are."

To donate to the Warrior Foundation, visit the championrecords.com website and click on the PayPal icon. This website also has more information about the performers for the LIVE ON THE LAWN concert.

Voyage-Air goes to France

This just in from Dan Gribbin, a new Voyage-Air fan who recently took his guitar to France:

"I am happy to inform you that I just posted on my website a photo of my Voyage-Air guitar in the Place des Vosges in Paris.

"Our friends in France loved the fact that we were able to share our music with them, and the case for the guitar not only protected my iPad nicely but really came into its own in being able to be split in two by unzipping. That allowed for stowage in even the stingiest of overhead baggage areas.

"Thanks so much for making it possible for me to take my guitar to France. Dan Gribbin, on behalf of my wife, keyboardist and photographer, Martha Brandt."

Brian Ray, Guitarist for Paul McCartney: The Cream Interview

A few days ago, the Nashville Cream did an interview with Brian Ray, who is currently on tour with The Paul McCartney Band. Great interview and comments from Brian... and we've included just the introduction here:

"With Paul McCartney rocking the Bridgestone tonight, Nashville Cream managed to wrangle a last-minute interview this morning with Brian Ray, who's been playing guitar with Macca for about eight years now. As die-hard fans and autograph hounds lined Sixth Avenue North outside The Hermitage Hotel hoping to catch a glimpse of the Beatle in question, Ray sat down with the Cream in the luxurious confines of the Oak Bar for a little tête-à-tête, during which he discussed his solo project, how he landed the McCartney gig and what it's like to tour with the greatest living pop legend.

"Special thanks to Virginia Cannon, who handles artist relations for Voyage-Air Guitar, and who helped facilitate this interview. Voyage-Air makes guitars with folding necks for ease of travel, and (Brian) Ray is an endorser. (Scene managing editor and resident six-string hack Jack Silverman took one of their acoustic models for a quick test-run and gave it a hearty thumbs up.)"

Click here for the complete interview with Brian Ray.

Ravi at the Osh Kosh Air Show!

Going on now, the Osh Kosh Airventure is regarded as the world's greatest air show, drawing pilots and plane enthusiasts from around the world.

This year, Ravi, accomplished singer/songwriter who shot to worldwide fame as the guitarist for the '90's band Hanson, will be performing at Airventure as a part of the Flying Musician's Association - yep: Ravi is also an avid pilot.

Ravi has played on stages at the White House, Jay Leno, David Letterman, Saturday Night Live, Rosie O'Donnell, and Madison Square Garden, as well as the Louisiana Superdome as a solo artist.

For Ravi, the Voyage-Air guitar is a natural: a full-size, no compromise acoustic guitar that he can carry with him on any plane.

Ravi will be performing Thursday, July 29, and Friday July 30 , 12-noon at the Sennheiser tent at the Airventure show. Click here for more info. You can also click here for Ravi's website.

Imelda May, Does She Play? Voyage-Air? She did This Day!

Stopping by the Artist Catering Tent at Bonnaroo this year, Imeda May was immediately drawn to the Voyage-Air Guitar sitting in the corner. Her fascination with it had her holding it, playing it, folding it. She just couldn’t put it down. Click the link for the video below to see her playing the guitar, and what she had to say.

Born in Dublin, she is already a superstar with her debut album”Love Tatto” , which has gone Triple Platinum. She has shared a stage with U2, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, Van Morrison, Lionel Richie and most recently, the first lade of rockabilly, Wanda Jackson. In 2009, Imelda knocked Bruce Springsteen off No. 1 to become the first female Irish artist to top the Irish album charts since Mary Black nealy 20 years ago. She then went on to win Female Artist of the Year at the Irish Meteor Awards.

Despite album success, Imelda continued to tour, playing to over 400 000 people in 8 countries across Europe and the US – including, most recently a US tour with Jamie Cullum.

Imelda has not only caught people’s attention musically, her striking style and unmistakable cool but quirky 50s look has led her to grace the front cover of the Irish Sunday Times Style, Roberto Cavalli flew her out to perform at his private party during the Milan Fashion Week.

2010 got off to an auspicious start when Imelda accepted an offer from Jeff Beck to perform with him at the Grammys. This was followed in April by a two night support slot in London with one of her idols, Wanda Jackson.

Her new album ‘Mayhem’ sees Imelda continue to develop her uniquely modern fusion of classic musical genres. The record not only showcases her exceptional songwriting ability, but also displays some more disparate influences, with first single Psycho seeing Imelda channel the spirit of early PJ Harvey, whilst the heartbreakingly poignant “Kentish Town Waltz” conjures an image of Chrissie Hynde at her most reflective.

Recently bestowed with the title of Ambassador for the Irish Make a Wish Foundation, Imelda shows her compassion and energy for helping others. She has invited Voyage-Air Guitar to join her in this new venture. Check back for more info!

Click here to see the vid of Imelda taking the Voyage-Air guitar for a spin!

Academy of Country Music winner Dave Gibson does it again with his new hit single, “King Me.”

"King Me" is classic country song that portrays family ties and issues of young adulthood. The recently released single received critical acclaim in the Music City. Critic Robert K. Oermann of Music Row describes the narrative as "sung with heart, produced with taste and written with class."

A master storyteller, Dave Gibson (formerly of the Gibson/Miller Band) expertly draws upon his own relationships with the family members who helped raise him in a single-parent household in west Texas.

The video was filmed in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, at a ramshackle former country store owned by a man who ironically reminded Gibson of his own grandfather. Eerily, the former general store had a story of its own: in 1934 it was the site of a grizzly murder after an angry customer slaughtered the store owner with an ax.

This is one of several collaborations between Gibson and one of his writing partners, Craig Monday. "I can't think of when I've enjoyed an experience more," says Gibson, summing up both the collaboration and the filming. Monday, as well as Gibson's wife, songstress Daisy Dern, and their daughter, Savannah, all appear in the video.

"King Me" is done in the manner that Gibson likes most: a narrative piece with a surprise ending, delivered with his trademark sense of irony.

"Dave Gibson's consummate storytelling abilities are clearly underscored in the music video "King Me," says Jeff Cohen, the Chief Executive Officer of Savannah Music Group. The video was produced by Laurie Spoon and directed and videographed by Mark Dreyer.

Does a Voyage-Air acoustic guitar appear in the music video? Of course!

Click here to see the music video "King Me."

Sarah Lenore plays "I Don't Know Why"

Sometimes, and only sometimes... all the elements of a music video come together to make a hit. YES - Sarah Lenore is an Artist/Endorser for Voyage-Air Guitars.

And YES, she's put together a new music video for her latest song "I Don't Know Why."

Hit material? Scroll down and check for yourself!
Sarah Lenore's style is bringing a new sound to music, with a refreshing mix of pop and country. Serious: as refreshing as an iced lemonaide on the back porch on a hot summer day.

Today, she is finishing her new album with some of Nashville's best hit songwriters. Sarah is showing all of her talents on her upcoming record - not only with her unique and powerful voice, but also co-writing all of the songs.

Currently working with Grammy-nominated songwriter/producer Jose Luis Pagan, Jose has not only topped the Billboard charts, but has written and produced hits for Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Thalia, and many other successful artists around the world.

Sarah has been working hard on her latest record in Nashville, Los Angeles, and Miami, and she cannot wait to share this music with the world. Select industry people who got a 'sneak peek' of the record thought it was something totally powerful and fresh for the country market and for all music lovers to hear.

Sarah has released one song off the new record, entitled "Unfair." It is available on iTunes. Also, she has a BRAND NEW video and song up on youtube titled, "Don't Know Why" featuring her Voyage-Air Guitar.

Click here for the video.

For more information about Sarah Lenore, check her website:
www.sarahlenoremusic.com

Tim Brookes: in Egypt with Voyage-Air

Tim Brookes, world-known blogger and world-traveler, recently wrote a conclusion to his travels in Egypt. While blogging and documenting his travels in Cairo, he proudly uses his Voyage-Air guitar as an entre to meet new friends and fellow musicians:

"...Sensing an opportunity, I said what I’ve taken to saying under these circumstances: stay here and I’ll be back to show you something you’ve never seen before. I ran off to my room and came back with my social passe-partout, my Voyage-Air folding guitar."

Tim notes a wide-range of world adventures on his blog, and his Voyage-Air guitar has always proven a worthy traveling companion.

Click here for his latest update from Egypt.

Jody Maphis goes Voyage-Air

Jody Maphis started playing guitar at the age of six under the watchful eye of his father,country great Joe Maphis. While growing up in California, Jody's musical influences ranged from the "Bakersfield Sounds" of Buck Owens and Merle Haggard, to the LA based country-rock styles of The Byrds,The Flying Burrito Brothers and Poco.

After moving to Nashville, Jody's musical background and ability to play guitar (as well as several other instruments) landed him road work and session dates with such acts as Barbara Mandrell, The Earl Scruggs Revue, Michael Martin Murhphey, Johnny Rodriguez, Johnny Cash, Lynn Anderson, Matraca Berg, Marty Stuart and Gary Allan.

After a spin on the new Voyage-Air electric guitars, Jody was sold, and only too happy to say he's going to be playing a Voyage-Air guitar. Check the video!

Jody is currently working on a studio project of songs written and recorded by his parents Joe and Rose Lee Maphis. If you are in Nashville you can find Jody at the Fiddle and Steel Guitar Bar in Printers Alley, mixing sound... and playing his guitar.

Click here to see the video!

At Bonnaroo Music Festival, Michael Franti had the opportunity to check out the Voyage-Air Guitar. He was doing an interview and live performance in the hay wrapped trailer you see behind him, the home away from home of Sean O’Connell’s Music Allies.

As he stepped out he was greeted by Rev. Dr. Keith Coes, Musical Director for WRLT Lighting 100, who is a huge fan of the Voyage-Air Guitar. Michael Franti and Spearhead are now also fans of the Voyage-Air Guitar! Be sure to check out their new record, slated to drop in August entitled The Sound of Sunshine.

You can chat live with Michael, Tuesday, June 29th and ask him about the Voyage-Air Guitar! Check his website for details. www.michaelfranti.com For live interviews from Bonnaroo, check out www.lightning100.com.

Click here to see the video!

Premier Guitar Magazine: The New TelAir is an Editor's Pick at Summer NAMM

Well, the NAMM show is over in Nashville, but the buzz is still all over the streets: the new Voyage-Air TelAir electric guitar is a hit! With its unique portable design as well as easy playability and incredible sound, the new TelAir guitar was played by hundreds of guitar-slingers: amateurs to pros. At the show, the TelAir got prompts for both its resonance, as well as the great tone from the custom Tonerider single-coil Alnico V pickups placed in the standard 'Tele Guitar' configuration.



So no surprise that Joe Coffey, Editorial Director of Premier Guitar magazine, chose the Voyage-Air TelAir guitar as among the few Editor Picks products that his magazine highlighted from the entire show.

Realize: the NAMM show is a big deal, with thousands of new products promoted and displayed. To be selected with an Editors Pick award from Premier Guitar magazine is ... well, HUGE. Whoa! Thank you, Premiere Guitar!

Click here for the full story and more photos from Premier Guitar online.

Ronnie Montrose jams with Greg Kihn, LIVE on air at 98.5 KFOX Radio

Ronnie Montrose is a living guitar legend.

Montrose has worked with a variety of musicians over the years, including Herbie Hancock, Van Morrison, The Beau Brummels, Boz Scaggs, Beaver & Krause, Gary Wright, Tony Williams, The Neville Brothers, and Dan Hartman. He was in the Edgar Winter Group before forming his own band, Montrose in 1973, featuring Sammy Hagar on vocals.

The list of hit tunes that Ronnie has been involved with rolls on like a 'who's who' of everything you want to hear on Classic Rock radio.

Recently, Ronnie Montrose stopped by Radio Station 98.5 KFOX in San Jose, CA for an interview, and when it came time for Ronnie to pick up a guitar? A Voyage-Air OM-style guitar!

Featured on the Greg Kihn Morning Show, we got a video of Greg and Ronnie jamming a tune that was blown out live on the air. This is one of those rare occasions when two established rockers just picked up guitars to do a song, live, on the air.

Big thanks to Greg Kihn, and likewise for Ronnie Montrose for his respect of the Voyage-Air guitar, and how great it made him sound GREAT during this radio broadcast.

Click here for the link to the video of this on-air performance at radio station 98.5 KFOX.

Dave Gibson scores a 9.6 with his new Song - "King Me"

Dave Gibson endorses Voyage-Air guitars, and he's a well-known singer and songwriter on the Nashville circuit.

Dave Gibson, the lead singer from the Gibson Miller Band, rose to the top of the charts with "Texas Tattoo", "Big Heart", "Red White and Blue Collar" and "Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys." Not only that, the songs he wrote for other artists did as well. Billboard #1 songs like "Queen Of Memphis" & "Daddy Never was the Cadillac Kind" (Confederate Railroad), Joe Diffie's "Ships That Don't Come In" and Alabama's "Jukebox In My Mind" and the #2 song by Montgomery Gentry "Lonely & Gone" ... these are just a few of the hit songs written by Dave.

So Get This: today, the top Nashville radio station WSIX played his new song: "King Me" - where on that track, Dave played, sang and performed this song. Listeners were invited to call-in and vote for how they liked the song. The result? Callers/Listeners ranked this new song a 9.6 on a scale of 10. Whoa!

Dave Gibson depends on his Voyage-Air guitar to pull the ultimate tone and harmonics when he plays a tune, and he used this same Voyage-Air guitar for this recording.

Click here for a sound file of Dave Gibson playing this morning at WSIX radio, Nashville.