Free Workshop this Saturday from L.A. Rocker Ali Handal

Jansen Music has been a part of Watsonville culture for as long as I can remember. I bought my first records (remember those?) at its long-ago central Main Street location. My first guitar came from there. These days we all know it's at little farther north - still on Main Street - and run in the very capable hands of Jody Fonseca. 

As well as the local goto site for band books, guitars, amps, and strings, Jansen is  a great spot for music events, such as Jody's every-other-month open mic and the occasional concert. The release party for my "Dogspeed" record was also held there a few years ago. A music store is also the perfect location for a workshop: This Sunday at 3:00 pm., Jansen presents a free workshop with L.A. songwriter and guitarist Ali Handal.

Ali has some fine credentials. She sang on Neil Young's "Living with War" album. She's written and performed with Paul Williams. And she played Michael Jackson's Neverland Ranch. 

Ali's also a teacher and is doing a short tour, promoting her Guitar for Girls publication, mixed with a few radio appearances along the way. 

Don't let the title of the book fool you. It's just a GREAT tutorial on chords and technique, with charts from well-known songs throughout. Ali says that "the clinic is open to ALL singer-songwriters, guitar players -- all ages, both genders." She adds, "I've had quite a few adults get a lot out of the workshops, as well as younger folks."

If you want to get a preview of Ali, check out her YouTube page, and listen in to KPIG's live music show "Please Stand By" on Sunday. Ali's workshop is free and starts at 3:00 pm. Jansen Music is at 1931 Main Street.