Christian Vegh Band

The hottest young guitar player in the nation makes his home in LaSalle. Why wouldn't he want to live in LaSalle it's the birthplace of iconic Canadian rockers Jeff Burrows, Jeff Martin and Stuart Chatwood of the Teaparty? A footnote to this interesting young life is that he was technically born in a Detroit hospital. The Motor City ironically is a cradle of rock and popular music. Growing up in LaSalle an "ear" shot from the great bands of the Corn Fest, one of Christian's early non playing after school jobs was at Blackburn Radio sharing the hallways with "rockjocks" including Jeff Burrows.
Christian is a mere 19 years old, already accomplished as a guitarist, composer and performer and his stage just gets larger with each passing season. He was granted scholarship into the Berklee College of Music in Boston and he has performed at every major festival in the area multiple times. Lately he's wowing audiences in Toronto. Recently he flew to California to record with established rockers and he continues to work on exciting new projects on his own as well as with many of the masters in the music industry. You can check out a wonderful sampling of Christian's work on-line including his own You-Tube site. - John Weese - Former VP Blackburn Radio Windsor

Christian Vegh Biz X Magazine’s “Artist of the Year” has entered CBC Searchlight Competition and needs our support – you can vote daily for our talented local artist who also won the American Federation of Musicians Charles McDaniel Award and was named to the “Brotherhood of the Guitar”. Check out his new song and video “Worthy” which was recorded with Gregg Bissonette on Drums (Ringo Star Band) and Matt Bissonette on Bass (Elton John Band). We think Christian Vegh is “Worthy” of this award and would love to see this talented young local artist recognized across Canada.

“Searchlight will introduce us to undiscovered talent and let Canadians participate in the shaping of Canada’s next great musical act”.

CBC Seachlight is an annual contest to find Canada’s next rising star. The winner is chosen on a prime time TV broadcast; grand prize winner will receive an original song commission for Canada’s 150 celebration; a two-week songwriting residency, with a celebrity mentor, from the Banff Centre to write it and an audio recording of the song. Winner will debut the song at 2017 CBC Music Festival in Toronto (audio/video recording) and at Searchlight concert on July 2 National Arts Centre’s concert series.

The Canadian Musician Career Booster kit includes a studio session, career mentorship, album duplication, distribution and more from Canadian Musician magazine. Opportunities to play at Banff Centre’s “Performance in the Park June 2017, live studio performance on CBC Radio One’s q radio show.

Artists submit an original song and music video to the industry panel for Searchlight 2017 which is comprised of top artists, music producers and radio hosts, as well as other music industry professionals in A&R, artist management, music publishing, concert promotion, music journalism, publicity and music festival production.

You can vote for Christian Vegh by visiting this link. - Biz X International Magazine

Christian Vegh and Sydney Matlock, two-thirds of the talented team who recorded O Canada last summer, are in the running for some prestigious musical awards.

LaSalle’s Christian Vegh performed the guitar to O Canada. -martaslens.com
And the third person in that “O Canada” trio, Christie Palazzolo, has been making her own musical waves with the recent release of her debut EP Alive Today.

Vegh, a local musician known for his guitar playing, has been focusing on his songwriting skills and vocals in the past year. The effort has been paying off as the LaSalle native was chosen for three categories in the International Songwriting Competition (ISC): Blues, Unsigned Artist (for “Chains in Mind”) and Instrumental (for “The Farm”). Both songs were written to highlight the guitar.

“The Farm” has more than 20 time changes and Vegh performed the song live when he was featured for “Metal” at the Berklee Performance Center at the Berklee College of Music, the school he and Matlock attend.

ISC bills itself as “having the most prestigious panel of judges of all the songwriting and music contests in the world, offering exposure and the opportunity to have your songs heard by the most influential decision-makers in the music industry.”

Vegh’s most recent release, “Worthy,” is an acoustic pop song with more emphasis on lyrics and vocals. He recorded the song with Gregg Bissonette, who toured with the Ringo Starr Band, Matt Bissonette, who performed with Elton John, and Stacy Heydon, who toured with David Bowie.

Singer-songwriter Matlock is a regional finalist for the 2017 CBC Searchlight Competition. Her first single was “Follow You,” which features Vegh on guitar and was produced by Marty Bak at SLR Studios.

Voting for the Searchlight finalists ends Monday, March 13 at 3 p.m. To vote for Matlock, click here.


Singing the French version of O Canada was Sydney Matlock.
A Searchlight Industry Panel will pick one finalist from each region. The two finalists with the most votes will automatically move on in the competition.

Matlock was also a finalist in the Canada South Songwriting Contest, which was featured at the Kingsville Folk Festival with headliner Buffy St.Marie. The Berklee student has been making a name for herself as vice president/co-administrator of the Berklee Songwriting Club and is social media and marketing manager of “Treble Threat,” an all-female a capella group. Matlock, who recently performed at the Biz X Awards in Windsor and the Berklee Peformance Center in Boston, plans to intern in Nashville this summer for songwriting.


Christie Palazzolo sang the English version of O Canada.
Matlock sang the French lyrics in “O Canada,” an original recording sponsored by RE/MAX Preferred Realty Ltd. that made its debut on windsorstar.com on Canada Day, and Vegh performed guitar.

Although Vegh didn’t move on in the CBC Searchlight Regional finals, he hopes the community supports his Berklee classmate. He is also collaborating with Matlock on a new song.

Palazzolo, who sang the English lyrics on the anthem, released her EP Alive Today in February as well as the video “Out of Time,” which was shot locally by Gavin Michael Booth and Jendo Shabo. It remains among the Top 10 Most Active Indies of the digital distributor DMDS/Yangaroo.

The “O Canada” video recording was released for Canada Day last year. Watch it on YouTube. - Windsor Star

LISTEN LIVE
#SPOTLIGHT – Christian Vegh
March 6, 2017
TUNE IN ALL THIS WEEK FOR WINDSOR’S GUITAR PROGIDY CHRISTIAN VEGH ON THE #SPOTLIGHT – HEARD DAILY AT 3:40 PM!

Christian Vegh has been referred to as a “young guitar prodigy with an old soul” the “type of young artist that will shape Canadian music for the next 50 years” and the “hottest young guitar player in the nation”. Christian was awarded the “Charles McDaniel Award” from the American/Canadian Federation of Musicians and was presented the award & scholarship at their 100th Convention. Vegh was also named to the “Brotherhood of the Guitar” and was Biz X International Magazine “Artist of the Year”.

Graduating Principal’s honor roll he attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music. Born in Detroit and raised in Windsor he has been working on many projects including writing and performing for Spectre Sound Studios gear reviews. “Can you play Metal on a Telecaster?” was featured in Guitar World, Guitar Player and Extreme Guitar Magazines after receiving half a million views in two weeks. He has been featured on many magazine covers, articles, television and radio shows and represented the United States on a Netherlands video with some of the top shredders from around the globe.

Christian performed at many festivals/venues such as NAAM-California, BB Kings-Nashville; The Berklee Performance Center -Boston; International Music Festival -New York; 4th Wall Productions- Joy Theatre; Sonny Rhodes Induction into the Canadian Blues Hall of Fame; Windsor Blues Fest, Headlined Passport to the World and at the International Children’s Games… In addition, Christian played in the Assumption Jazz band, won gold at the Regional’s and was named “Jazz Musician of the Year” and at the International Music Competition in New York and Nashville where Christian received the “Outstanding Soloist Award“.

Christian has shared the stage with performers such as Steve Vai, Scott Holt and Susan McNeil. Christian gives back to the community that has been so supportive of his development as a musician through charity events and fundraisers. “Christian Vegh Rocks the Capital” is a fundraiser with all proceeds going towards local scholarships. Christian has been a “Me to We” speaker/performer, received a grant for a seniors/youth engagement music program ” He wrote a theme song for an anti-addiction youth engagement program winning a spokesperson role and scholarship to Steve Vai’s Song Evolution Summer Program in New York.

He teaches Master Classes, Guitar Clinics and the Blues School Program with the Canada South Blues Society. Christian’s favorite musicians/bands are Joe Bonamassa, Eric Johnson, Guthrie Govan, Allan Holdsworth, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Rush, Polyphia and Pink Floyd.

Career highlights – Having Joe Bonamassa tweet about the band at his first performance and getting support from musicians like Alex Lifeson, Dick Wagner, Robin Ford, Steve Morse, Scott Holt and many local musicians. He is known as a humble, dedicated musician and credits his music teachers for inspiring him and changing his life.

http://www.christianvegh.com/
https://www.facebook.com/Christian-Vegh-1402479046736044/
https://twitter.com/Christian_Vegh
https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/christian-vegh-ep/id1142362580 - CKXS - 99.1 FM

Top guitar players from around the world using ChickenPicks guitar picks and shreddin' great licks - Chicken Picks - Netherlands

The Music of Christian Vegh | Photo by Kathy Moore
Christian Vegh has been referred to as a “young guitar prodigy with an old soul” and the “type of young artist that will shape Canadian music for the next 50 years”. His awards so far at just 19 include the AFM’s 2016 “Charles McDaniel Award”; He was also named to the “Brotherhood of the Guitar” this year as one of the top 16 guitarists Internationally (21yrs. & under) and recently, Biz X Magazine presented him with the “Artist of the Year” award.
And he’s smart too – was on the honour roll, graduating from the International Baccalaureate Music Program at Assumption and as well attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston in the Performance/Songwriting Program. He’s shared the stage with performers such as Steve Vai, Scott Holt, and Suzie McNeil. Christian stopped by the studio for a chat with me just days before Christmas – tune in to hear our conversation. - Nancy Duffy

CHRISTIAN VEGH
SHOWING SIGNS OF STARDOM

STORY BY DICK HILDEBRAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARTA’S LENS

TO QUOTE THE EAGLES: “there’s a new kid in town.” His name is Christian Vegh – his searing guitar licks and his incredibly deft fingers which literally fly over the frets are dumbfounding music lovers…and he’s only 19 years old! He’s been referred to by SLR producer Marty Bak “as a young guitar prodigy with an old soul – the type of young artist that will shape Canadian music for the next 50 years.” And Peter Palazzolo of the Windsor Conservatory of Music and founding member of ‘Greatest Hits Live’ maintains that if Christian continues on his current path, he could become one of the greatest players on the continent. Christian, who lives in LaSalle, was born in Detroit on March
26th, 1997 after his mother was sent stateside for specialists’ treatment due to a high risk pregnancy as the result of a heart condition. After attending As- sumption College, he was admitted to the famed Berklee College of Music in Boston on a scholarship where he began a 4-year performance/song-writing program. However, after a year, he took a hiatus from classes and isn’t sure if he’ll ever return. As he says philosophically, “I might not go back if my career opens up new opportunities which might be better for me than sitting in a classroom.”
“As a kid,” he muses with a bit of laughter, “I played a lot of video games and even though people say they’re bad for you, I was doing that for my hand-eye co-ordination which really helped me when I started playing the guitar.”
He never liked sports, but at the urging of his mom he did play hockey and soccer, took karate and participated in gymnastics. On the other hand, he did like rock climbing and paint-ball. It was the musical sound- track from the Lion King that caught young Christian’s attention. He then saw “School of Rock” with Black Jack and it became his favorite movie and forever changed his life “The first time I saw it,” he says, “I wanted a guitar for Christmas” and in 2006 he got his wish: “a blue Mexican Fender Stratocaster, a great starter instrument which was a real kick-butt guitar” and as the old saying goes, the rest is history. He took lessons in the 6th or 7th grade from Lee Cochrane and Pete Palazzolo but didn’t really do much with it until he was in the 9th grade when he started developing his skills and his own style. His progress has been so significant, that he’s received an endorsement from Ernie Ball guitars and Guitar Center when he was named to the “Brotherhood of the Guitar”.
As his interest in music widened Christian developed an appreciation for a diverse number of bands with great guitarists including Guns ‘N Roses and Pink Floyd. The group’s David Gilmour whom he describes as amazing and one of his favorites, became his hero. Vegh would sit for hours, jamming along with the band’s solos until he learned them note for note as is evidenced by his rendition of ‘Wish You Were Here’. Today his main aspiration is to become as good as the great Joe Bonamassa, his idol whom he has met only once. It’s a lofty goal to say the least, but one that is not out of reach given this guy’s natural talent and work ethic. “I play guitar 3 or 4 hours a day, then read, sing and write ” he says, “and I’ve written out a specific plan and only work at one thing for 6 or 7 minutes at a time. I mark it all down so I know the direction in which I’m headed. I’m pretty organized.” Another thing that sets him apart from many other players is his ability to read music, some- thing he learned when he first began taking lessons. He made it a point to learn the fingerboard, and to memorize where the notes are, making it relatively simple for him to sight read new material. Recently he con- ducted a guitar clinic on the invitation of Long and McQuade Music...at least 30 pickers showed up for some valuable pointers. Vegh’s music has also received airplay on 10 stations, in Windsor on 93.9 The River and on Blackburn Radio – nothing yet in the U.S.
At age 15, Christian hit the stage for his first public performance and he’s never looked back. He’s performed at Windsor’s popular Bluesfest on two different occasions, has played the Tecumseh Cornfest for three consecutive years and has played “a re- ally cool club in Toronto – an industry showcase at the “Hugh’s Room” and that was a biggie.” Last June he was featured at the Capitol Theatre downtown for the re- lease party of an extended play CD titled ‘Christian Vegh’, which is comprised entirely of his own material and is available on iTunes. “Christian Vegh Rocks the Capital Fundraiser donated all proceeds to 5 local scholarships. The Windsor Youth Orchestra was also on hand and was famed artist Paul Murray, who grew up in the Tecumseh area. His paintings which were done to the beat of the music, were later sold at a silent auction. Most recently, after being nominated by the Windsor Musicians’ Union, Christian was given the American Federation of Musicians’ Diversity award which recognizes musical achievement combined with a per- former’s charity work in the community.
With the approach of 2017, Vegh has some concrete goals: he’s definitely doing more gigs in the United States, he’s wrap- ping up one recording session hoping to do a full-length album with his own compositions on which he’s currently working. He flew out to California to record with Stacey Heydon (David Bowie’s band), drummer Gregg Bissonette (Ringo Star band) and bass Matt Bissonette (Elton John’s band). There is another project that is in the works with a Motown legend and Christian and Christie Palazzolo are working on a single together. “I’m going to do a lot of guitar playing,” he adds, “but I really want to concentrate on my writing and work on my vocals, which are very important.” And like most musicians, Christian wants to have a number one hit on the pop-rock charts, eventually leading to a Grammy award.
Christian Vegh knows what he wants and he realizes that his natural talent and hard work will one day earn him the recognition and success that performers crave. There is no arrogance about this young man. Relatively soft-spoken, polite and relatively humble, he’s still firmly in charge of his future. “I’ve had nothing but the best support from the people of Windsor and I’m super, super grateful for that….it’s probably what has contributed most to my success,” he adds.
If you want to hear and see what this young man can do, simply Google his name and be prepared to be amazed! - Windsor Life Magazine Pg. 34-36

Glenn Fricker of the SpectreSoundStudio YouTube channel took the matter up for this video.
“This guitar is known for being played by blues, jazz and rock guitar players,” he notes, pointing out that its users have included Jeff Beck, Mark Knopfler and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
“So we know that this guitar is great for blues, rock and jazz,” “but does the bright twangy sound lend itself to metal?”
To demonstrate, he brings in Christian Vegh to play some metal on a Standard Telecaster as well as on a Jim Root Signature Telecaster loaded with EMG humbuckers for comparison. The guitars are tuned to drop A and played through a Revv Generator 120 MKII.
“One of the fiercest-sounding guitars I’ve ever had come in was a Tele loaded with the Seymour Duncan Hot Rail,” Fricker says. “I tried to track that guitar down, but unfortunately I wasn’t able to locate it.”
Check out the video below, and visit Glenn’s SpectreSoundStudios channel on YouTube for more of his videos. - Guitar World

This Kid’s Cover Of Rush’s “Spirit Of Radio” Is One Of The Best We’ve Ever Seen! | Society Of Rock Videos

Images via (L) img.rush.com (R) YouTube channel Christian Vegh

This Kid Is Going Places!

Without a doubt, Rush are the most technical band in music history! The Canadian trio’s songs are complex musically and lyrically, and are some of the hardest songs to cover and duplicate.

However, there are some people out there who have just enough skill and talent to come close to matching the “Holy trio.” Take for example this kid, 16-year old Christian Vegh. Like Rush, Vegh is from Canada, and was performing at the Windsor Blues Festival. To close out his set, Vegh stepped up to the plate and took on Rush’s spirit of the radio. His cover was near perfection, as he did an amazing job shredding the guitar part, and his voice matched up very closely to the great Geddy Lee! Although the crowd seemed a little dead during the performance, when the song finished not an audience member was left in their seat! They gave him a well-deserved standing ovation.

Check out Christian’s awesome cover down below, and show him some love by checking out his other videos and subscribing to his YouTube page!
www.societyofrock.com - Society of Rock

2016 Biz X International Magazine Annual Awards
“Artist of the Year” – Christian Vegh
“Artist of The Year” (singer, painter, musician, sculptor, band, actor)
Christian Vegh is well on his way to becoming a big “Rockstar” but he never forgets his Canadian roots and frequently plays at area festivals like “Bluesfest Windsor”
And the Biz X Award goes to ….Christian Vegh (christianvegh.com) is known as a guitar prodigy both in the community and internationally. Upon receiving a guitar in Grade 6, he began taking lessons in Grade 9 and had his first paid performance at the age of 15. He is a solos artist and lead vocalist/lead guitarists/songwriter for the Christian Vegh Band. Recently, Vegh was awarded the 2016 “Charles McDaniel Award” from the American Federation & Canadian Federation of Musicians which is giving out every three years to a musician 16 to 35 years old and is awarded for creativity, innovation and excellence in music. He was also honoured in 2016 for his talents when he was inducted into the “Brotherhood of The Guitar” given to the top 16 guitarists under 21 internationally. He has also won countless other local, national and international awards for his musical abilities. In 2015, he received scholarships from the American Federation of Musicians, Berklee College of Music in Boston, University of Windsor, Long & McQuade and several more. He recently recorded a new CD in California with a number of first class musicians – Stacy Heydon, who toured with David Bowie; Gregg Bissonette (currently on tour with Ringo Star); and Matt Bissonette (currently on tour with Elton John). “Christian is the next Stevie Ray Vaughan”, believes Judge Lefebvre. “He is such a high caliber artist. He’s just outstanding.” And this young artist is already focused on using his talents to give back in many ways, with more than 300 hours of community service under his belt. He recently hosted an event with the Windsor Symphony Orchestra called “Christian Vegh Rocks The Capitol” to raise money for five scholarships for the University of Windsor, St. Clair College and the Windsor Youth Symphony Orchestra and Education Fund. Although the Berklee student travels far and wide to perform with his talents, he always returns to Windsor Essex to be involved with and do whatever he can for his community. He is involved with several social justice and activism initiatives, from giving back to those living in poverty to helping raise funds to buy musical instruments for schools needing them, to working with students with special needs. Vegh has performed at many festivals and venues such as “NAAM” (the world’s largest music gear expo) in Anaheim, California; BB King’s Blues Club in Nashville; The Berklee Performance Center in Boston; International Music Festival in New York; 4th Wall Productions – Joy Theatre; Sonny Rhodes Induction into the Canadian Blues Hall of Fame and many more. He has also shared the stage with performers such as Steve Vai, Scott Holt and Susan McNeil. He’s a class act that Windsor Essex is proud to call one of their own. - Biz X International Magazine

LaSalle-raised guitar prodigy Christian Vegh has another addition to his growing list of accolades: An award from the American Federation of Musicians.

Last week, 19-year-old Vegh was named the recipient of the AFM’s 2016 Charles McDaniel Youth Award at the federation’s 100th convention in Las Vegas.

The award is given out every three years to recognize musicians between the ages 16 and 35 who have shown great promise.

Nominations are submitted by union officials (Vegh belongs to Local 566, the Windsor Federation of Musicians).

Vegh is currently enrolled at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.

You can see him perform for free next Saturday (July 2) at Cosmos lounge inside Caesars Windsor (377 Riverside Dr. E.).

He’s also playing the main stage of Bluesfest Windsor on July 16.

Visit www.christianvegh.com.

Dalson Chen, Windsor Star
More from Dalson Chen, Windsor Star
Published on: June 27, 2016 | Last Updated: June 27, 2016 5:03 PM - Windsor Star

Cover and Feature article of "Christian Vegh Rocks the Capital" event. Christian Vegh launched his second CD with this interactive Music/Art/Photography Event and fundraiser. Special guest Paul Murray performed a speed Art Performance and Christian performed with his band and the Symphony. All profits were donated to 5 scholarships for the community (The University of Windsor Music Program; St. Clair College Performance Theatre Program/St. Clair College Sound Production; two Windsor Youth Symphony Scholarships and the Windsor Symphony youth Education Fund) - Biz X International Magazine

Feature article on Christian Vegh being named to the "Brotherhood of the Guitar" top 16 guitarists internationally under 21 years. The Brotherhood of the Guitar is sponsored by Ernie Ball and Guitar Center and is the brainchild of Robert Knight featured in the documentary "Rock Prophesies" Rock 'n' roll photographer Robert M. Knight photographs legendary rock bands and tries to find the world's best guitar player. To see his Brotherhood interview with Robert Knight in Las Vegas check out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cEHFiDh5jLI - The Lakeshore News

Mike McCann, the president of the Canada South Blues Society, describes Chritian Vegh as the future of blues.
Christian Vegh, an acclaimed local guitar virtuoso. Flattered by McCann’s comments, Vegh told The Square the blues will always be alive and well. As to his future endeavours, he plans to produce a jazz fusion album to carry on from his classic jazz training..... - The Windsor Square

Christian Vegh Interview for the AFM Charles McDaniels Award - CKLW AM 800

"Christian Vegh Rocks the Capital" Interview Feature with Dan McDonald - Bell Media

- International Musician
2016 Diversity Committee Report to the 100th AFM Convention
by Lovie Smith-Wright, President of Local 65-699 and Diversity Committee Chair

The Diversity Committee had a full agenda at the 100th AFM Convention. Following is a summary of the committee’s activities.
As a follow-up from our 2013 convention, the first presentation of the Diversity Committee at the 100th AFM Convention was the Women’s Caucus, Monday evening, June 20. There were 28 delegates and guests present. The caucus lasted approximately 75 minutes.
Topics of discussion included interest in seeing a permanent subcommittee of the Diversity Committee to represent women. It would be tasked to come together in support of the union’s agenda on organizing, legislative-political work, and job actions. There was a desire to have a women’s caucus meet more often than every three years. It was noted that, since 2019 will be the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage, perhaps a part of that AFM Convention might focus on womens’ contributions to the labor movement and society in general. Our gratitude goes out to Diversity Committee Member and Local 6 Secretary-Treasurer Beth Zare for organizing and chairing the meeting.
The next order of convention business for the Diversity Committee was the presentation of the 2016 Diversity Awards on Tuesday, June 21. The two awardees selected by a non-AFM committee of labor leaders were:
Ashleigh Gordon, recipient of the Charles Walton Diversity Advocate Award. Gordon is a member of Local 9-535 (Boston, MA). Congratulations to Gordon, Local 9-535 Pat President Hollenbeck, and members of the local.
Christian Vegh received the Charles McDaniel Youth Award. Vegh is a member of the AFM Local 566 (Windsor, ON). Congratulations to Vegh, Local 566 President Christopher Borshuk, and members of the local.
The committee met later to watch a Diversity Awards video produced by Assistant to the President and Director of AFM Freelance & Membership Development Paul Sharpe during the 2010 Convention. It includes statements from members of the 2010 Diversity Committee that provide insight for the newest members of the Diversity Committee. It also outlined the committee’s progress in an effort to create a bridge to where the AFM needs to go.
Pix -Christian Vegh
Local 566 (Windsor, ON) member Christian Vegh (right) receives the Charles McDaniel Youth Award from Diversity Committee Chair Lovie Smith-Wright, while AFM Legislative-Political and Diversity Director Alfonso Pollard (left) looks on.
Committee members expressed their desire to organize around important issues that will further the advancement of the Federation. In an effort to create a contemporary roadmap, each committee member was asked to express what was important to them concerning diversity, so that we would have all concerns and issues on the table for presentation to the development subcommittee and to the AFM International Executive Board.
The Diversity Committee was very active in the 100th AFM Convention. Of special note is that the group, not only met as a committee, but several members of the Diversity Committee also served on the Law, Finance, Organization & Legislation, and Small Locals committees.
I was appointed earlier this year by AFM President Ray Hair to serve on the 2017 Planning Committee for the AFL-CIO MLK Civil and Human Rights Conference, sponsored by the Civil, Human, and Women’s Rights Division of the AFL-CIO. I was also elected as an alternate delegate to the AFL-CIO Convention.
A Development Committee was created as a subcommittee of the Diversity Committee. It is made up of the AFM Director of Diversity plus two members from each of the following: the original Diversity Council; the 2003 Diversity Committee, which became the first standing committee of the AFM; and the newest members since the 2013 AFM Convention.
The Development Committee will plan how to work and implement the ideas and concerns that have been discussed. Its focus will be on engaging musicians of color in all AFM jurisdictions. They will use the Diversity mission statement and position papers as guides so that the Diversity Committee remembers why it was created. - International Musician Magazine

Video of Christian Vegh's interview and performance by Julian Revin - Windsor Star

Christian Vegh might just be 18 years old but he's a wiz on the six-string, and his skills are gaining attention in his hometown of Windsor and across the border.

"The last two years have really been the pinnacle of the challenge to be a musician," Vegh told CBC Radio's Afternoon Drive. "I've really been struggling to find myself in music and I've really been working hard at my playing and my singing."

When Vegh was 16 and a student at Assumption College Catholic School, he played his guitar with skill beyond his years. The school named him their Jazz Musician of the Year. But even better, Vegh was named an outstanding soloist at international music competitions in New York and Nashville.

This weekend, he's earned a coveted spot playing Bluesfest Windsor. He said he'll be bringing, well, a guitar, among other things — and a two-person band.

"I'm really excited I get to work with these two guys, [drummer Taylor Younis and bassist Keith Wilkinson]," he said. "It's professionalism all the time and it's really, really great."

Vegh has been spending some time preparing for his weekend gig, but he's also been busy working on new projects. He wrote and recorded his first EP.

"That was my first time ever and having to prepare and also record the music that I've written. It was a really different experience," he said.

That EP caught the attention of some of Vegh's influences, like Alex Lifeson from Rush, who told him to never stop playing.

But it really hit Vegh when he heard from his favourite guitarist, Joe Bonamassa. It's his dream to one day share the stage with the American blues master.

"Joe called up his greatest inspiration, Eric Clapton, up on stage," he said. "I hope I make it there one day and I'll call Joe up."

When it comes to developing that unique sound, he's not quite sure he's there yet.

"I honestly couldn't tell you," he said with a laugh. "I'm finding that sound ... It's very elusive. It's a massive field that you have to find yourself in."

In the fall, Vegh will make the move to Boston, where he received a scholarship to attend the Berklee College of Music.

The Christian Vegh Band are scheduled to play the 4:10 p.m. slot this Sunday at Bluesfest Windsor. - CBC News

Christian Vegh is featured on the first cover of this magazine and three page feature story of the guitar prodigy. Christian and Red Legacy was the Headline performance at the Magazines Launch Party. A collectable card of Christian Vegh's Magazine cover photo on the front and career highlights on the back was given out with the first edition of the Magazine. - Local Stream Magazine

Feature article on Christian Vegh as role model to youth through music - Boom Magazine

CBC - Bob Steele Interview Feature of Christian Vegh - CBC - Bob Steele The Afternoon Drive

Life comes with strings attached for Christian Vegh.

The Red Legacy guitarist’s ability to make those strings produce such sweet sounds earned him one of three scholarships available this summer to the Steve Vai Music Academy in Saratoga, N.Y.

Vai, a three-time Grammy winner who has sold 15 million records, brought in several of music’s top guitar players to immerse the 150 attendees from around the world in the ways of the music industry from playing techniques to song writing/recording and publishing.

“I got to meet some of my favourite guitar players,” said the 17-year-old Vegh, who formed Red Legacy with drummer McKenzie Burrows a year ago.

“Guthrie Govan is one of my real favourites.

“Steve really made himself available. They’ve been doing this so long, they really know their stuff.”

Vegh was able to land the scholarship as a result of his work with Michigan-based Reach Out and Engage.

He won a songwriting contest for the organization’s campaign against addictive behaviour among youths with Red Legacy’s tune There Goes the World. He also met the criteria of being an honour student and free of any addictive behaviours.

He’s also featured on the campaign’s posters and literature.

Vegh, who will make public speaking appearances beginning this fall for the organization, sees a natural fit between his new role and music.

“I don’t know if I see myself as a role model, but I’m OK with it,” Vegh said.

“I’ve done some public speaking already and it’s easier than playing for an audience. Playing and singing is a lot more complex.”

The complexity of the music profession — both creatively and business-wise — became clearer at Vai’s academy.

However, Vegh’s lasting memories are the nightly jam sessions with his guitar heroes and listening to them explain how they create the magic of their craft.

“The recording seminars were really interesting,” said Vegh, who has found his band mentioned in flattering tweets and emails from such musical heavyweights as the late Dick Wagner (writer/guitarist for Alice Cooper, Lou Reed and KISS), Rush co-founder Alex Lifeson and Blues guitarist Joe Bonamassa.

“Music is complicated but when you introduce the recording process, it really gets complicated. We saw all the tricks, crazy things you can do in the studio.”

Vegh, who was asked by Via’s manager for a copy of the four-song CD the band released last month, also picked up valuable songwriting tips.

“Everyone has their own approach,” Vegh said. “You find a way to where the song wants to go. Let it lead itself.”

That advice somewhat describes Vegh’s own musical journey.

The Assumption student has grown up with music, especially on his father Ken Vegh’s side of the family. The elder Vegh plays several instruments and sings as does most everyone in his family.

The Vegh family tree even has a limb that includes the famed Austrian composer Franz Schubert.

“I think growing up with music is the seed for most musicians,” said Vegh, who was inspired to get his first guitar after watching the movie School of Rock.

“Then there’s the hard work that’s required in music. That’s what I wanted to know most from guys like Steve and Guthrie, how they practise and their practice schedule.”

Though Red Legacy made its debut only a year ago, the duo is starting to get calls from record companies, managers and lawyers interested in representing them. The band is already booked for next year’s Ohio Bluesfest and will be involved this fall in a plan to get more music into Windsor schools as well as a project with St. Clair College and Blackburn Radio.

This weekend there’s a meeting set with a Toronto-based record company interested in buying some of Red Legacy’s songs.

“We want to get some studio time to record and get more shows outside the area,” said Vegh of future plans.

“But right now, we’re focused on our festival dates and making sure we play a good show.”

Next on the band’s list of performances, which feature original material along with covers of songs by Rush, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix among others, will be as the opening act for the Tecumseh Cornfest’s headliners Down With Webster Aug. 22.


Dave Waddell, Windsor Star
More from Dave Waddell, Windsor Star
Published on: August 17, 2014 | Last Updated: August 17, 2014 8:05 PM EDT - The Windsor Star

A Windsor guitarist has the talent for a big career but first he's got to graduate from high school.

Last Saturday night I was asked to induct blues musician Sonny Rhodes into the Canada South Blues Museum.
That night there was an opening act featuring three young musicians from Windsor.
Normally, when you see this you think, isn't that nice giving the kids a little experience on the stage.
The band was called West Palm Blues Band with a 15 year old drummer and guitarist and a twelve year old bass player.
Well, once they started the house went nuts.
These kids could play and it turns out that the guitarist Christian Vegh is already getting a lot of attention for his skill and talent.
He's in grade ten, in the International Baccalaureate program at Assumption high School.
I visited him at his home in LaSalle last night. (runs 8:41) click link to listen to full interview - CBC - The Bridge

Feature article - Christian Vegh becomes Role Model and Spokesperson - The LaSalle Post

Feature article - Christian Vegh wins scholarship to Steve Vai's Song Evolution Academy and becomes role model and spokesperson - The Shoreline

By Matt Weingarden
Staff Reporter
For Christian Vegh, the thrill has only just begun. Imagine at age 16 being invited to play the guitar live at B.B. King’s Blues Club in Nashville....

Friday, April 5, 2013 - The Windsor Star