Guitarist Richard Gilewitz gave a performance at the Nolan Center last Tuesday night. Pictured here, Gilewitz plays with a brand new guitar built by Rob Goldberg of Haines.
Richard Gilewitz has been playing guitar for about 44 years, and has been touring for 34. He said that he has been to 49 states and 14 countries. Last Tuesday night Gilewitz made a visit to Alaska for the second time in his career with a performance at the Nolan Center. The show benefited Bear Fest, who sponsored the event.
"I love Alaska, it's stunning here," Gilewitz said before his performance.
Having travelled extensively, he said that Alaskans reminded him strongly of people living on the South Island of New Zealand. Both groups of people share a strong work ethic and resourcefulness that is unique, he said.
Gilewitz also mentioned that his appreciation for Southeast Alaska came from his new guitar, which made its debut performance that night at the Nolan Center. The guitar was built by Rob Goldberg, in Haines.
Before beginning his show, Gilewitz said he was very fortunate to have the career that he does. He worked for several years in the computer industry before switching to music. The pull of music was too strong to ignore, he said, and that he would have felt like a quitter if he had given it up. He added that super famous performers are one in a million, but for every one of them there are dozens of other musicians making a living playing music.
"Any artists who are working are a success," he said.
The show drew a crowd of all ages, and numerous jokes were laced between songs. Gilewitz left Wrangell the next day to head for a tour in Australia. More about him and his career can be found online at http://www.richardgilewitz.com.
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