Mike Dowling in concert

When the late, great Vassar Clements heard Mike Dowling play guitar back in 1975 he did the sensible thing. He hired him. Mike was the guitarist in Vassar's first touring band and Clements called him simply "One of the finest guitarists there is, anywhere". Before embarking on a solo career, Mike also worked and recorded with mandolinist Jethro Burns and jazz violin great Joe Venuti. But in 1995 after years in various ensembles and a successful stint as a Nashville songwriter, Mike packed up his guitars and his fishing gear and moved from Nashville, Tennessee to a little mountain town in northwest Wyoming where he and his wife opened Wind River Guitar, a unique residency school for private master instruction. Mike continues to write and record from his Wyoming retreat and maintains a busy tour schedule performing and teaching throughout the world. He's released eight critically-acclaimed albums on his Wind River Guitar label and shares a Grammy for his contribution to a Henry Mancini compilation recording called Pink Guitar. From bottleneck blues to vintage jazz, Mike draws inspiration from deep in the musical bag of American roots guitar. His understated mastery of all things six-stringed, coupled with an engaging voice, a self-deprecating wit and an arsenal of elegant guitar interpretations has firmly secured his place among the musical masters of his generation. Tickets available at the door: $15 for adults, $10 seniors/students. Event includes a wine and cheese reception. For more details, visit http://www.welcomestpat.org/solas-leighis-concerts/ or call (704) 663-5659. Saint Patrick’s is located at 164 Fairview Road in Mooresville.