Guitar society reaching out through music

From frenetic fingering, to the sweet sounds of a wedding processional, Daniel Roest makes his guitars sing.Classical guitar is like life's blood to Roest (pronounced "roost"), who has been playing his favorite instrument for decades."I got in to guitar lessons at age 6," he said. "When I was age 11, I saw classical Spanish guitarist Andres Segovia, and I couldn't imagine any other major in college." Armed with three degrees in music, including a Masters degree in Music Performance from San Jose State University, Roest has performed professionally at hundreds of events.It stands to reason, then, that he would lead the South Bay Guitar Society in San Jose, and since 2008, the Sacramento Guitar Society.Music lovers' demand for classical guitar is high, as evidenced by an almost sold out Oct. 1 performance that helps kick off the new season at Three Stages."This is the first time that we've put together a six-show series of classical guitar concerts," Roest said.And the first performer, San Francisco guitarist Jon Mendle, is the perfect pick to give the series its start."This is our first full concert season of ticketed concerts," Roest said. "Our Three Stages performances will feature artists from all over the world, including Mexico, the Ukraine, and the U.S. Mendle is a member of the San Francisco Guitar Quartet, one of the most acclaimed guitar quartets in the world. These are high quality performers — people who teach at conservatories, people who write books about music, people who are composers."John Mendle is a big name in the classical guitar world, and he has toured with Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble. He has also released an album of solo guitar music, "L'Infidele." Yo-Yo Ma calls Mendle "a superb musician who plays with a blissful touch". It's bliss that concert attendees are sure to expect — and receive at each of the six concerts, which culminates in June 2012 with William Kanengiser, founder and current member of the Grammy-winning Los Angeles Guitar Quartet.But gathering the world's most famous classical guitarists isn't the only goal Roest has for the Guitar Society. Offering a one-stop cyberspace shop — a website where guitar enthusiasts or musicians, or those who are looking for musical events — can find local performances, music teachers, and learn about what's going on in Northern California when it comes to guitars, is key for the society."Our goal is to be a self-sustaining guitar society that fully serves the Sacramento region and that networks with guitar societies throughout the country. Since 2008 we have quadrupled our membership," Roest said. "We're just upping the energy of classical guitar — on the most popular instrument in the world."Events like monthly meetings, open mic nights, and First Friday mini concerts at area coffee shops and other venues serve as treats to classical guitar lovers, and an introduction to those who are new to the musical style.Roest enjoys performing as well, and plays at weddings, private events, and at venues like the Lick Observatory in the Bay Area.When Roest isn't busy performing, or working on the society's website, he teaches full time at a studio in his Folsom home. Surrounded by speakers, guitars, a mixing board, and thousands of CD's, which range from his own music, students' performances, and favorite guitarists, Roest knows that instilling the love of guitar is one of the most important things he can do to foster the future of music. "Kids can begin playing tunes for their families after three months of lessons, and I've had some students working with me for almost a decade. It's very rewarding for me to be able to teach students at higher levels," Roest said.* * *In The Know:Sacramento Guitar Society presents Jon MendleWhen: 8 p.m. Oct. 1Where: Three Stages at Folsom Lake College, 10 College Parkway, FolsomTickets: $15 - $50Information: Threestages.net or sacramentoguitarsociety.org