It’s on Wednesdays from 6pm-10pm and is called the Acoustic Guitar Masters Australia radio show.

“Andrew Farr, the station manager, is a terrific fellow and has given me the opportunity to develop a radio show that features amazing musicians from all over the world,” Matty said.

“We do live pickings with touring artists, as well as host live interviews with international artists and all of this can be listened to from anywhere in the world as the

station has live internet

streaming.”

If you want to catch up with Matty on air, visit www.greatlakesfm.org.au each Wednesday evening from 6.

As well as the impending arrival of Marli Zarb, his weekly radio show and the upcoming Lizotte’s concert and live recording, Lesley and Matty are hatching something else that’s new and exciting – they are in the process of developing a permanent concert series, Acoustic Guitar Masters

Australia.

This is all based around a series of concerts Matty was part of in Kentucky USA during his time over there with brother Pauly.

Back in 2002 Matty and Pauly moved to Bardstown Kentucky and while playing in a smoky bar called Joe’s Bluegrass Tavern they met two people instrumental in bringing some fantastic music and opportunities their way – Eddie Mattingley and his partner, Carol Reesor.

Eddie and Carol host Acoustic Guitar Masters, with the most noted guitar player being Australia’s own Tommy Emmanuel.

This series, now in its 10th year, has brought an amazing array of equally incredible virtuoso guitarists from all over the world to Kentucky. It is now listed as one of the best things to do in Kentucky. So if you’re planning a visit, check out www.acousticguitar

masters.com before you go.

Eddie invited the brothers to the Chet Atkins Appreciation Concert and for two days they heard the crème de la crème of incredible players – all in one spot.

Eddie asked Matty to perform on the bill as an “Acoustic Guitar Master” and after initially saying yes, and feeling way out of his depth, Matty’s life changed that night.

“It changed my thought pattern forever. I was in a really hard time of my life and the fact that Eddie believed in me and my guitar playing enough to offer me a spot made me finally believe in myself and my guitar playing to become even better and play tunes I only dreamed of playing,” he said.

“The best thing he said to me when I rang having a bad day, homesick and all, was : ‘Matty the only fella who failed was the one who gave up’.”

It is with Carol and Eddie’s inspiration (and blessing) that Matty and Lesley are creating the Australian Acoustic Guitar Masters in venues from Sydney to the Gold Coast. See some of their venues, hosts and players at www.acousticguitarmasters

austr alia.com