YouTube Sensation Takes Shamisen Playing Seriously

I have tried to pick up the guitar a few times now, and even though there are millions of self help guides and hundreds of people out there who give lessons, it still seems to get the better of me every time. I guess some people just have it, and others don't. Now try to learn the shamisen, at least in the United States, and good luck getting all the resources you need!

From Stacy Nick; Fort Collins Coloradoan:

It would be easy to write off shamisen player Kevin Kmetz as a novelty act if all you knew were his YouTube covers of Led Zeppelin tunes and performances with his side project God of Shamisen. But hear him performing minyos (Japanese folk songs), and you'd realize Kmetz is a lot more than a guy with a gimmick.

Sure, an American-born guy with long hair and a kimono playing Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog" on a Japanese three-stringed lute is a good way to catch people's attention. But Kmetz has trained with some of the world's most renowned shamisen players, and his love for this instrument is clear from the first note.

Ok so I wont be trying to pick up the shamisen anytime soon, but that doesnt mean I dont want to watch. Kevin Kmetz and his band, Monsters of Shamisen will be performing at CSU tonight, and all the info is below! Enjoy!

Monsters of Shamisen

When: 7:30 p.m. (performance followed by a Meet-the-Artist Reception) Tuesday, Feb. 22
Where: University Center for the Arts, Organ Recital Hall, 1400 Remington St., Fort Collins.
Cost: $12 general admission; $7 for CSU students; and $1 for those 17 and younger (advanced ticket purchase recommended to avoid additional fees at the door).
Information:(970) 491-2787 or www.CSUArtsTickets.com