New Interview - KHOI 89.1FM 8/1/19

Recently I was interviewed on 89.1 FM KHOI (Central IA) for Stephanie Bates' show "Love of Music".  I played some of my own songs, and shared a few of my favorites by others. We talked about songwriting, the blues, playing guitar, teaching music, music history, as well as my new Ritchie Valens book, Ritchie's music and the Winter Dance Party.

The interview is available on my Interview page at http://www.ryansheeler.com/interviews

*NEW* Book Release: Ritchie Valens book 6/25/19

New Book Release:  Ritchie Valens book 6/25/19 

https://www.halleonard.com/product/292570/ritchie-valens

http://www.ritchievalens.com

http://c3entertainment.com

New book spotlights Ritchie Valens’ guitars and playing style

Ritchie Valens: His Guitars and Music is the new book by guitarist and author Ryan Sheeler available from Centerstream Publishing (distributed by Hal Leonard Inc.).   The book spotlights the guitars and playing style of Ritchie Valens; the first nationally famous Latino rock star.   Valens was a talented young singer and performer but was also a very skilled guitarist.  Many who knew and worked with him attested to his talent and skill on the instrument.  

 

Ritchie Valens: His Guitars and Music looks at Ritchie’s guitars that he owned and used both live and in the studio.  The book is filled with photographs of Ritchie, his instruments, commentary from musicians with whom he played and sanctioned by Ritchie Valens’ estate. The book also offers a new transcription of “La Bamba” with guitar tablature of Ritchie’s iconic guitar riffs and solo – with a bonus transcription of the guitar solo from Los Lobos’ version on the 1987 film soundtrack.   The book includes an audio portion where Sheeler discusses and performs the guitar riffs and solos of "La Bamba” in a full band setting.

Ryan Sheeler is Lecturer in the Department of Music at Iowa State University where he teaches the History of Rock ‘n’ Roll and performs as a guitarist in the Central Iowa area.

Ritchie Valens: His Guitars and Music is available through Centerstream Publishing and Hal Leonard, Inc.

*Pre-Release* - Ritchie Valens guitar book

*Pre-Release* - I am very excited that my new guitar book on Ritchie Valens will be released in a few weeks from Centerstream Publishing. More info to come in a few weeks. Pre-Release press info below.

Pre-Release link from C3 Entertainment

 

 

ISU Spring Musical 2019 - Godspell

ISU Spring Musical time is here! Shows are the next two weekends. I play these from time to time when I get asked and this year I'll be on guitar in the pit band. Tickets available now!

https://www.music.iastate.edu/productions/2018-2019/godspell

NEW BOOK RELEASE: 4th Edition of From Bakersfield to Beale Street

NEW BOOK RELEASE (1 of 2 coming this year!): Very pleased to announce the brand new 4th Edition of From Bakersfield to Beale Street: A Regional History of American Rock 'n Roll from Kendall-Hunt Publishing. Very honored to work with Dr. David Stuart and the staff at Kendall-Hunt. I believe this is our best edition yet! Available now in Print and EBook form. I will also soon be listed on Amazon, Barnes and Noble and other booksellers.

https://he.kendallhunt.com/product/bakersfield-beale-street-regional-history-american-rock-n-roll-rockabilly-mtv

Week 2 - Ritchie Valens fundraiser

https://www.hatchfund.org/project/hi_tones_the_guitars_and_music_of_ritchie_valens

Week 2 of my fundraiser for my Ritchie Valens book project has started. My sincere thanks to all who have given already! The fundraising goes through September 30th so there is still time. If you are a fan of early rock guitar and history, and especially are a Ritchie fan, please consider donating to my project, and help contribute to the Valens legacy. Several perks are available, and all are tax-deductible. Please let me know if you have questions. Sample chapters are available on request.

Ritchie Valens Book Project Fundraiser - Hatchfund launch August - September 2018

https://www.hatchfund.org/project/hi_tones_the_guitars_and_music_of_ritchie_valens

Dear friends and colleagues,

For almost three years I have been researching and compiling my new book project about the guitars and music of Ritchie Valens.  As many of you know I teach History of Rock n’ Roll for Iowa State and I also attend the annual Winter Dance Party in Clear Lake Iowa which is the tribute weekend to Buddy Holly, Ritchie and the Big Bopper.  I have been a fan of Ritchie’s music over the years and in my research and teaching, I believe that Ritchie didn’t get quite enough credit as a guitarist among other legends of the era like Chuck Berry, Bo Diddley, Carl Perkins, Buddy Holly, Cliff Gallup, Scotty Moore, Duane Eddy and others.  I have met Connie Valens, Ritchie’s sister, and she has helped me tremendously, and introduced me to many special people.  This is will be a great project; the draft is already complete.  For the next phase; this is where I need your support.

This week marks my launch campaign with Hatchfund. This soft launch period 7/31 – 8/5,  is crucial to adding momentum and the perception that this project is already off to a great start. When the video appeal goes public on August 5th, the goal is to already have reached close to $2200 or 20% of the stretch goal. The public appeal will run for just under 60 day or two months ending September 30^th, 2018.   It is fine to share the link below with friends but please do not post on any social media until the public launch, Monday August 5th.

So please take a moment to watch the video and decide if you would like to continue to be a part of this exciting project.

There are many giving levels, from $30 on up, each with their own set of perks. And don't forget, that every donation is tax deductible!      I am excited to have you all be a part of my new book project and grateful for your generous contributions.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me directly.