Take a journey to the fascinating world where form and function are transformed into music. Instrument making embraces everything from simple homemade instruments and quirky eccentricities to highly-sophisticated designs. Playmakers is a rare opportunity to witness fi rst-hand how instrument makers arrive at their designs.

Over one weekend these master craftspeople present, perform and discuss their musical creations. Playmakers 2008 focuses on mandolins but includes other instruments such as guitar, ukulele and recorder.

Bring your ideas, your inspiration and - if you like - your instrument!

Featured Playmakers are:

Mike Compton (USA) Modern master of the bluegrass mandolin and known for his hard-driven, intense style, Compton is one of the world's most recognised and respected mandolin voices.

Steve Gilchrist (Australia) A highly sought-after mandolin maker, Gilchrist spent many years in the USA researching and working on classic instruments. He now makes for some of the world's leading mandolin players.

Mic Conway (Australia) Be it rubber-glove bassoon, tea-pot violin or tin-can banjo, Conway performs across Australia mixing circus, music, magic and mayhem.

Mike Silverman (USA) A classically trained award-winning bassist, Silverman developed his ‘magic pipe' - a system of electronically wired steel plumbing, shaped like a harp with a single bass string. A truly original one-man show!

Genevieve Lacey (Australia) Recorder virtuoso Lacey's vast repertoire ranges from intimate chamber concerts to orchestra performances. She has won an ARIA for best classical recording.

Joanne Saunders (Australia) Specialising in making baroque recorders after J Steenbergen (Amsterdam 18th century), Jo uses a range of exotic woods including Australian native mulga species.

Scott Wise (Australia) Margaret River luthier Scott Wise has been repairing and making stringed instruments for over 30 years, with a highly-respected reputation for guitars and mandolins.

Paul Duff (Australia) A gifted instrument maker and player, Paul combines rare insight into the intricacies of modern mandolin construction with a love of traditional bluegrass.

•  

• When

  Fri 15–Sun 17 Feb,
  

• Where

   The Eclipse Building (WA Museum, Albany)

  Close

  The Eclipse Building (WA Museum, Albany)

• Price

  • Playmakers Concert $30

• Festival Info

  6488 5555

• Other Info

  Information 9841 5756
  
  Fri 15 Feb: FREE Opening event 6pm
  
  Sat 16 Feb: FREE Presentations
  10-11am - Scott Wise
  11.15am-21.15pm - Paul Duff
  11am-12.30pm - Mic Conway
  1-2pm - Mike Compton & Steve Gilchrist
  2.15-3.15 -That1Guy
  3.30-4.30pm - Genevieve Lacey & Jo Saunders
  5-6pm - Tom Hall & Mix Artists
  
  Sat 16 Feb: Concert 7.30pm
  
  Sun 17 Feb: FREE Master Sessions 12 noon
  
  Sun 17 Feb: FREE Warm Down at Tanglehead 3pm