Jack Hopfinger leads an acoustic guitar summit at the Triangle Inn every Tuesday night. The guitar circle is open to all musicians no matter what their skill level.
Written by
Dee Moore
Statesman Journal freelancer
Professional musician Jack Hopfinger has many musical influences: jazz, funk, blues, rock and fusion. He shares all of these every Tuesday night at a guitar summit hosted by the Triangle Inn, 3215 Liberty Road S.
The unplugged guitar circle is open to all musicians and draws beginners and professionals alike. It is an opportunity to share music and knowledge in an intimate setting.
"The idea came from a similar get-together," Hopfinger said.
"I was really intrigued by it," he said.
The summit gives beginners and intermediate players an opportunity to play and perform without the pressure of competing with professional musicians. In this setting they can participate and see that they are not alone in the learning curve.
"The acoustic summit is a great way to share songs and music with both musicians and non-musicians," he said. "We do it for free. We do it for fun. I don't make it where it's a lesson."
Hopfinger shares cords to the songs he plays and gives advice when asked.
"It's a big sing-along. They try to lead as best they can," he said.
He has musicians other than guitarists come to play. Recently a drummer show up and drummed on a bucket, and a saxophonist came on the same night to play along. He tries to keep the event inclusive though the focus is on guitars
Hopfinger plays the bass guitar and harmonica as well. He is a member of four bands: The Flextones, a classic rock band that plays originals and some covers; Hopfinger, a rock 'n' roll cover band; Pound For Pound, a funk, blues, fusion mix and Don't Know Jack, the house band at Mac's Place in Silverton.
When he isn't performing he teaches music at Weathers Music store where he rents studio space.
The 45-year-old California native came to Oregon in 1996 when friend and band mate John Chinburg returned home to Keizer. His parents had recently relocated to Ashland, which added to the appeal. After visiting Oregon he decided it was the place to be.
"I wanted a big change in my life," he said.
A graduate of the Chemeketa Community College automotive services program, Hopfinger never really felt at home with the 9 to 5 routine. His heart in his music.
Between the money earned from the gigs his bands play and teaching students, he was doing better than just making ends meet. He bought a home and no longer had to struggle to follow his muse.
"I never thought I could do this for a living," he said with a smile, still amazed at the idea. "You have to have faith in yourself."
Hopfinger expects to continue to play and perhaps tour with one of his bands.
He no longer expects to be the next Eric Clapton.
"My interest in fame has diminished over time," he said
Hopfinger has been playing music since he was 9 years old, playing in middle school through high school band, at block parties and in talent contests.
He learned music theory by playing standards by jazz masters, he said.
According to Hopfinger, music all began to make sense for him when he had a breakthrough.
"What really got the ball rolling for me was connecting the cords."
When this became second nature, talent took over. Now he tries to give this gift to the guitar summit participants as well as his students.
Copyright Statesman-Journal 2010
http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20100929/COMMUNITIES/10816000
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