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Artscene Oakville Beaver · FRIDAY, JANUARY 19, 2007 25 Linstead needs fan support for Smooth Jazz Award Oakville flamenco guitarist looking for first Canadian music award By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF Johannes Linstead's name has been on the ballot for Guitarist of the Year since the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards were founded three years ago. As the local flamenco musician put it, "Here's hoping the third time's a charm." While Linstead has been recognized with a slew of American awards over the years, the Oakville native has never won a Canadian Smooth Jazz Award ­ or even an award in Canada, for that matter. "I do probably 90 per cent of my CD sales in the U.S., I guess because I've been signed to American record companies and they do most of their promoting down there," Linstead said of his popularity south of the border. "That's why I'm hoping to win this nice Canadian award in recognition of my home country." The T.A. Blakelock grad, who was recently inducted into his high school's Hall of Fame, is relying on fans to make that happen. "It's based on fan votes, that's why I'm hoping to get all the good people of Oakville behind me on this," said Linstead. He's up against other Canadian guitarists Dave Dunlop, Rik Emmett, Etric Lyons, Ian Martin and Pavlo. Since Linstead began performing professionally in 1999, the singer-songwriter has won three "best album awards," written and recorded four top-ten charting albums, and had topten radio airplay. He is now recognized as one of the best-selling guitarists and composers in the flamenco genre. It's Linstead's experience with many different cultures, he says, that provides inspiration for his music. "My inspiration comes from my travels to stranger to the charts. All of his albums have appeared on Billboard, including his 2004 record, Mediterranea, which reached the number six position and was also named Best World Album in the NAR Lifestyle Music Awards. In addition to the guitar, Linstead also plays a variety of different instruments, including piano, mandolin, bouzouki, bass, wood flute and various percussion pieces. After touring in the U.S., he plans on bringing his show back home to Oakville in May. Linstead's other plans include starting up a new company that's currently in the works called Divine Earth. "I want to put a percentage of my CD sales and concert revenue towards Divine Earth, which promotes peace, helps preserve the ecology and the environment," he said. "That's kind of where I want to move with my music, is I guess having a more global consciousness. Having it serve humanity in whatever capacity it can." For more on Johannes Linstead and to vote for him for Guitarist of the Year for the Canadian Smooth Jazz Awards, which are Friday, April 27 in Mississauga, visit www.johanneslinstead.com. Bellydancesmovement! The original women' OAKVILLE BEAVER FILE PHOTO Flamenco guitarist Johannes Linstead Spain, the Caribbean, Latin America, my love for hot weather, beaches and the ocean," he said. Adding to the various cultures are musicians from Columbia, Syria, Greece, Mexico, Russia, Venezuela, the Ukraine and India, who contribute to his albums. As for musicians who have influenced Linstead's music, there's a wide variety. "Even though I play Latin music, I'd say my biggest influence is still Mozart. I love classical music," he said. "Also Spanish composers like Tarrega, salsa music ­ I like to dance salsa." Linstead's latest recording, Café Tropical ­ his sixth album to date ­ has been his most successful yet, cracking the fourth position on the U.S. Billboard Magazine Music Charts in the New Age category. "It's very festive," Linstead said of the album, which is described as a `fiesta of Spanish guitar magic.' "It has a lot of Cuban rhythms. In fact, there's three musicians from Cuba included on the CD." The album marks the first time Linstead has cracked Billboard's top five, though he's no Want to learn the sultry, oh-so feminine moves of bellydance? To celebrate our opening month, we're offering a free beginner bellydance class each Saturday morning in January from 11:30am.-12:30pm. It's a great way to check out our class & our gorgeous studio that just oozes with the bellydance vibe. Limit one free class per person. Reservations essential. Call 416-414-1115. Visit us online at www.bellyup.ca & our blog at www.bellyupbellydance.blogspot.com We're located at 2464 Lakeshore Rd. 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