A nationally known guitarist and composer will perform in Albert Lea on April 15 and be giving a guitar workshop the following day.

Billy McLaughlin will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 15 at the Lighthouse Event Center, and he will present a guitar workshop the following morning at 10 a.m. where he’ll explain altered tuning and finger tapping. The concert is in conjunction with the grand opening of Marshall Street Music.

“There’s a lot of different styles of guitar playing,” Marshall Street Music owner Merle Krause said. “He doesn’t hold his guitar traditionally.”

McLaughlin has done Christmas shows in Albert Lea before, but Krause is excited to have him performing his own compositions with his unique style.

“I just fell in love with his music,” Krause said. “Every time he comes back we have a bigger crowd.”

Krause is also inspired by McLaughlin’s story, because he had health problems that almost finished his career. In 2001, McLaughlin was diagnosed with focal dystonia, which is a nearomuscular disease that makes it difficult for him to use his right hand. A few years after his diagnosis he started the long, difficult journey of relearning guitar with his left hand, and now uses both.

“He’s starting his career over left-handed,” Krause said.

Krause met McLaughlin at another of his concerts and let him know about Marshall Street Music and the Lighthouse Event Center.

“He loves what we’re doing for the community,” Krause said.

April 11 is the start of the grand opening week for Marshall Street Music, and Krause hopes to have people come in and check out the space. The store includes a recording studio, practice rooms and a stage.

Tickets, please
When: concert at 7:30 p.m. April 15, workshop at 10 a.m. April 16
Where: Lighthouse Event Center, 621 Marshall St. in Albert Lea
Tickets: $15 in advance, $20 at the door, $25 for concert and workshop, $15 for workshop, available at Marshall Street Music, Hy-Vee and Stadheim Jewelers in Albert Lea or Coffee House on Main in Austin