RIVERS MUSIC
Performances and Workshops
Dynamic and engaging as both a performer and clinician, Brian has spent a lifetime entertaining, informing, and engaging audiences.
Brian is available as a performing artist or workshop clinician.
Interested in having Brian appear at your event as either a performer or clinician? Contact Brian
Clinic Topics:
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Accessible “Music Theory” for all!
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Blues Unleashed
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Country Double Stops and Bends
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Creative Chord Voicings for Guitar
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Creative Dominant Chord Use
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Demystifying Chords and Arpeggios
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Demystifying Dominant Functions
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Demystifying Major Keys
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Demystifying Minor Keys
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Demystifying the Notes on the Guitar
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Ecstatic Improvisation
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Elevate your Lyric Writing
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Elevate your Songwriting
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Exploring The Physics of Sound
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Get Your Groove on with Rhythm
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Guitar Hacks and Tricks
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How to Restring, Adjust, and Maintain Your Guitar
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How to use C-A-G-E-D
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Maximizing YouTube to Learn Music
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Playing Solo vs in a Group
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Reharmonizing 101
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Relax, there are no Wrong Notes!
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Simple Recording Tips and Tricks
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Sound Systems 101
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Strummer’s Delight
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Take Your Guitar Playing to “11!”
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The “Other” Chords
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The Art of Accompaniment
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To Scale or Not to Scale?
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Top 10 Musician Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
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Top Ten Guitar Techniques
​Upcoming Events...
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Friday, August 8, Cincinnati open tennis tournament 2 to 3 PM
I'll be performing with the amazing singer-songwriter Tracy Walker
Friday, August 8 Brio restaurant in Newport, 7 to 10 PM
I'll be performing with the amazing singer-songwriter Tracy Walker
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Saturday, August 9 Harmony Hill Winery in Bethel, OH 5 to 9 PM
I'll be performing with the amazing singer-songwriter Tracy Walker
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Sept. 28 - Oct.1 - Rivertunes Fall JAMboree 2025
I'll be here for three days leading a variety of workshops...
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Workshops - Times: TBA ​
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"Improvisation as Relaxation"
Open to all, this is an absolute don’t miss experience designed to help you relax and learn to play freely.
"Shell Voicings and 3-String Chord Voicings for the Guitar
Part 1"
This is a progressive workshop to help guitar players find new ways to play chords.
"Shell Voicings and 3-String Chord Voicings for the Guitar
Part 2"
This is part 2 of a progressive workshop to help guitar players find new ways to play chords.
"Strumming Workshop"
Open to all, this workshop will focus on techniques and patterns to bring your strumming to a new level.
"Songwriter’s Workshop"
Learn new techniques to improve your song and lyric writing.
"Maximizing Your Practice"
Open to all, this workshop gives you strategies and techniques to fast-track your musical practice routine.
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Be there, or be square!​
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Past Events...
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July 12th - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Brian & Al go on a musical adventure...
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This musically adventurous duo features Brian Rivers, a founding member of Mumbo Gumbo and a Sacramento Music Award (SAMMIE) “Hall of Fame” inductee, known for his enlightened and soulful style.
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Percussionist Al Vasquez, who has performed with Rounder Records, the Rob Ickes Trio, and numerous national and local artists, brings his exciting and heartfelt spirit to the music.
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Together, they take listeners on a boundless musical journey…
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Davis Wine Bar 611 2nd St, Davis, CA 95616 (530) 746-2313
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June 21st - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Area Musicians Bring the Great American Songbook to Life at Davis Wine Bar
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This musically adventurous trio features guitarist and New York native Gabe Stivala, who resides in Sacramento and performs with numerous local ensembles, including the Sacramento Philharmonic and the Opera Jazz Trio, as well as the Cahersiveen Celtic Band and others.
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Also featured is percussionist Al Vasquez, who has performed with Rounder Records, the Rob Ickes Trio, and numerous national and local artists. Vasquez is the bandleader of this ensemble.
Guitarist Brian Rivers, a founding member of Mumbo Gumbo and a Sacramento Music Award (SAMMIE) “Hall of Fame” inductee, rounds out the trio with his enlightened and soulful style.
Together, they take listeners on a boundless musical journey…
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Davis Wine Bar 611 2nd St, Davis, CA 95616 (530) 746-2313
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March 29th - 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm
Area Musicians Bring the Great American Songbook to Life at Davis Wine Bar
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Prepare for an unforgettable evening of musical exploration as some of the region’s finest improvisational musicians breathe new life into the Great American Songbook at Davis Wine Bar on Saturday, March 29, from 6:30 to 9:30 PM.
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Led by master percussionist and vocalist Al Vasquez, this group features Sacramento Area Music Award “Hall of Fame” inductee Brian Rivers (guitar), Gabe Stivala (guitar), an accomplished jazz guitarist with the Sacramento Philharmonic & Opera Jazz Trio, and multi-instrumentalist Eric LaBolle (guitar and bass).
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With deep roots in jazz, blues, and folk traditions, these musicians have graced festival stages and performed alongside area favorites Joe Craven, Rob Ickes, Nina Gerber, Laurie Lewis, Dave Nachmanoff, and Scott Nygaard. Now, they unite locally for one night only to bring their signature artistry and spontaneity to the intimate setting of Davis Wine Bar.
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Davis Wine Bar 611 2nd St, Davis, CA 95616 (530) 746-2313
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April 27-30 - Rivertunes Spring JAMboree 2025
Times -TBA
I'll be presenting FOUR DIFFERENT WORKSHOPS! (offered multiple times)
"Strummers Workshop"
"To Scale, or Not to Scale?"
"Blues Unleashed"
"Finding the Notes on the Guitar"
"Songs of Resistance and Justice"
"Ecstatic Improvisation"
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Be there, or be square!​
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Check back for more!
Check back soon!