Teagan Ward - Teagan and the Tweeds | Gibson SJ100 Acoustic
"I grew up in a house full of guitars as my mom played and was the front-women for a local band. I am primarily left-handed so it was frustrating for me to try and learn how to play. It took me a while but I finally forced myself to learn right-handed, picked up a few chords in high school, and began to write. I think my parents were both so thrilled that I was playing that they decided to do something to further cultivate my interest. During a family trip to the House of Guitars, (I was assuming we were going to just casually browse around and see what was new), we met the Gibson rep that was traveling through. He handed me a jumbo and said, “I like to play all of the acoustics that are in stock when I get to a store, this particular one has something magic about it. You should give it a try.”
He wasn’t kidding, I bonded with the guitar immediately. This is one of my favorite memories and one of the best gifts my parents could have ever provided me with. I have written countless songs and performed on hundreds of stages with this guitar. It has helped me sort my emotions through some of the hardest times and has been right by my side to celebrate some of my biggest accomplishments. I have tried several times to find an instrument that I can rely on and love just as much, but nothing has come close."
Who is your favorite Rochester musician?
"I could never name just one. We live in a highly talented city and I am proud to be part of a scene filled with some incredible players. My obvious answer would have to be my five bandmates The Tweeds who have stuck by myside for over a decade; Katy Wright, Jeremy Stoner, Tommy Formicola, Louis Giglio, and Alfredo Encina. They are my favorite because they have helped me become not only the musician that I am but the person that I am as well."
What is your favorite Rochester music venue?
"I love playing our outdoor festivals during the summer. Some of my favorite moments as a performer have been during our opportunities to play at the Rochester International Jazz Festival. The energy is always on point as the city is awake and most alive during that time. My favorite traditional venue right now is Three Heads Brewing. It is an epicenter for local music currently and I think I speak for many of us by saying Geoff Dale is doing an unbelievable service to the local scene by keeping us all inspired by and connected with one another."
Why do you love the Rochester music scene?
"The Rochester music scene is unassumingly mighty. It is a very realistic and rewarding to place to be a performing musician. So many people throughout the years have suggested or asked why I have not tried my luck in a big city, but I cannot imagine this place not being my home. Our local music scene has everything I could ask for, a world-renowned music school, some of the best festivals, venues that are diverse and incredibly supportive to their performers, and residents who value creativity and a good time."
