If they were honest about it, a fair number of guitar players would admit they cut their teeth or learned their “chops” playing in bars…underage! Over the years, I’ve heard such stories from a few guitar players, about how they would somehow sneak in to an establishment just to get the opportunity to play with a band.

Tara, the lead guitarist with the all-female group Nice Horse, grew up influenced by the guitars on classic ‘70’s rock songs. But this week, she confessed. Like some other guitarists, she would sneak in to a bar and that’s where she learned to play guitar. Having watched and listened to her play a few times since she joined the Alberta-based band, I can say she is very, very impressive on guitar.

But her confession came as a bit of a surprise. Tara says she was not of legal age when she learned to play guitar in a bar…IN TILLSONBURG, ONT.!!!

Next Friday, June 14, Tara and her bandmates will be part of the entertainment for the Tillsonburg Turtlefest Downtown Block Party, along with Kelsi Mayne and The Abrams. Come on down for this family-friendly concert. Broadway Street downtown will be blocked off to vehicular traffic. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and find a spot right on the road and enjoy the free show.

It should be very special. I’m sure when Nice Horse and Tara take to the stage, she’ll be having flashbacks and, hopefully, fond memories of her formative guitar-learning days in Tillsonburg.

Listen to the confession:

Play Pause

Tara, From Nice Horse, 'Fesses Up

Originally Aired: June 5, 2019