I left New York, with a brief stop in the Midwest where the constant torrents of rain resembled shimmering curtains of smoke. I was on my way to visit Michael Grande and his wife, Diane. Excited, because I was looking forward to Michael’s concert at the Arizona Folklore Preserve on June 28 and 29 at 2 p.m.

Generally, I stay in one of the local motels, where I’m always quite comfortable, but this time, I was invited to stay with Michael and Diane. We ate a fine dinner of Italian food, no great surprise, since Michael is Italian, then settled in for a bring-me-up-to-date talk. Actually, Diane and I settled in. Michael, with apologies, headed into his studio to practice. Hours later, I awoke to hear him heading off to bed. Checking my watch, I realized he had practiced for more than 10 hours.

“Do you always practice 10 hours?” I asked the next morning, as we drank our coffee.

“Not always.” he answered. “But I have a concert coming up in about two weeks and I want everything as perfect as I can make it.”

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After a little more discussion, I finally asked Michael what he felt was the most important thing he offered his audiences when he did concerts. After all, this is a man who is ranked as one of the top acoustic guitarists in the world. He began playing at the original Woodstock Music Festival, was picked up by Richie Havens, folk singer and sixties icon, then traveled around the world with Havens for three years perfecting his craft.

To musicians, the people Grande worked with over the years are legends, even if they are not known to the average person. Names like: Randy Klein, Ian Wint, Bruce Johnson, Sal Spicola, Ralph Graham, Leonard Cohen, Al Di Meola, Grady Martin, and so many others.

For those of us who just appreciate music, the people Michael played with or opened for are awe-inspiring: James Taylor, John Lee Hooker, Bruce Springsteen, Jimmy Seals and Dash Crofts, Van Morrison and Jose Feliciano. There are far too many other names to list. Michael Grande has played venues from Carnegie Hall to Country Thunder (where he performed between Aaron Tippin and Credence Clearwater Revival. CCR was followed by the headliner, Trisha Yearwood).

He has performed in the great opera houses in Europe, and was named a New Face on Broadway. Grande was managed by New York’s legendary Leonard Sillman, and Frank Campana, former vice president of Columbia Records. He also was represented by the prestigious William Morris Agency.

Grande’s CDs are superb listening. Beginning with “Hey Friend” which charted Pop, Country, and Indie, and was Top 10 in 15 different countries, to “Especially For You,” a collection of fan favorites, to his devotional CD “Small Things,” all are different, and all are excellent.

But what I really wanted to know was when he steps on stage with his guitar and stares out at literally hundreds of thousands of people, as he did at Country Thunder, what does he feel is the most important thing he offers his audience.

When I finally did ask, he sat quietly for a moment, then said simply, “Entertainment.” I had assumed he was going to say something like, “love” or “great songs”...but no.

The answer was just one word: “Entertainment.”

Michael was holding his guitar, looking down, and picking softly. Then he looked up. “Maybe I should explain.” he said.

“You see, I grew up in Brooklyn. We were certainly not wealthy, but we had a lot of love. My family worked hard for everything we had, and they taught me that work ethic.” He set the guitar to the side, and leaned back. “I worked so many jobs growing up. I worked in a carpet store. I worked the Fulton Fish Market docks. I worked construction. I poured concrete. I drove a cab into areas I was afraid to walk. I know what it’s like to work hard all week for a paycheck, and that’s why when people come to see me play, I know they’ve worked hard all week to pay for that ticket. They want to forget about their jobs for awhile, and just be entertained. That’s why I think that’s the most important gift I can give them ... an evening of entertainment.”

“I guess that’s why I practice so much. I really want to put on a good show. I want them to laugh and cry, and when they’re walking out to their cars, be happy they spent their hard-earned money to come and see me. Believe me, I know how many other places they could go, and how many other people they could see and hear, and I’m so grateful to the ones who choose to come and see me.” He sat a moment longer. “And on that note,” he said, “I guess I’d better go practice.” And he was gone again.

I picked up a list of people performing at the Folklore Preserve and read the names. Under Michael Grande’s was just a simple sentence: “The soothing sounds of Michael Grande.” I was a little confused.

Michael is known all over the world for his phenomenal five-fingered picking technique. One moment he will be playing soft, gentle harmonics, and the next switch to ferocious picking that has actually broken strings during concerts!  

The music critic for the Sierra Vista Herald, Richard Zoller, has said he considers Grande to be “The most exciting guitarist in the world.” I agree.

Later, finally taking time away from his practice session, we walked the ranch.

“I’m ready.” he said of the upcoming event. “As a matter of fact, I’m really excited. Over half the songs in this concert will be music no one has ever heard me play. I’ve worked really hard on them. I  guess it’s my gift to the audience coming to the Folklore Preserve.”

And so it is. Michael Grande’s very special gift ... of entertainment.

Michael Grande will be in concert at the Arizona Folklore Preserve Saturday and Sunday at 2 p.m. Admission is $15 for adults and $6 for children 17 and under. Reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 378-6165. To get there, go six miles south of Sierra Vista on Highway 92 to Ramsey Canyon Road, turn right on Ramsey Canyon Road, drive 3.5 miles into the canyon, and watch for the AFP entrance to the left.