Preston Reed

Preston Reed proves that you don't have to be Eddie Van Halen or Eric Clapton to get noticed as a guitar player. An acoustic guitarist best known for his two-fisted fret board "hammer-ons" and other percussive techniques, Reed has attracted a small but dedicated following that he believes will grow. Virtually attacking his instrument, he brings an unusual physicality to his playing by creating what he describes as "impact-generated" rhythms.

Preston Reed proves that you don't have to be Eddie Van Halen or Eric Clapton to get noticed as a guitar player. An acoustic guitarist best known for his two-fisted fret board "hammer-ons" and other percussive techniques, Reed has attracted a small but dedicated following that he believes will grow. Virtually attacking his instrument, he brings an unusual physicality to his playing by creating what he describes as "impact-generated" rhythms.

McCabe's Guitar Shop of Long Beach (not to be confused with the more famous Santa Monica McCabe's) is launching a series of acoustic guitar concerts tonight at 8 with a performance by Laurence Juber, formerly lead guitarist of Paul McCartney's Wings. Tickets are $8.50. Owner Kurt Wheaton, who recently took over the shop at 4209 E. Anaheim St., says he hopes to stage monthly concerts in the guitar store, which can seat about 70 people.

A 6-year-old boy playing in the checkout line of a Ventura grocery store discovered five heirloom rings that a woman had dropped several days before. The jewelry, which Ventura police said may be worth as much as $7,000, was returned to the distraught owner this week. "He's a sweet little boy," said the woman, who asked to remain anonymous. "I'm thrilled to death." Preston Reed and his mother, Stacie, were shopping Aug. 15 at Ralphs Grocery at 1425 Victoria Ave.

You expect musicians to jam--whether planned or impromptu--at the annual National Assn. of Music Merchants convention, which wrapped up Sunday in L.A. And at least one gathering did take place Saturday at the Omni Hotel, where Nashville's Muriel Anderson led an All-Star Guitar Jam that also featured Nokie Edwards, Peter Finger, Jerry Donahue and Preston Reed, among other notables.

To solo or not to solo? That is the question British guitarist Laurence Juber frequently has reason to consider. Since 1990 he has released four solo albums for the small, Seal Beach-based Solid Air label. He's also played on recordings and in concert with Al Stewart (with whom he plays Saturday at the Coach House), Alan Parsons, Air Supply and others. And he's done a bevy of studio sessions for movie and TV projects.

It's easy to think of Leo Kottke as the consummate solo troubadour. For nearly 30 years, the inventive guitarist has captivated audiences with the lightest of baggage. Armed only with a guitar and employing his droll sense of humor, a finger-picked style and the occasional vocal, he's a one-man show. Or is he? Despite outward signs to the contrary, Kottke is no solitary man. The folk-based musician gains inspiration from his shared vision with others.

For a short time, it appeared that the supercross season might display some new and different talent at the top. Jeremy McGrath retired, rookie Chad Reed and veteran Mike LaRocco won the first two 250cc championship events and Travis Preston opened the 125cc season with a win at Anaheim. Then reality set in. Ricky Carmichael, winner of 11 of 16 races last year and undefeated in the outdoor motocross season on a Honda, regained his No.